The call is out for entries in four national SPJ Awards contests.

Sigma Delta Chi Awards: The Sigma Delta Chi Awards are among the premiere prizes given in the profession, and are unique, because they recognize achievement in all forms of journalism: print, television, radio, graphics, magazines, research, newsletters and online. Entry deadline is February 9th. Click here for more information and how to enter.

Mark of Excellence Awards: The Mark of Excellence Awards honors the best in collegiate journalism. Judged at the regional and national level, the annual competition offers 39 categories in newspapers, magazines, photography, radio, television and online journalism. Winners in Region 6 (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota) will be announced at the Midwest Journalism Conference on March 30th. Entry deadline is January 25th. Click here for more information and how to enter.

Professionals: If you are interested in helping judge Mark of Excellence Awards for Region 6, contact MOE Region 6 Awards Coordinator Taylor Cisco.

National High School Essay Contest: SPJ wants to increase high school students’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of the Free Media to our lives. The top three national winners receive scholarship awards. Open to all high school students. Entry deadline is March 8th. Click here to download an application and the contest topic.

Minnesota Entrants: Please send your contest entries to:
Kelly Smith
c/o Star Tribune
425 Portland Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
re: SPJ High School Essay Contest

New America Award: SPJ’s New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes an issue of importance to immigrant or ethnic communities in the United States. Entry deadline February 9th. Click here for more information and how to enter.

Click here to see the 2010 SPJ New America Winner; “Civil War Kids: Young Somalis in Minnesota” by Laura Yuen of Minnesota Public Radio.

Press Release – Nov. 9, 2011

Contact: Art Hughes, MNSPJ board member: 612-236-8302

The Minnesota Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists agrees with the Asian American Journalists Association of Minnesota chapter that WCCO-TV is woefully unresponsive in reaction to an errant news segment aired October 31, 2011.

The news report made a serious mistake, inaccurately stating dogs from Minnesota were shipped to New York where they were butchered for meat. The story relied on a misunderstanding with a Chinese meat market owner further perpetuating an unfortunate stereotype. Responsible journalism methods could have prevented the mistake, but it appears the newsroom is too willing to hear only what would make a sensational story. The story prompted a state investigation into the meat market that found no evidence the business used dog meat.

WCCO cannot undo the harm inflicted by airing the story. However, the editors and managers of the station can improve their own credibility and the esteem of all professional journalists by being upfront and transparent from here on out. If a newsroom publishes an incorrect story, it is imperative to acknowledge the mistake and issue a correction and an apology to those the story harmed. Not doing so makes it harder for all journalists working to win the respect of the public they serve.

From food trucks to the “farm to table” movement, the foodie scene has exploded in the Twin Cities in recent years. Meet, mingle, and hear from the local journalists who tempt our taste buds as they review the restaurants, interview the chefs, and write about the foods we’re all eager to try.

Panelists include:

James Norton, Heavy Table.com
Stephanie March, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine
Kim Ode, Star Tribune

Date: Tuesday, November 29th
Time: Social hour @ 6:30 p.m., Program begins @ 7:00 p.m.
Place: Wilde Roast Cafe (65 SE Main St. Minneapolis)

Enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar. Event is open to anyone. Click here to reserve your spot at the event.

Serious Eats is part of MNSPJ’s November Member Month events. Become a new MNSPJ member or renew your membership in the month of November and receive special rewards, including free books from local authors, complimentary magazine subscriptions, and more. Click here for more details.

What is GIS? It stands for Geographic Information Systems and is quickly becoming an integral part of how journalism is created and delivered around the globe.

Local GIS expert Paul Wickman and MinnPost reporter Jeff Severns Guntzel will share some tips and strategies for telling stories with the help of cutting-edge digital mapping and open-source tools.

Date: Tuesday, November 22
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: CoCo Coworking and Collaborative (4th Floor at 400 S. 4th St. Minneapolis)

Event is free for anyone to attend. Click here to reserve your spot for the event.

Click here to get a crash course in GIS from Poynter Institute.

Innovative Mapping Strategies is part of MNSPJ’s November Member Month events. Anyone who joins Minnesota SPJ or renews their SPJ membership in the month of November will receive special rewards, including free books from local authors, complimentary magazine subscriptions, and more.