SPJ's Green Eyeshade Awards Celebrate Excellence in Journalism
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) proudly announces the 2025 Green Eyeshade Awards, marking an incredible milestone as it celebrates 75 years of honoring outstanding journalism. This prestigious competition stands as the nation’s oldest regional journalism contest, and its recent awards recognize significant contributions made during the past year.
Outstanding Coverage Recognized
A highlight of this year's awards includes the Best of Show honor awarded to Blue Ridge Public Radio for its impactful Hurricane Helene coverage titled "Hell or High Water." This recognition underscores the vital role media plays in communities during crises, showcasing how strong reporting can inform and assist audiences during tumultuous times.
The Judging Panel's Praise
The judging panel commended Blue Ridge Public Radio’s response to Hurricane Helene, noting their commitment to delivering real-time analysis and important community updates. Through investigative reporting, fact-checking, and innovative communications strategies, BPR emerged as an essential resource for those affected.
Highlights from Best of Division Winners
Numerous journalists were honored in various categories, reflecting the diverse talents within the region. The Best of Division winners consist of:
Print & Digital Writing
The acclaimed South Florida Sun Sentinel team, featuring Cindy Krischer Goodman, Carline Jean, and Mike Stocker, received recognition for their poignant "Born to Die" series.
Graphics & Photography
Alicia Devine from Tallahassee Democrat was honored for her captivating visuals in "The Sports Shots of Alicia Devine" that pushed the boundaries of sports photography.
Video / Television
Fraser Jones from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution won accolades for his gripping video "Finding his mom after deadly Hurricane Helene strands thousands." This piece highlighted the human stories behind natural disasters.
Audio / Radio
Blue Ridge Public Radio's own staff took home the award for their impressive audio coverage in "Hell or High Water," which provided crucial updates during the crisis.
Digital / Online
WABE’s Stephannie Stokes and their online team was celebrated for their insightful project "Division of Families," showcasing the importance of in-depth reporting.
Students
The Caplin News Staff from Florida International University was recognized for their compelling work titled "Reporting Collection," emphasizing the rising talent among student journalists.
75 Years of Commitment to Journalism
Since its establishment in 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards have set the standard for excellence in journalism across the southeastern states, including notable mentions such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida, amongst others. This year not only commemorated 75 years of the awards but also saw an exciting interview process that revamped categories to meet the demands of the evolving media landscape, resulting in a remarkable 57 percent increase in entries compared to the previous year.
The competition is open to journalists from 12 states and extends its reach to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. By reinvesting net profits into training programs and advocacy, SPJ continues its commitment to uplifting journalistic standards and fostering a vibrant media community.
The entry period for next year’s competition is set to open in January, allowing even more storytellers to share their important work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Green Eyeshade Awards?
The Green Eyeshade Awards are the nation’s largest and oldest regional journalism competition, celebrating excellence in journalism across various categories.
Who won the Best of Show honor in 2025?
Blue Ridge Public Radio won the Best of Show honor for their exceptional coverage of Hurricane Helene under the title "Hell or High Water."
How do entries increase every year?
SPJ adapts categories to reflect changes in the media landscape, encouraging a broader range of entries and greater participation.
Which regions can enter the competition?
Journalists from 12 southeastern states including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to submit their work.
When will the 2026 competition open for entries?
The 2026 competition is set to open for entries in January, inviting more journalists to participate.
