Story posted on May 20, 2006

DEADLINE: JULY 7, 2006

The 2006 APMEOnline Convergence Awards recognize Associated Press or Canadian Press member newspapers and their online partners for the effective interplay between a story in print and the same story online.

CRITERIA

These awards recognize print-online combinations that exhibit the best applications of both in presenting the story. The article can be on any topic – an in-depth investigation, a breaking story, a feature story, a profile. Innovative projects where the print and online components complement and enhance each other will earn the highest marks. Judges will rate the Web package on an effective and imaginative use of the medium.

NOMINATIONS

Nominations may be made by a newspaper itself or its online partner for work published between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006.

CIRCULATION CATEGORIES

There shall be three awards: one for newspapers with average daily circulation to 39,999; one for newspapers with average daily circulation of 40,000 to 149,999; another for newspapers of 150,000 average daily circulation or more, according to the latest audited figures. The newspaper's current average daily circulation (including Sunday) must be marked prominently on the cover of the entry. APME reserves the right to not to award a winner in any category.

Entries are limited to one per paper. The print portion of the entry should include clippings of stories, series and/or editorials and community reaction. No more than 10 articles may be submitted. Tear sheets must include publication dates. Electronic entries are encouraged, as long as it is the original work that appeared in print, preferably in PDF format. Judging is based on content of entry, not the packaging. Entries should not exceed 19" x 24." No reprints. The online portion of the entry must include one main URL and up to 10 additional URLs highlighting specific features or information packages. The online pages may be entered on a CD or, if they are available online, as a list with the entry. An online list of URLs is encouraged, especially for those with long or complex addresses.

Five copies of a letter (8.5 by 11, unmounted) must accompany the entry, describing the nominated story and how it was developed between the print and online staffs. The letter should discuss additional elements produced for online and how the online efforts contributed to development of the story in print. The letter also should discuss any action resulting from the coverage. It also should mention significant challenges to the accuracy or approach of the entry, as well as steps the newspaper and/or the online unit took to address those concerns. Published corrections or clarifications must be included.

No entry form is required. However, the cover letter should clearly note (1) the newspaper's daily circulation and (2) the number of unique visitors to the Web site.

Send to:

Mark Mittelstadt
Associated Press Managing Editors
450 W. 33rd St.
New York City, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 621-1838

DEADLINES

Entries must be received at the APME office in New York by July 7, 2006.

A $75 contest fee ($50 for current APME Supporting Members) must accompany entries in the two larger categories. A $50 contest fee ($25 for APME Supporting Members) must accompany entries in the 39,999 and less circulation category. Make checks payable to "The Associated Press Managing Editors." (For more on APME Supporting Membership, visit the APME Web site, www.apme.com/membership

>>> Click here to pay entry fees online by credit card <<<

JUDGING

Judging will be done in mid-July by a committee appointed by the president of APME, to include a senior online editor of The Associated Press and other top online journalists. Winners will be recognized at the APME annual conference in New Orleans, Oct. 25-28, 2006.

LAST YEAR'S WINNERS
www.apme.com/awards/2005/080105online.shtml

2005 winners of the APMEOnline Convergence Award. Click on the above photos to view larger versions.