FMA Charlie Awards

• Competition is restricted to dues paying FMA members. Dues and entry fees must be received prior to the start of judging (March 30, 2023). If these monies are not collected by that time, entries will be removed from the contest.
• Affiliate or individual members may enter their own work, if the publishing magazine chooses not to, but may not enter on behalf of their company or magazine.
• Only those entries published as or in a member magazine (print or digital) from March 2, 2022 to February 28, 2023 are eligible for competition, unless otherwise stated in the category description.
• Entries can be submitted in more than one category.
• All entries in all categories must have a digital entry created, but you may submit content to be judged either digitally or in print. Print copies are no longer required for any categories but are still accepted.
• Entry fees are nonrefundable.
• All print entries must be postmarked no later than one week after the entry deadline.
• IMPORTANT: By entering into the Florida Magazine Association’s Charlie Awards competition, you and/or your company acknowledge that you have the right to enter such work and have notified any third parties such as freelancers that their work has been entered into this competition. You have also granted permission for FMA to post images of your entry on the FMA website, should it place in any of the competition categories.
• Any awards not picked up at the Charlie Awards Gala will be shipped to the winner at the magazine’s expense.

Your entries will be judged in the division listed in the contest entry system (if what is listed there is incorrect, or a publication you wish to enter is not already listed, please contact Karen Tower@ktower@flpress.com).

DIVISIONS: Most categories are divided into these publication types (divisions) for judging*:

• NEW B2B/Trade & Technical: A B2B magazine contains content specifically for professionals in a niche-specific industry.

• NEW Association/Non-profit: An association magazine is published by an association to keep its members informed of the latest developments and trends within their scope of interest.

• Consumer Magazines: This division may be further divided into circulation brackets of 20,000 and Under, and Over 20,000. Divisions are based on print circulation only.

• Spanish Language: Magazines that publish in Spanish

• Student: The Student Division is open to individuals enrolled as full-time students whose work appeared in student-led media.

Please note: Due to many recent changes in magazine distribution, if your magazine has recently moved to digital-only distribution, it will compete in the division that it competed in last year. For example, if a magazine competed in the Consumer 20,000 and Under division in 2022 and then went to a completely digital distribution model, it will automatically compete in Consumer 20,000 and Under in 2023. If a digital-only publication is entering the Charlies for the first time in 2023, please contact Karen Tower at ktower@flpress.com to determine the division to compete in. This rule may change in subsequent contest years.

*Divisions may be combined for judging if there are less than five entries in a category per division.

On the contest site:  https://portal.newspapercontest.com/florida/fma/newspaper/

Step 1 —Register on the contest website using your email address. The required Association Code is FMA. You will receive a confirmation email, which you will need to complete registration.

Step 2 — Log in. You will see a page showing any entries you may have already submitted.

Step 3 — Click on the “Add New Entry” link.

Step 4 — On this page, select your publication name. If that publication entered the contest last year, last year’s division information will autofill. If that information is incorrect, please email ktower@flpress.com. If your publication is not listed, please email ktower@flpress.com with your circulation and the division you believe your publication should be in. Your entries will be judged in the division listed in the entry system. Fill in the preparer’s (the person inputting entries) name.

Step 5 — Select the category type (Student, Writing Excellence, Design Excellence, Digital Excellence, General Excellence, or Best Overall Awards). Then select the category you wish to enter. These are drop-down menus for your convenience. This field will clear each time you save an entry, so you must select a category for each new entry. When you select the category, the category description will appear below it.

Step 6 — If necessary, provide an explanation of your entry. The explanation/cutline box is limited to 3,000 characters. It’s a good idea to write your explanation in another program, such as Word, and copy/paste into the explanation box. If URLs are required, fill in the URL box(es); there is no need to type “http://.” (If additional URLs are needed, please provide a pdf or word document with additional URLs.)

Step 7 — Include the name of the entry. If uploading full-page PDF files, it will be helpful if the entry name matches the headline on the page so the judges can find it easily.

Step 8 — In the Contributor(s) field, include the name(s) of the person or people who should be credited for any award. This is generally the writer, photographer, graphic artist, etc. It is not necessarily the name of the person submitting the entry nor the person picking up the award at the conference. (For space reasons, if more than three names are included, the award itself will say “Staff”.)

Step 9 — Add your file or files. You can drag and drop files or use the “Add files” button to navigate your files. Generally, files should be in PDF format except photos, which should be in high-resolution JPG format. Other files and URLs may be acceptable as noted in the special instructions. Upload as many files as are necessary to complete your entry but refer to the special instructions for any limitations.

