While some editorial cartoonist contests have fallen by the wayside as newspaper readership continues to drop, one journalist association has stepped up to expand their annual award to include cartoonists.
The National Society for Newspaper Columnists (NSNC) has just added a cartoon category to their annual contest list. Here’s the thing though: [low whisper] they kinda forgot to tell the cartoonists. [/whisper off]. No matter, there’s still time to enter!
The deadline to submit for the annual NSNC contest is Sunday, April 18, 2021 at midnight. You can find complete entry requirements and online submission forms here: https://nsnc.submittable.com/submit
A few details: The judges are asking for TWO (and only two) cartoons, and the category is open to students. The entry fee is a little steep — $60 — unless you are a member of the NSNC in which case it’s $30. If you’re interested, look under Category J — Editorial Cartoon, Print AND/OR Online/Multimedia Digital Content
The society casts a rather wide net when it comes to the definition of a “column” that takes into account the changing environment of media. From their guidelines:
“While the NSNC does not seek to confine the term “columnist” to specific parameters, we do seek contest entries consisting of work created with the tenets of the NSNC Member’s Code of Conduct in mind. The NSNC values work created with integrity that seeks to “inform, educate and entertain readers and viewers,” and which seeks to further open discussion and the goals of free speech.
“Columns and content can consist of wide-ranging content centered on any subject, but do not typically consist of reported, “hard” news pieces. Reported columns with commentary are acceptable. Media outlet examples: newspapers, magazines, trade journals, blogs, user-created video platforms, podcast platforms. Please inquire if further clarification is needed.
Official rules can be found on the NSNC website.”
Again, that deadline is Sunday, April 18, 2021!
