Nebraska Better Newspaper Contest

The Nebraska Press Association Better Newspaper Contest is officially open.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

What’s New for 2025?

We’ve added two exciting new print contest categories this year:

  1. Feature Story – PROFILE (Category 32)
    • Celebrate excellence in profiling an individual or group.
    • Judged on writing style, originality, and human interest.
    • Limit: 1 entry per person/team; up to 3 per newspaper.
  2. Preserving Local History – Story/Series (Category 33)
    • Share a story (or series) celebrating your community’s history.
    • Judged on writing quality, human interest, and reader appeal.

Download the contest guidelines and instructions for both print and digital categories. Be sure to share this with your team and start your submissions soon!

2025 BNC Print Rules

2025 BNC Digital Rules

Questions about the Better Newspaper Contest can be directed to Lynne Lance.

  • Email: lynne@nebpress.com
  • Phone: 402-476-2851 / 800-369-2850 (Press ‘7’ for her extension)

Special Opportunity: The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Nebraska

We’re thrilled to announce a new collaboration with the A-Mark Foundation! First, second and third place winners in Category 35: In-Depth Writing across all divisions will also automatically be entered in the inaugural A-Mark Prize, featuring $15,000 in cash awards.

To qualify, participants can submit a 300-500 word letter with their entry detailing the background, scope and actual or potential impact of the reporting. 

This letter will not be factored into the judging for the Better Newspaper Contest, but will be made available to judges for the A-Mark Prize.

Nebraska Press Association

As one of Nebraska’s oldest trade organizations, we’ve acquired more than a few members of outstanding talent in our 150+ year history. It’s through these awards we recognize those members who have given an outstanding performance, both to their individual newspapers and to those of us at the NPA.