1. Local reporting

For excellence in local reporting for a single story or a series of related-subject articles (not more than five) by a journalist or team working for a newspaper of 30,000 average daily circulation or less. Submissions must include text, which may include news stories, features, columns, analyses. Audio, video and other multimedia elements may also be included. Up to two submissions per person or team.

2. Short features

For excellence in feature writing for a single story of no more than 1,200 words by one writer. Open to any department of the newspaper. Preference will be given to crisp, literate and fresh work demonstrating original treatment and great writing. One submission per entrant. Entrant and endorser must state the word count (not including headlines and cutlines) in the space provided on the entry ballot. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

3. Long features

For excellence in feature writing for a single story of more than 1,200 words by one writer or a team. Open to any department of the paper. Freedom from length constraints should not be at the expense of crispness, elegance or originality. Features published as part of a multi-part series are eligible, but limited to a maximum of three related stories. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

4. Investigation

For excellence in enterprise and investigative reporting for a single story or a series of up to three-related stories. Preference will be given to original, compelling and significant reporting demonstrating successful achievement against difficult circumstances. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

5. Editorials

For excellence in editorial writing for a body of work of three editorials. Preference will be given to editorials that demonstrate consistent quality, persuasiveness, wit, style and clarity, as well as influence on public or political opinion. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

6. International

For excellence in reporting on international issues or events from a writer producing work from outside Canada. A submission may include a single story or a series of up to three related stories. Up to two submissions per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

7. Presentation

For excellence in newspaper page design and presentation. Entries may include up to three related or unrelated single-page layouts (a double-truck spread would count as one layout) from any issue of the paper, or a multi-page entry relating to a single subject or project from a single issue of the paper. Preference will be given to submissions which demonstrate imaginative, informative design and illustration. Other factors of judging will be use of colour, artistry, text positioning, fonts, typography, clarity, headline drama and impact. One submission per entrant. Tearsheets permitted.

8. Breaking news

For excellence in reporting under deadline pressure in covering a developing story in Canada or abroad. Submissions are limited to not more than five elements developing from a single news break. Elements must include text, but may also include audio and video. Up to two submissions per individual entrant. In addition, newspapers are limited to two team submissions in this category. Text must be in uniform format.

9. Beats

For excellence in a body of reporting work from a specific beat, usually full time. The beat should represent a year-in year-out responsibility, such as City Hall or the courts. Preference will be given to work that demonstrates knowledgeable coverage, consistency and initiative. Entries are for sustained coverage of an assigned beat, rather than work done on a project. An entry may consist of a portfolio of up to five stories. Team submissions are ineligible. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

10. Columns

For excellence for a single column or body of work of up to three examples, composed by a columnist writing at least once a week. Preference will be given to entries that demonstrate diversity, a personal view and consistent quality. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

11. Business

For excellence in business coverage consisting of news, beat, feature or column work. The entry may be a single work or a body of work consisting of three pieces which may include features, columns, news or beat stories, or any three-element combination of these. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

12. Sports

For excellence in sports coverage consisting of news, beat, feature or column work. The entry may be a single work or a body of work consisting of three pieces which may include features, columns, news or beat stories, or any three-element combination of these. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

13. Arts & Entertainment

For excellence in arts and entertainment coverage consisting of news, beat, feature, criticism or column work. The entry may be a single work or a body of work consisting of three pieces which may include features, criticisms, columns, news or beat stories, or any three-element combination of these. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

14. Politics

For excellence in coverage of local, provincial or federal politics. An entry may be a single work or consist of up to three elements drawn from news stories, features or columns. One submission per entrant. Entries may be entirely web-based, may be a combination of print and online, or print only. Uniform format required.

15. Explanatory work

For excellence in explanatory reporting for a single example (no series) about a current event, which explains clearly the complex or arcane, such as terms, equipment, processes, or theories. Preference will be given to submissions that demonstrate mastery of the subject, lucid writing and clear presentation. Entry may include an illustration and multimedia elements. Up to two submissions per entrant. Uniform format required for text element.

16. Special project

For a major investment in journalistic effort on a single subject that portrays a matter of vital interest to the newspaper and its readers. The special project can draw together feature writing, investigation, editorial writing, graphics, photography, explanatory writing and multimedia elements. A letter fully outlining origin and purpose of the project and its impact must accompany the submission. One submission per newspaper.

17. Multi-media Feature

For excellence in online journalism on a single subject. This may include, but is not limited to, audio and visual elements in the form of photography, sound clips, video, animation, Flash, databases and text. Emphasis is on innovative ways of storytelling. A letter, fully outlining origin and purpose of the online feature, as well as the work involved in creating, it must accompany the submission. Two submissions per newspaper.

18.Editorial cartooning

For excellence in editorial cartooning for a body of work of five editorial cartoons. Preference will be given to cartoons that demonstrate humour, originality and satire related to news events, with quality embracing line, style and likenesses of personalities where relevant. One submission per entrant. Entries to be submitted online.

19. Spot news photo

For excellence in spot news photography for a single picture of a news event for which no advance planning was possible. Preference will be given to images that demonstrate excellent news judgment, impact, timing, composition and performance under difficult conditions. Images may not be digitally altered beyond normal toning and colour balancing. Up to two entries per entrant. Submissions to be made online.

20. News feature photo

For excellence in photography for a single picture of a scheduled or unscheduled event where an opportunity exists for advanced planning and creative control. Pictures may be of a news event or of a subject of news value that touches on daily life. Preference will be given to story telling images that demonstrate excellent news judgment, composition and creativity. Images may not be digitally altered beyond normal toning and colour balancing. Up to two entries per entrant. Submissions to be made online.

21. Feature photo

For excellence in creative photography for a single picture. Pictures may be from a controlled situation that illustrates a story or news topic using strong aesthetic qualities or provides readers with a fresh or entertaining view of daily life. Pictures may include photographer intervention. Images may not be digitally altered beyond normal toning and colour balancing. Up to two entries per entrant. Submissions to be made online.

22. Sports photo

For excellence in sports photography for a single picture. Preference will be given for entries that demonstrate drama, humour, poignancy, as well as reflex and technical accomplishment. Images may not be digitally altered beyond the traditional lightening, darkening and colour balancing. Up to two submissions per entrant. Submissions to be made online.