2025 Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism

The Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism is presented by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University. Established in 1994 and first announced at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the award recognizes distinguished contributions to improving print and broadcast journalism through responsible analysis and critical evaluation. It is one of the few awards in the United States that takes a critical look at media performance and the work done by publishers, editors, and reporters. In 2025, the award will be presented for the first time on the Penn State campus, highlighting its longstanding importance and evolving presence in the academic and media landscape. The award aims to honor work that evaluates news media coverage of significant subjects or issues. Eligible works include constructively critical articles, books, electronic and online media reports, academic and other research, and reports by media ombudsmen and journalism watchdog organizations. Contributions may be current or cumulative, with entries judged by professionals in journalism and journalism education. The focus is on work that provides constructive critique with the potential to enhance journalistic standards and practices. Eligibility for the award is open to individuals as well as organizations, enterprises, and groups, including newspapers, periodicals, and broadcast or cable stations within the United States. Both completed and ongoing work from the calendar year under consideration can be submitted, and cumulative work should be represented through select examples. This wide eligibility scope ensures recognition for diverse contributors to media criticism, from individual journalists to large media organizations. The award process is open to nominations from anyone, with submissions requiring a letter describing the nature and results of the work, as well as the relevant published or aired material. Links to completed work online are acceptable. No official application forms are required, making the process accessible to nominators from various backgrounds. In the case of cumulative work, the submission should focus on representative examples to best illustrate the quality and impact of the nominee’s contributions. For the 2026 award cycle, which will recognize work published in 2025, the submission deadline is January 31, 2026. The winner receives an honorarium of $2,500 and is expected to attend the award ceremony in September 2025 on the Penn State campus, where they will speak on the subject for which they are being honored. This speaking engagement is intended to further the dialogue on the role and responsibilities of the media. Questions about the award or submission process can be directed to Steve Sampsell, Director of Strategic Communications at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, via email at steves@psu.edu or by mail at the Bart Richards Award office, 115 Carnegie Building, University Park, PA 16802. This open communication channel helps ensure applicants and nominators can clarify requirements and expectations prior to submission.