The Better News Media Contest is held to recognize excellence in news content and advertising. Each spring and fall, newspaper professionals from sister press associations convene to judge entries submitted by Mississippi newsrooms. Winners in advertising are announced during each March; editorial winners are announced each summer during the annual meeting each summer. Click the links below for more information on these contests.
The Editorial Division of the Better News Media Contest is open to all Full Active and Digital Affiliate Members in four separate audience classes. The contest deadlines the second Thursday of each February and covers material from the prior calendar year.
Winners in the 2025 editorial contest were announced June 27, 2026, during the 160th Annual Meeting. Our thanks to volunteers from press association across the nation for their help judging this year's contest. Special thanks to the National Newspaper Association.
DOWNLOAD A SEARCHABLE LIST OF WINNERS
SEE THE BNC AWARDS SLIDESHOW
DOWNLOAD THE BNC AWARDS WINNERS BOOK
Click below to see a complete list of winners in recent contests
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
The Better Advertising Contest deadlines the second Thursday in October each year and covers material published from Sept. 1-Aug. 31. The contest is open to all Full Active Members in four separate audience classes.
Winners in the 2025 Better Advertising Contest have been announced. Our gratitude to volunteers from the Oklahoma Press Association who judged this year's competition.
CLICK HERE to watch the winners announcement on YouTube
CLICK HERE to view or download the winners slide show
CLICK HERE to download the winners list with judges' comments
Click below to see a complete list of winners in prior contests.
In addition to the Editorial and Advertising contests, the Mississippi Press Foundation also hosts a student contest for which winners are presented each spring during the O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit.
Winners in the 2025 student media contest were announced Thursday, March 26, 2026.
CLICK HERE to see a complete list of winners.
Click below to see a complete list of winners in prior contests.
For more information, contact:
Monica Gilmer
Member Services Director
601-981-3060 ext. 2