David Dick 'What a Great Story!' Awards To Honor Kentucky Journalists

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2011) — The University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications seeks entries and nominations for the inaugural David Dick “What a Great Story!” Storytelling Awards. The deadline for entries is Oct  31.

Two awards, one for a UK student journalist and the other for a professional journalist working in Kentucky, will be presented to recognize outstanding storytelling.

The awards were established to honor the memory of David Dick, professor emeritus and former director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications, and a champion of great journalistic storytelling.  Dick died in July 2010.

The judges are looking for the best in storytelling — that which enlightens and informs while captivating the audience so they get the full story. Great storytelling can break a heart or inspire it. It can be sublime or ridiculous, but it is always memorable. 

Entries are not limited to hard news; they may include features, advocacy journalism, personality profiles, columns and obituaries. The essentials are good writing informed by good reporting on whatever platform.  No matter what the form, the story should be well developed and free from errors, and should possess sound journalistic mechanics and exhibit high ethical standards.

Entries must have been published in the 2010 calendar year. There will be two winners: one student, one professional.

The student award is open to UK journalism majors for work published or completed through student media, at an internship, or at any recognized media outlet (radio, TV, newspaper, magazine or independently edited website) during 2010. The student may self-nominate or be nominated by any UK faculty or staff member.

The professional award will be for work done for any bona fide Kentucky media outlet (radio, TV, newspaper, magazine or independently edited website) published or broadcast during 2010. The professional may self-nominate or be nominated by anyone.

To submit an entry, go to http://tinyurl.com/4mxwaqm.  If you prefer to send your entry by regular mail, print out the entry form, include it with your entry and mail to:

David Dick Awards

UK School of Journalism and Telecommunications

107 Grehan Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0042

All entries must be received no later than midnight on Monday, Oct. 31. Winners will be recognized at a ceremony and will receive a certificate and a monetary prize.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396 or keith.hautala@uky.edu