CLICK HERE for the award information in a .PDF format.

DEADLINE: JULY 9, 2007 (extended to July 16)

The 2007 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, 2006, and June 30, 2007.

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) should be marked prominently on the cover of the entry. APME reserves the right to not to award a winner in any category.

HOW TO ENTER

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 should 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 (8½" 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, APME
The Associated Press
19 Commerce Court West
Cranbury, NJ 08512

Phone: (212) 621-1838

DEADLINES

Entries must be received at the APME office in Cranbury, N.J., by July 9, 2007.

ENTRY FEE

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. Checks payable to "APME" should be included with the entry or mailed separately to the address above. It also is possible to pay entry fees online with a credit card at www.123signup.com/calendar?Org=apme. (For more on APME Supporting Membership, go to the membership page on the APME Web site.

JUDGING

Judging will be done in late 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 Washington, D.C. Oct. 3-6, 2007.

LAST YEAR'S WINNERS

150,000 circulation and above

■ The Dallas Morning News and dallasnews.com, for a multimedia presentation of a local music festival SXSW.

40,000 to 150,000 circulation

■ The Journal News of White Plains, N.Y., and lohud.com, for its online package from the 2006 U.S. Open golf tournament.

Under 40,000 circulation

■ Culpeper (Va.) Star Exponent and StarExponent.com, for re-examination of the lynching 88 years ago of an 18-year-old black man.