The A-Mark Foundation Prize was established in 2025 to recognize excellence in Freedom of Information reporting by Mississippi journalists.
FIRST PLACE: $5,000 to the reporter; $2,500 to the news outlet
SECOND PLACE: $3,000 to the reporter; $1,500 to the news outlet
THIRD PLACE: $2,000 to the reporter; $1,000 to the news outlet
Awards will be presented during the Mississippi Press 160th Annual Meeting, June 27, 2026.
This contest recognizes a story or series by a reporter or team of reporters on a single topic that demonstrate an active commitment to Freedom of Information and the use of federal FOIA or state Open Meetings and Public Records laws. Entries may include a single investigative story or multiple stories over a period of time. Entries should display original reporting revealing information otherwise not generally known that individuals, governmental agencies, elected officials or organizations may not want under public scrutiny. Judging criteria include depth of research, initiative, obstacles overcome, use of databases and public records, analysis of documents and records, use of multiple sources and impact on public policy. Entries must include a brief letter of explanation describing the actual or potential impact of the report.
First, second and third place winners from Category 35 — Dan Phillips FOI Prize will compete alongside independent entries for the A-Mark Prize for FOI Reporting in Mississippi. The deadline to enter is Thursday, Feb. 5. Upload entries and letters of explanation here. There is no additional fee for Mississippi Press members to enter this competition — Category 35/Dan Phillips FOI Prize winners will be automatically entered.
MAB members or other non-MPA members will upload entries and letters of explanation by by Feb. 5, 2026. Each entry is $8. After uploading your entries, Mississippi Press will review each entry and contact the news director with an invoice that can be paid online or by check. MAB member entries will compete alongside Mississippi Press member entries.
This contest will be judged by a committee of retired newspaper and broadcast journalists, as well as a representative from Mississippi universities.
Winners will not be announced until the Mississippi Press 160th Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation on June 27 in Biloxi.
Contact for Questions: Contact Monica Gilmer, 601-981-3060 ext. 2.