Step 10 — When you have completed your submission, click the “Save” button. If you click the “Back to list” button, you will lose the entry you just completed. After clicking “Save,” you will be directed back to the list of your entries.

Step 11 — To submit another entry, click “Add New Entry.” As long as you have not logged out of the system, your publication name will still be in place and you can simply start at Step 5 again. You may log out and log back in later to continue adding entries. You will need to select your publication name each time you log in.

Step 12 — If you are done submitting entries, please review the list. You may not edit an entry, but you may delete an entry and resubmit it. When done uploading all your entries, click the “Billing” button on the list page. This will take you to a page where the entry fee is automatically generated. Follow instructions on the Billing page for payment options.

MAILING ENTRIES: When mailing in hard copies for judging, please abide by the following rules:

1. Upload the front cover of the entry to the online system.
2. If the same entry is entered in more than one category, submit separate copies of that material (and entry form) for each category.
3. Seal each entry in a separate envelope and staple the printed online entry form to the front of each envelope. Entries including multiple issues or articles must be packaged in the same envelope (i.e. Best Overall Magazine). Enclose a sample for each entry. When mailing the entire magazine edition, please tab the entry. Do not mount entries for any category.
4. All paper entries from a single entrant must be mailed at one time in one box / container.
5. Ship to: Membership c/o FMA Charlie Awards, 1025 Greenwood Blvd, Ste 121, Lake Mary, FL 32746.
6. Entries must be postmarked no later than one week after the entry deadline.

NEW PROFESSIONAL/STUDENT CATEGORIES

Professional/Student content
Article published by a professional magazine that was written by a student and published between March 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Student or Magazine may enter.
Submit one article per entry. Judging will be based on relevance to the audience, originality, and quality of writing.

Professional/Student design
Design created by a student that was published by a professional magazine between March 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Student or Magazine may enter.
Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on originality, craftsmanship and ambition as related to the magazine’s mission.

Professional/Student photography
Photo by a student that was published by a professional magazine between March 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Student or Magazine may enter.
Original photograph used as part of a feature story. Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on photo quality, creative ambition, art direction and editorial value. Quality of reproduction will not be considered.

STUDENT CATEGORIES

In-depth Feature
A single story written by an individual that illustrates excellence in storytelling, including a compelling narrative form and the use of telling details and color showing significant depth and understanding of a topic or person. In addition to the quality of writing, social and multimedia digital components will be considered. Word limit is 2,000 words.

Multimedia
Multimedia package can include social media, online and print publishing, podcasting, and vlogs. Package may include a mix of video, audio, slideshows, music, text, etc. Award recognizes creative and effective use of multiple types of media to tell a story. Judges will look for innovative use of original content in a variety of formats, reader interaction, ease of navigation, value to the audience. Entries should include URLs.

Photography
Still images taken by an individual or a team of a single event, feature or sports topic. Up to 10 images per entry. Include PDFs, JPGs or URLs.

Illustration
Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on originality, craftsmanship, effectiveness of photo illustration and ambition as related to the magazine’s mission.

WRITING EXCELLENCE

Note: Layouts may be included

Best Writing: Department
Submit a single department from three separate issues. Department features can be produced by more than one writer. Judging will be based on the quality and consistency of the reporting, writing and imagery, as well as the originality and cohesiveness of the department and the value and usefulness of its content.

Best Writing: Feature
Submit one article per entry. Judging will be based on relevance to the audience, originality, and quality of writing.

Best Writing: Public Service Coverage
Entries in this category can be entire publications, articles or editorials that render outstanding public service through coverage of social issues impacting readers. Projects must be promoted and/or developed and completed through the magazine’s own efforts.

Best Writing: Humor
Submit one humorous column or feature per entry. Judging will be based on relevance to the audience, suitable handling of the topic, presentation, originality, and overall humor.

Best Writing: Service Feature
Submit one feature or column per entry that offers practical advice or “how-to” information.

Best Writing: In-Depth Reporting
Submit one or more articles on a single topic. The article or series must show a compilation of new information, advancement of knowledge, thoroughness, and reliability.

Best Writing: Editorial/Commentary/Opinion
Submit a single editorial or a related series of no more than three editorials. Entries can include clips demonstrating reaction of readers. Judging will be based on quality of writing and clarity of thinking.

