SPJ's Green Eyeshade Awards Journalism Competition, Celebrating 75 Years, Now Accepting Entries

MIAMI, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest and oldest regional journalism contest, the Society of Professional Journalists' Green Eyeshade Awards, is officially open for its 75th year, a milestone in recognizing the best journalism across the Southeastern U.S.

This year, the contest expands its coverage area and revamps its categories to reflect the evolving media landscape. Among the most significant updates is a renewed focus on public service journalism, ensuring that impactful reporting—across all platforms—is recognized for its ability to inform, raise awareness, and hold institutions accountable.

Spotlight on Public Service Journalism

Every division now features a Public Service category, highlighting work that goes beyond reporting to create meaningful change. These categories honor journalism that leads to policy shifts, increased public awareness, or tangible improvements in people's lives.

• Public Service in Written Journalism – Recognizes written journalism that sheds light on critical issues and advocates for change.
  
  
• Public Service in Video/Television Journalism – Honors video projects that raise awareness, hold institutions accountable, or amplify underrepresented voices.
  
  
• Public Service in Audio/Radio Journalism – Celebrates impactful storytelling through podcasts, radio, and other audio formats.
  
  
• Public Service in Digital Journalism – Recognizes digital projects that provide a significant public benefit through data, interactivity, or multimedia storytelling.
  
  
• Public Service in Visual Journalism – Highlights photography, graphics, and visual storytelling that bring attention to pressing social issues.
  
  
• Public Service in Student Journalism – Honors student journalists whose reporting has made a meaningful difference on their campus or in their community.

A Contest That Invests in Journalists

Since 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards—hosted by Region 3 and Region 12 of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)—have honored exceptional journalism. Net profits are reinvested into training, programs and advocacy for journalists.

Expanded Reach and Affordable Entry Fees

For the first time, journalists from Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to compete, joining the previous states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Entry fees remain unchanged for over a decade:

Standard Entry Deadline: Mon April 14 at midnight

• SPJ Members: $40 per entry
  
  
• Non-Members: $60 per entry
  
  
• Students: $20 per entry

Late Entry Deadline: Mon April 28 at midnight

• SPJ Members: $60 per entry
  
  
• Non-Members: $80 per entry
  
  
• Students: $40 per entry

ENTER TODAY – visit the contest website for information on categories and entry guidelines.

SOURCE SPJ Florida Pro Chapter