NYABJ Awards & Gala
Gala 2026
NYABJ 2026 PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS ANNOUNCES CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR 2026 AWARDS GALA & SNEA
Celebrating Excellence, Impact and the Power of Black Journalism
NEW YORK, NY — September 8, 2026 — The New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) is officially calling on journalists, media professionals, news organizations and media platforms to submit their outstanding work for consideration at the 2026 NYABJ Awards Gala & Sneaker Ball, taking place Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Alhambra Ballroom in New York City.
The annual celebration/fundraiser recognizes exceptional journalism and media contributions that inform, inspire and give voice to communities throughout New York and beyond.
Under the leadership of NYABJ President Cynthia Horner, the organization is inviting eligible journalists and media professionals to showcase work that demonstrates excellence in reporting, storytelling, investigative journalism, commentary, photography, multimedia, digital journalism and other areas of the media industry.
“This is an opportunity to shine a light on the journalists who are doing the important work of telling our stories, holding institutions accountable and making an impact through the power of the press,” said Cynthia Horner, President of NYABJ. “We want to see the work that deserves to be recognized. This year's gala will celebrate excellence while bringing together some of the most respected voices in journalism and media.”
THE 2026 NYABJ AWARD CATEGORIES
JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE AWARDS
• Stuart Scott Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism
Recognizing outstanding sports journalism and storytelling.
• Ida B. Wells Award for Excellence in Print Journalism — Features
Recognizing exceptional feature reporting and writing in print journalism.
• Ida B. Wells Award for Excellence in Print Journalism — News
Recognizing excellence in news reporting published in print media.
• Gwen Ifill Award for Excellence in News Reporting
Recognizing outstanding journalism at its finest.
• Dyana Williams Award for Excellence in Podcast/Radio
Recognizing outstanding entertainment journalism, reporting, interviews and storytelling in podcast and radio formats.
• Max Robinson Award for Excellence in Local TV Reporting
Recognizing excellence in television reporting that serves and informs local communities.
• Ed Bradley Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting
Recognizing impactful investigative journalism that demonstrates depth, accountability, originality and public-service value.
• Gordon Parks Award for Excellence in Visual Media
Recognizing exceptional visual storytelling, photography, videography and related visual journalism.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA & DIGITAL AWARDS
NYABJ is also recognizing excellence across today's rapidly evolving media landscape, with awards in the following categories:
- Outstanding Online Blog
- Best Independent Feature Film
- Best Independent Feature Film Creator/Producer
- Best Sports Podcast
- Best Humor Podcast
- Best Cultural Podcast
- Best Media Website
- Best Print Publication
- Best Tech Reporting
- Best Commentary Reporting
- Best Business Reporting
- Excellence in Social Media Journalism
- Emerging Journalist — Student
These categories reflect the changing nature of journalism and the expanding platforms through which audiences receive news, information, commentary and cultural storytelling.
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN
NYABJ encourages qualified journalists, media professionals, independent creators, news organizations and eligible media outlets to submit their strongest work for consideration. Submissions limited to content published or produced between June 15, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Entry fees are $100 per category.
Submissions may include work published, broadcast, streamed or otherwise distributed during the eligible award period.
The deadline for submissions is October 8, 2026.
Journalists and media professionals are encouraged to submit early and ensure that all materials meet the applicable eligibility and submission requirements.
The awards are designed to recognize journalism and media work that demonstrates excellence, originality, impact, innovation and a commitment to serving the public.
A NIGHT OF JOURNALISM, CULTURE AND CONNECTION
The NYABJ Awards Gala & Sneaker Ball will bring together journalists, media executives, broadcasters, publishers, entertainers, authors, community leaders and industry influencers for an evening that celebrates professional achievement and cultural excellence.
The evening will feature a cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the awards program from 7–9 p.m., with the Sneaker Ball celebration continuing afterward.
SPECIAL FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TIFFANY D. CROSS
Adding to the evening's program will be a special fireside chat with acclaimed journalist, author and media personality Tiffany D. Cross.
Cross will bring her distinctive perspective on journalism, culture, politics and the evolving media landscape to an evening dedicated to celebrating the power and importance of Black voices in media.
The event will also feature opportunities for networking, media exposure and connection with some of the industry's leading journalists and media professionals.
Excellence in Media
Entries
The New York Association of Black Journalists is pleased to accept entries for its annual Excellence in Media Contest. The program recognizes the best of print, online, broadcast, photo and video journalism coverage of Black innovation, issues, communities and people.
The deadline for submissions is October 8, 2026.
NYABJ encourages qualified journalists, media professionals, independent creators, news organizations and eligible media outlets to submit their strongest work for consideration. Submissions limited to content published or produced between June 15, 2025, and September 30, 2026.
