Texas Managing Editors

Category: Contest

Enter the 2023 Texas Managing Editor contest

Posted on by txme

There are important updates to the Texas Managing Editors (formerly Texas APME)/Headliners Excellence in Journalism Contest.

The contest name, some rules, size classifications and deadlines have changed for 2023. The contest categories have not changed. Find the new guidelines at https://tapmecontest.org.

CONTEST PERIOD: Entries published between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022, are eligible. Continuous series or projects that began in 2022 and conclude by the entry deadline of 11:59 p.m. Feb. 3, 2023, are allowed. ***NOTE: The deadline has been extended until 11:59 p.m., Feb. 10, 2023.

DEADLINE: Entries must be uploaded electronically no later than 11:59 p.m., Feb. 3, 2023. ***NOTE: The deadline has been extended until 11:59 p.m., Feb. 10, 2023.

HOW TO ENTER: We require electronic filing for contest entries except for printed newspapers that are part of the Newsroom of the Year category. Except as specified in the category descriptions, entries may consist of the digital or print version of a story; both or either versions may be submitted. List staff members’ names as they should appear on awards. Enter the contest at tapmecontest.org.

CONTEST FEES: Fees help pay for the annual convention, scholarships for student journalists and the prizes awarded to top contest winners. There is no fee for college entries. The new rates are $250 for non-daily papers (Class A), $500 for medium-sized dailies (Class AA) and $1,000 for large dailies or equivalent web-only sites (Class AAA). Entry fees must be received by the contest entry deadline of Feb. 3, 2023. Payment may be made online (preferred) or send checks, payable to “Texas Managing Editors” to

Mede Nix, Senior Editor for News
The Dallas Morning News
1954 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX  75201

Texas Managing Editors announces annual awards contest updates

Posted on by txme

Dear Texas newsroom leaders,

Our industry is changing. While that fact is no doubt not news to you, it is a catalyst for why we need to make some changes to continue our core mission: celebrating excellence in Texas journalism.

That’s why earlier this year we sent out a voluntary survey to Texas newsrooms with a history of entering the Texas Managing Editors/Headliners Excellence in Journalism Contest. The results and feedback from that survey, along with a series of thoughtful and robust discussions by our volunteer board of editors, led us to take action. 

Across the state, newsroom staff sizes, coverage areas, and other shifts of resources have meant that our annual awards contest divisions need to better match up similar newsrooms. We’re addressing that and also looking to the future. We also recognize the need to share more training and grant-funded opportunities on a wider scale beyond our annual convention. 

Here’s what to know:

  • NEW CONTEST DIVISIONS: Awards will be made in three divisions based on staff size and, where applicable, frequency of print publication. 
    • Class AAA will include print and web-only news organizations that employ at least 20 full-time journalists. 
    • Class AA will include print publications that publish at least four times per week and web-only news organizations that employ at least nine (9) full-time journalists. 
    • Class A will include print publications that publish three or fewer times per week and web-only news organizations that employ fewer than nine full-time journalists. 
  • CONTEST FEES: The contest fees hadn’t changed since 2015. The organization isn’t out to make a profit. Fees help pay for the annual convention, scholarships for student journalists, and the prizes awarded to top contest winners. The new rates are: $250 for non-daily papers (Class 1A), $500 for medium-sized dailies (Class 2A) and $1,000 for large dailies or equivalent web-only sites (Class 3A). 
  • RESOURCE PAGE: We’re adding a resource page to our website with a list of training and grant opportunities. Look out for an e-newsletter coming later this month, too. 
  • NEW LOGO: Also in 2023 we’ll unveil a new logo that reflects the organization’s shift from its former TXAPME name. The Associated Press asked all organizations of members to remove references to “AP” and “Associated Press” from their names. The parent company was not directly involved in the operation of the Texas organization, which now welcomes all news outlets, including non-AP members.

ABOUT THE TEXAS MANAGING EDITORS

ANNUAL CONTEST

The Texas Managing Editors (TME) awards contest honors to the top journalism of newspapers and journalists from around the state. The awards also recognize college and university publications and Spanish-language publications.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We host an annual convention to celebrate award winners, share insights about the evolving industry, and give Texas journalists from across the Lone Star State a chance to make connections. 

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

Each year, the organization proudly awards the Buster Haas Minority Internship and Scholarship, which provides crucial newsroom experience to a student journalist, along with a scholarship.

WHEN IS THE NEXT AWARDS CONTEST?

Entries for the next contest will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. 

WHEN IS THE 2023 CONVENTION?

The 2023 convention will be April 14-16 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Mark your calendars!

Have questions or feedback? Reach out to the TME board via our Facebook page.

Contest guidelines and past winners are shared on our contest website: tapmecontest.org. 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Andy Alford, Director of Editorial Recruitment, Training and Career Development
The Texas Tribune
TME board president

Submit convention registration fees here.