The Corporation for New Jersey Local Media is seeking nominations for three New Jersey Journalism Impact Awards that will honor journalists whose in-depth reporting uncovered important information about critical issues that the public would not have known without their work.

“It is important to recognize the critical role that quality professional journalism plays in creating an informed citizenry and fostering civic engagement in a democratic society,” said CNJLM Executive Director Amanda Richardson. “These awards not only highlight the best work of individual journalists, but also the importance of preserving and expanding news reporting at both the state and local level.”

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have relied on dedicated journalists to question authority, seek the truth, and report it,” said Stefanie Murray, director of Montclair State University’s Center for Cooperative Media, who is chairing the awards committee. “These awards will recognize the best and most impactful journalism during that most difficult and challenging time.”

The Statewide Impact Award will recognize the best story or series of stories thatthat illuminated an issue or issues of statewide importance in New Jersey for the general public that the they would not have known about if not for his or her reporting and effectively communicated the complexities, details and impact of that issue to a public that would not have been fully informed without that reporting. The contest is limited to stories published in print and/or on the web or broadcast on TV or radio between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021; awards in subsequent years will cover stories published in the year starting July 1.

The Local Impact Award will be awarded for a story or series of stories that illuminated an issue or issues for the general public at a local or regional level in New Jersey that they would not have known about if not for his or her reporting between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

The third award, the Lifetime Achievement Award in New Jersey Journalism, will be awarded to the nominee whose career in New Jersey journalism was characterized by excellence in reporting and whose work enhanced the civic engagement and public knowledge that is critical to a democratic society.

Nominations are due by Friday, September 17, at 5 p.m. to Amanda@NewsWeNeed.org. Nomination forms are available on the website at https://newsweneed.org/award-nominations/.

The awards will be presented at CNJLM’s inaugural Byrne-Kean Dinner on Wednesday, September 29, at the Stone Terrace by John Henry’s in Hamilton Township.