{"id":1302,"date":"2015-09-15T03:15:27","date_gmt":"2015-09-15T08:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centralohiospj.org\/?page_id=1302"},"modified":"2026-09-23T14:55:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:55:01","slug":"chapter-awards","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centralohiospj.org\/index.php\/chapter-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Contests & Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

R<\/strong>ecognizing journalistic excellence, defense of the First Amendment, and outstanding service.<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ohio SPJ Awards<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Chapter Awards<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The Martys<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ohio SPJ Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest is presented annually and collaboratively by the Central Ohio, Cincinnati and Cleveland Pro Chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists. It is the only Ohio competition that honors journalists who fulfill the Society’s mission of defending the First Amendment, supporting literacy, resisting censorship, advocating for openness of public records and meetings, and supporting media self-criticism and community service. This program also recognizes the best college daily and weekly newspapers, and awards student winners in news, feature, opinion and sports reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Enter<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chapter Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For decades, the Central Ohio chapter has honored accomplishments in and service to the field of journalism.  These awards are determined by the Chapter’s Board of Directors and may be nominated by Chapter members. They are given out annually at our Founders’ Day celebration in the spring and include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First Amendment
Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This award recognizes significant contributions to First Amendment rights of freedom of expression. Individuals and organizations both inside and outside of journalism are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Lifetime Achievement Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once overseen by SPJ National and now given out by the Chapter, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime contribution to the profession of journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Distinguished Service Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This award recognizes a member of the chapter who has demonstrated professional excellence and dedication to the Society in the eyes of the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Appreciation
Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a notable contribution to journalism in Central Ohio in the eyes of the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Brick Wall Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This dubious distinction is presented to individuals or organizations that did the most to block citizen access to public records or otherwise violated the spirit of the First Amendment during the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ohio Journalism Historic Site Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The award is presented by the Chapter and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism to a location in the state of Ohio that has special historical significance to journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View Past Winners<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Martys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Presented by the Central Ohio Society of Professional Journalists and Dispatch Media Group, The Martys is an editorial contest for Central Ohio high school journalists. Established in 2011, the contest honors the late Martin L. Rozenman\u2014a long-time local editor, reporter, and champion for student journalists. A winner ($100 cash prize) and runner-up are selected in each of five categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n