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MNSPJ and AAJA decry treatment of journalists at Brooklyn Center protests
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists (MNSPJ) and the Minnesota chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) decry in the strongest possible terms the violent targeting and detention of journalists by law enforcement authorities during ongoing protests in Brooklyn Center.
On behalf of news organizations, attorney Leita Walker submitted a letter this evening to Gov. Tim Walz and public safety officials that details mistreatment of journalists over several nights. We support her call for law enforcement to “act reasonably and in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and judicial orders.” And we encourage anyone concerned about journalism in Minnesota to read Walker’s letter.
A free press is vital to democracy, and ordering the press to leave the area, detaining reporters on their stomachs and photographing their faces, credentials and I.D.s is tantamount to intimidation. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the use of so-called “less-lethal” weapons on journalists, some of whom have already suffered serious injury requiring surgery. We call upon Walz, State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington and leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Patrol, Brooklyn Center Police and other authorities to read and respect both the letter and spirit of the federal order.
Let us do our jobs.
One More Chance for Page One Entries until March 8
MNSPJ is re-opening this year’s Page One Awards to entries until Monday, March 8, at 6 p.m.
This is unusual for our contest, but the board of directors decided re-opening fits with these unusual times for journalists in Minnesota.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve received a number of inquiries from people who wanted to enter the contest, but missed the deadline. Since we believe there are others who intended to enter, but didn’t contact us directly, we’ve decided to give everyone a second chance starting Friday, March 5.
The goal of the Page One Awards is to recognize the best journalism produced in Minnesota during 2020, which was an extraordinary year for our community. To reach that target, we want to allow for as much participation in the contest as possible.
Follow these links for the contest entry form, rules and category descriptions.
Good luck!
One Last Deadline Extension — to Monday, Feb. 22
MNSPJ has decided to make one last — super final — deadline extension for the 2021 Page One Awards.
Entries for this year’s contest can be submitted until 12 noon on Monday, Feb. 22. You can find the entry form here. Click these links for information on categories and rules.
Good luck!
page one award deadline extended to friday, feb. 19
MNSPJ is making one more extension to the deadline for submissions to the annual Page One Awards, with submissions now due by Friday, Feb. 19. The price of a contest entry is $22.
Journalists working for all print, broadcast and online news outlets in Minnesota (or news outlets in neighboring states that cover Minnesota) are eligible to enter. All work published or broadcast during the 2020 calendar year is eligible. Entries must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19.
The format for the awards ceremony will be announced later.
Important Links:
- Online Contest Submission Form
- Complete Listing of Contest Rules and Guidelines
- Complete Listing of Contest Categories and Descriptions
Please contact MNSPJ with any questions: minnesota.spj@gmail.com