In 2009, The Ohio Newspaper Association & Ohio Newspapers Foundation established the annual Ohio Collegiate Newspaper and Website Competition to recognize the achievements of Ohio’s college and university newspapers.  Winners of the inaugural competition were announced at the ONA Convention on Feb. 11, 2010.  The General Excellence winner was The Daily Kent Stater, Kent State University.

To be eligible, campus newspapers must be members in good standing in the University & College Newspaper membership category of ONA. There is no entry fee for this competition because it is a member service included in the $200 annual dues for ONA membership.

The contest consists of:

• Seven topical classes with first, second, and third-place certificates awarded for each
• A point system for determining a “General Excellence” winner
• A separate competition for campus newspaper websites
• An entry deadline of Oct. 30 each year with awards presented the following February at the ONA Convention

Entries are judged by a panel of professionals from ONA member newspapers with winners notified in January.

For additional information on the contest or collegiate newspaper membership in ONA contact Frank Deaner, executive director, or Sue Bazzoli, manager of administrative services.

2011 Contest Entry

If your college newspaper is already a member of ONA and you would like to enter the contest, download the first packet below. If your newspaper is not currently an ONA member, download the second packet. Both files are in PDF format:

ONA Member College Newspaper Entry Packet

Non ONA Member College Newspaper Entry Packet

Deadline to enter: Oct. 29, 2010