We want to help you win a young journalist award: your questions answered

Our awards for young journalists recognise the hard work of those working in the industry — and because you’re adapting to the challenges of the digital age, it’s only fair that we make some changes too. This year we have raised the age cap (now 28 and under), lowered the entry fee ($50, still free for MEAA members), and revised the categories. We know you’re busy chasing stories and pumping out work on a deadline, so we want to give you a heads up about these changes and the top questions you may have about these awards.

Four tips from our Awards Manager Lauren Dixon:

1. Check the spelling on your entry!
2. Call me (02) 9333 0913 with any questions.
3. MEAA members and students enter the student category free.
4. Remember that judges may be looking at 30 other entries — more is not always better.

When do entries close?
Wednesday April 26 at Midnight AEST.

Where can I get an entry form?
We’re living in the digital age so there’s no hard copy entry forms, it’s all online here! Just make sure that any links provided to your work are not behind paywalls (and if they are, send us a login). They also need to be available for at least six months after entries close.

What are the conditions of entry?
Any work entered must have been published or broadcast through Australian media outlets between April 27, 2016 and April 26, 2017.

How young is a young journalist?
We’ve raised the age from 26 to 28 across all categories.

Can students enter?
Yes! Final-year university students can enter all categories, including the Student Journalist of the Year Award. Entries will be accepted from student publications, broadcast and online media BUT must be signed off by the university’s head of department. Students can enter the Student Journalist of the Year Award category for FREE.

Can you explain the different categories?
We’ve revamped our awards and now all seven categories are all-media. They are:

• Shortform journalism
• Longform feature or special
• Coverage of community & regional affairs
• Visual storytelling
• Public service journalism
• Student journalist of the year:
• The Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award

For the nitty gritty of each award check out categories explained.

“Recognising and encouraging the next generation of journalists is vital if we want to continue to have a vibrant and robust media industry,” Walkley Advisory Board chair Kate McClymont says, “It’s also important for senior journalists to encourage young colleagues to enter these awards. They might be too shy or modest about their work, so offer your support. Identify what you think is their best work and help them to enter if they need it.”

I want to enter three stories in one entry — do the stories need to be related?
Possibly. Refer to categories explained as this differs for each category.

How much does it cost to enter?
If you’re not a MEAA member each award entry is $50 inc. GST. Keep in mind that a maximum entry fee of $100 is payable for entries in multiple categories. But if you are a MEAA member your entry is free — a nice part of your financial benefits as a member. And for students your entry is free too but you must show proof of enrollment at a tertiary institution.

The overall Young Journalist of the Year category is free to enter if you have paid to enter another category (unless you’re a MEAA member than it’s free anyway). Or you can pay it forward and nominate someone for this award by paying the $50 entry fee.

Do I have to include a 400-word entry statement?
Yes please! Your entry statement is essential to the judging process and should outline the case for your consideration to win an award. Refer to the judging criteria carefully to explain the circumstances in which the entry was produced. You only have to submit one entry statement per entry.

Make sure you’re proud of that entry statement because if you become a finalist it may be published on the Walkley website.

Do I need to have the entry form authorised?
It’s compulsory that your employer, employer representative or university department head validates the work.

How many entries can I submit to the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards?
You can only enter once in each category. However, there is an exception with joint or group entries. In this instance you may submit up to two entries per category. That is: one single entry and one joint or group entry, or two joint or group entries.

Are group entries allowed?
Joint or group entries are accepted for up to five members where all are under 28 years of age.

What are the judging criteria?
Overall Criteria: The Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year aims to encourage and recognise the rising stars of Australian journalism. Winners will be selected on the basis of journalistic excellence in the fundamental tenets of the craft as well as the ability to present distinctive and original journalism that pushes the boundaries of the profession.

Judges will be looking for the individual they think has made the most impact, but in general criteria will include:

• How the story was initiated and followed (with particular credit given for instigating or finding a story)
• Newsworthiness, including exclusivity
• Creativity and innovation
• Research and investigation
• Balance, accuracy and ethics
• Consideration of production pressures or deadlines and time constraints
• Consideration of the resources available
• Demonstration of best use of the format/s in which the work was published or broadcast, including clever choices in storytelling through multimedia
• Excellence in written or verbal communication and/or technical and production skill
• Public impact or benefit, including audience engagement and serving specific communities

How are entries judged?
Each category will be judged by a three-person jury who will determine three finalists and then the winner. The overall Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award will be judged by Walkley Advisory Board members from each of the category winners.

Will entries be returned?
Please keep copies of all material submitted. Entries will not be returned.

How are finalists notified?
If you’re a finalist you will be contacted directly before an online announcement on Wednesday May 31.

When will winners be announced?
The Walkley Young Australian Journalist Award winners will be announced at a special event in Sydney on July 26, 2017 in Sydney.

How to enter?
Complete the entry form online and follow the prompts. You will then be required to send a signed copy of the online entry form.

What do I win?
The Jibb Foundation’s funding are supporting a bumped-up prize for the overall Young Australian Journalist of the Year award winner, now to be a two-week trip to US newsrooms, and a mentorship program to further boost promising young careers.

What are you waiting for? Enter the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year.

Still have questions? Please contact either:

• Lauren Dixon on (02) 9333 0913 / lauren.dixon@walkleys.com
• Barbara Blackman on (02) 9333 0921 / barbara.blackman@walkeys.com