ELIGIBILITY:
This contest is open to all news outlets who cover New Jersey.
Content producers are not required to live in New Jersey.
Entries must have been published or aired during the 2025 calendar year. They should be focused on New Jersey, its people, issues, and culture.
Regional-focused entries with a New Jersey connection are permitted.
FEES:
Non-members:
Early Bird Fee (July 15 –July 31): $25 per entry
Regular Fee (Aug. 1 – Aug. 31): $35 per entry
Members of NJ-SPJ AND SPJ:
Early Bird Fee (July 15 –July 31): $15 per entry
Regular Fee (Aug. 1 – Aug. 31): $25 per entry
Fees are non-refundable. Entries without payment will not be considered. Proceeds will be used to fund NJ-SPJ programs.
You can see the complete list of divisions and categories for 2026 here.
You can download complete contest information in a PDF here.
DEADLINE
Entries must be received online by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
How Do I Enter?
If you entered last year or have entered another contest on the Better Newspaper Contest entry platform previously, you can go directly to the contest here, or click the button below.
If you need to review them, instructions for using the Better Newspaper Contest entry platform are here.
To read the full contest details online, click here.
To download this contest information in a single PDF file click here.