Media Contact: Bach Polakowski,
202-588-9888 or Bach@nlgja.org

Washington, DC – The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) is happy to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 NLGJA Excellence in Journalism Awards and the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame.

NLGJA's Excellence in Journalism Awards
The NLGJA Excellence in Journalism Awards were established in 1993 to foster, recognize and reward excellence in journalism on issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

This year, for the first time, NLGJA will offer awards for both online journalism and multimedia journalism. By separating multimedia and online efforts, NLGJA wishes to recognize bloggers, citizen journalists, and online-only media as well as multimedia efforts that are often undertaken by larger media outlets.

Work may be submitted for NLGJA's 2011 Excellence in Journalism Awards in the following categories:

Special awards:

  • Journalist of the Year Award
  • Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media

Print/online awards:

  • Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award
  • Excellence in News Writing Award
  • Excellence in Feature Writing Award
  • Excellence in Opinion/Editorial Writing Award
  • Excellence in Blogging/Online Writing Award
  • Excellence in Online Multimedia Award
  • Excellence in Photojournalism Award
  • Excellence in Student Journalism Award

Broadcast awards:

  • Excellence in Network Television Award
  • Excellence in Local Television Award
  • Excellence in Radio Award

2011 Applications are now available online at https://www.nlgja.org/awards/eja.htm. All applications must be submitted electronically. Initial publication/broadcast must have occurred in 2010 for consideration. Each application requires its own entry fee, though an individual may apply multiple times. NLGJA officers, directors, and those individuals directly involved in the administration and/or selection of the awards are ineligible for consideration. The program is open to all journalists and news organizations.

Applications must be received no later than 11:00 PM ET, Friday, April 29, 2011.
Winners will be notified in June 2011. Winners will be recognized during the NLGJA 2011 LGBT Media Summit & National Convention, August 25-28, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For more information or to attend, visit https://www.nlgja.org/convention/index.html

LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame
The LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame was established in 2005, recognizing seven journalists for their commitment, courage and dedication to LGBT issues in the media. Since then, NLGJA has honored a total of 18 journalists in the LGBT community who have shown courage and resolve by telling the truth, including their own personal truths, at whatever the cost or the difficulties.

NLGJA is seeking nominations for the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame to be added in 2011. Nominations should include the candidate's name and a brief statement of your reasons for considering this individual worthy of inclusion. We would also welcome the submission of any publications that provide background on the nominee.

To submit a nomination, e-mail Bach Polakowski at bach@nlgja.org. Please use the subject line: “Hall of Fame Nomination.” Please include your name, phone number and e-mail address in case members of the task force want to reach you for additional information.

Nominations must be received no later than 11:00 PM ET, Friday, April 29, 2011.
The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced during the NLGJA 2011 LGBT Media Summit & National Convention, August 25-28, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For more information or to attend, visit https://www.nlgja.org/convention/index.html

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About the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members. For more information on the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, visit the NLGJA Web site at https://www.nlgja.org.

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