Call for Nominations: 2009 ASBPE Journalism That Matters Award

New program recognizes journalists who help effect change; entry deadline is March 2, 2009.

ASBPE is pleased to introduce the Journalism That Matters Award, a new program to recognize a B2B, association, or trade publication journalist whose coverage of an issue triggers a tangible change within government or industry. The award was inspired by the outstanding journalism featured in the book Journalism That Matters: How Business to Business Editors Change the Industries They Cover (Marion Street Press, 2006). The book showcases changes in government policy or industry practices as a result of articles written by B2B, association, and trade journalists.

Examples from the book include Government Computer News’ exposé of extreme résumé padding in the federal government and coverage by Daily Report for Executives that led the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reform chemical-handling disclosures.

B2B, association, and trade journalists are well-positioned to investigate harmful, unfair, or burdensome practices in government or industry. Such courageous journalism often leads to changes in government policy or industry practices and arises in a variety of contexts:

  • shedding light on a controversial government policy or practice,
  • calling attention to an industry practice that is widely accepted, but needs reform, or
  • offering practical guidelines to improve performance within an industry.

Did you or a colleague produce journalism that matters in 2008? If so, please tell us about it. All forms of media — print, online, video, and audio — are eligible. The entry deadline is March 2, 2009. The winner will be recognized at the 2009 National Azbee Awards of Excellence banquet in Washington, D.C., on July 16.

Questions? Contact Steven Roll at b2beditor@gmail.com or (703) 341-5926

Download an entry form for the Journalism That Matters award (456K PDF).

More about the Azbee Awards