Best Single Article/Story
$1,000 prize
A carefully researched print, digital or broadcast piece of any length. Articles may include photos, videos, sidebars, audio and/or interactive elements in addition to the written piece.
Holding a Mirror to the Media
The Newhouse School hosted a virtual conversation with the winners of the 2020 Mirror Awards competition, who discussed their winning entries and provided an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at their work as journalists.
Winners announced
The Newhouse School congratulates all the winners in the 2020 Mirror Awards competition.
About the Mirror Awards
A free press is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and one of the defining characteristics of our country. But journalism is increasingly under attack. We are compelled now, more than ever, to examine the media industry and to recognize and honor the role of the journalist.
The Mirror Awards are the most important awards for recognizing excellence in media industry reporting. Established in 2006 by Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, they honor the reporters, editors and teams of writers who hold a mirror to their own industry for the public’s benefit. The annual awards are celebrated each June at a ceremony in New York City.
The competition is open to anyone who conducts reporting, commentary or criticism of the media industries in a format intended for a mass audience. Eligible work includes print, broadcast and online editorial content focusing on the development or distribution of news and entertainment. Winners are chosen by a group of journalists and journalism educators.
2020 Juried Journalism Awards
The competition is open to anyone who conducts reporting, commentary or criticism of the media industries in a format intended for a mass audience. Eligible work includes print, broadcast and online editorial content focusing on the development or distribution of news and entertainment. Winners are chosen by a group of journalists and journalism educators.
Best Profile
$1,000 prize
Any carefully researched and sourced print, broadcast or digital piece covering a single person or organization noteworthy in the media industry.
Best Commentary
$1,000 prize
A print, broadcast or digital piece or series of pieces demonstrating the writer’s overall knowledge of the issues, analytic skills and unique voice.
John M. Higgins Award for Best In-Depth/Enterprise Reporting
$5,000 prize
A single, in-depth investigative piece or a series of pieces—print, broadcast or digital—may be entered. Though not required, entries may cross platforms. Entries will be judged on the quality of the reporting and the importance of the story covered.
Special topic category for 2020
Best Story on Media Coverage of the Trump Impeachment
$1,000 prize
A carefully researched print, digital or broadcast piece or series of pieces specifically addressing the media’s performance in covering the impeachment of Donald Trump.
Special topic category for 2020
Best Story on the Future of Journalism
$1,000 prize
A carefully researched print, digital or broadcast piece or series of pieces specifically addressing the shifting field of journalism.