Why did SPJ decide to discontinue the Sweepstakes Awards in favor of the new General Excellence Awards?
A. It is our goal to provide a truly competitive overall excellence award that would give true bragging rights to radio stations, TV stations, newspapers, magazines and online publications to say they are the “best” in their circulation area. The Sweepstakes Award simply counted up the number of awards a publication or station won, from honorable mention through first, and declared the one with the most points the winner. We wanted to provide a more competitive and substantive award. By providing two of the same days for publications and stations to submit entries, as well as a wild card day of their choice, we felt the overall award was more equitable as well as more competitive. In addition, this change gives publications of all sizes an equal opportunity to participate in the General Excellence award. Because this is the first year we are offering this award, we encourage feedback from contest entrants. Q. I understand that a portion of the contest proceeds will benefit the Western