The fee to enter the contest is $100 per entry .
NYABJ reserves the right to reassign contest entries to different categories or subcategories.
The contest will be judged by seasoned professional journalists outside the New York metro area. Decisions are final.
Judges may elect not to give an award in a category.
Winners will be announced at The NYABJ Awards Gala & Sneaker Ball on October 23, 2026.
Don't forget: Submission details:
Email president@nyabj.org if you need assistance.
Entry Fee
Please Click Here to Pay for Submissions
If you are paying for multiple entries, please change the quantity (located on the lefthand side).
Categories
Stuart Scott Award for Excellence in Sports Reporting
Description
- This category recognizes original and insightful works that transcend sports in print, broadcast or digital.
- In selecting the winner, judges will be looking for compelling storytelling and merit that leave a lasting impact on the audience.
- Entries should highlight new information, exclusive interviews, or fresh perspectives that contribute to the discourse surrounding the sport.
- This includes capturing the passion, perseverance, and challenges faced by athletes, teams, and communities.
Ida B. Wells Award for Excellence in Print Journalism: Features
Description
- This award celebrates a single report covering a human-interest or profile subject that is not breaking news or investigative in nature.
- The piece should show significant depth, insight and new understanding of a story or topic.
- Entries may be presented in numerous ways, including profiles, feature packages, or watchdog journalism.
- It rewards excellent journalism on a matter of public interest, which could be descriptive or of a human interest nature and shows evidence of fine writing.
Ida B. Wells Award for Excellence in Print/Digital Journalism: News
Description:
- This category recognizes print and digital stories.
- Originality and Insightfulness: Submissions must present unique perspectives and in-depth analysis of current events, uncovering stories that resonate with the audience and provide clarity on complex issues.
- Research and Fact-Checking Narrative Craftsmanship: The ability to weave compelling narratives is crucial.
- The story should adhere to the highest standards of fairness, balance, and transparency.
Gwen Ifill Award for Excellence in News Reporting: News National/Syndicated
Description
- A piece broadcast on network, syndicated or digital, under 7 minutes.
- This award recognizes excellence in television journalism, honoring the impactful work of those who bring stories to life through the power of visual storytelling.
- Celebrating journalists who connect with audiences, inform the public, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in their reporting.
- Submit a single hard news report/package.
- Entry must not exceed 7 minutes.
- Exceptional skills in visual storytelling
Gwen Ifill Award for Excellence in News Reporting: Long Form – 7 minutes+
Description
- This award celebrates long-form broadcast journalism, which can include things like newsmagazine segments, one-hour features, and late-night broadcasts.
- You can even nominate multiple episodes or segments from the same show.
- Submission highlights depth of reporting, thorough research and providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
- Showcase innovative approaches to storytelling, whether through the use of technology, interactive elements, or unique formats that enhance viewer engagement.
Dyana Williams Award for Excellence in Podcast Program
Description:
- This award recognizes excellence in podcasting, celebrating creators who engage, inform, and entertain listeners through innovative audio storytelling.
- Entries should showcase creativity in structure, theme, or delivery.
- Entries should reflect attention to sound quality, editing, and overall presentation.
- Entry may feature a single episode or a series.
- Entry must not exceed 60 minutes per episode.
- Entrants, please provide an active link to the full podcast or series.
Max Robinson Award for Excellence in Local TV Reporting
Description
- This award highlights standout coverage of an important local or state issue. It celebrates creativity, community engagement, and the use of many journalistic tools.
- Research and Fact-Checking: Rigorous research and meticulous fact-checking are essential.
- Entries must demonstrate exceptional skills in visual storytelling, utilizing compelling images, sound, and editing techniques to engage viewers and convey the narrative effectively.
Ed Bradley Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting
Description:
- The award recognizes journalists who seek to uncover the truth, challenge the status quo, and expose wrongdoing in pursuit of justice and accountability.
- Demonstrate an exceptional level of research and inquiry, employing rigorous investigative techniques to uncover facts and gather evidence.
- Present findings in a clear and compelling narrative.
Gordon Parks Award for Excellence in Visual Media
Description:
- This award celebrates the ability of photojournalists to evoke emotion, inspire change or bring awareness to critical issues, through compelling imagery, or video.
- Entries can include one work (image/video) or weaving together of multiple images, perhaps with sound or music, to tell one specific story; or the presentation of a layout of a webpage for a specific story or project.
- An organization’s overall website is not eligible to be entered.
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Tickets are officially LIVE! Award Nominations are OPEN!
Purchase your tickets and submit your nominations for the NYABJ awards! Visit the Gala Tab for award categories and submission information.