Best Writing: Column
Submit a regularly appearing column by the same writer from three separate issues. No syndicated columns. Judging will be based on the best single column with consideration to relevance to the audience, suitable handling of the topic, appearance, and originality.

Best Writing: Feature Headlines
Submit three different feature headlines with accompanying decks. Pieces will be judged as a single entry. Judging will be based on the use of the headline as a hook, the information the headline conveys and how it connects to the accompanying artwork and story.

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Best Traditional Illustration
Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on originality, craftsmanship and ambition as related to the magazine’s mission.

Best Photo Illustration
This category recognizes the growing reliance on computer manipulation and digital composite photos. Submit one per entry (the final image). Judging will be based on originality, quality and ambition as related to the magazine’s mission.

Best Photography: Photo Essay/Series
A series of photos on the same subject published in one issue. Entries should tell a story with more than one photograph and minimal copy. Judging will be based on completeness of presentation, creative ambition, quality of photos, art direction and editorial value.

Best Photography: Cover
Original photograph used as part of a cover story. Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on photo quality, creative ambition, art direction and editorial value.

Best Photography: Single Feature Image
Original photograph used as part of a feature story. Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on photo quality, creative ambition, art direction and editorial value. Quality of reproduction will not be considered.

Best Photography: Single Department Image
Original photograph used as part of a department or section. Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on photo quality, creative ambition, art direction and editorial value.

Best Design: Typography
The use of typographic elements to enhance a layout or design. Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on mechanical excellence, art direction and editorial value.

Best Design: Use of Photography
Use of photographic elements including selection, cropping, and incorporation with design and story. Submit three different stories.

Best Design: Department
Submit two examples of the same department per entry. Judging will be based on use of graphics and/or photography, creative ambition, effectiveness of the presentation and editorial value.

Best Design: Feature
Submit one feature treatment that is more than two pages long. Judging will be based on use of graphics and/or photography, creative ambition, effectiveness of the presentation and editorial value.

Best Design: Cover
Submit one per entry. Judging will be based on use of graphics and/or photography, creative ambition, effectiveness of the presentation and editorial value.

DIGITAL EXCELLENCE

Best Digital: Social Media
Submit up to 5 links to social media activity (including editorial video or live-streamed video) produced by your publishing company between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Judging will be based on creativity, timeliness, and strategic use of social accounts to inform, entertain, and engage the audience. Judges will also consider the quality and consistency of how the social media work supports the magazine’s editorial goals. Video should not exceed 5 minutes.

Best Digital: Magazine Website
Submit up to 5 links to different areas of your magazine’s website. Websites will be judged based on the following criteria: Content: Quality of the editorial matter, timeliness, selection and organization of the items; Navigation: Ease of retrieving information from the website; Design: layout, use of graphics, photographs, animation, color and related elements; Advertising: Innovative strategies and/or evidence of revenue generation; Community: Demonstration that the website fulfills its role as “gatekeeper to the community”; and Interactivity: Incorporation of the elements that take advantage of the medium.

Best Digital: Podcast
Submit link to one podcast episode produced by the magazine’s publishing company between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Podcast should not exceed 90 minutes. Judging will be based on quality, impact, and effectiveness of the storytelling to the magazine’s editorial goals.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

Best Advertisement: Self-Promotional
Any advertisement created by the company’s in-house team to promote its own magazine, company or event. Submit one ad per entry. Judging will be based on quality and effectiveness of the message.

Best Advertisement:  For a Client
Any advertisement created by the company’s in-house team for outside client(s). Submit one ad per entry. Judging will be based on quality and effectiveness of the message.

Best Advertorial: Story or Section
Any special advertisement section created by the company’s in-house team for outside client(s) that reads like an editorial section. Can be a single-page or multiple-page section. Judging will be based on quality and effectiveness of the message.

Best Custom Publication
Eligibility limited to an annual or biannual magazine produced by, but not containing the title of, the magazine producing it, either in the logo or tagline. Custom publications are produced for a specific customer base. Submit one issue per entry. Judging will be based on the excellence and depth of supporting material and use of photography and illustrative material.

Best Visitor Publication
Any annual or periodic magazine produced with the primary mission of promoting tourism in Florida and enhancing the visitor experience. City, area, and regional publications are not eligible to enter in this category. Judging will be based on the excellence and depth of supporting material and use of photography and illustrative material.

Best Special Theme or Show Issue
A single issue or special supplement devoted to a dominant theme, identified on the front cover and contents page. Example: Coastal Castles–A Water’s Edge Special Publication. Judging will be based on the excellence and depth of supporting material and use of photography and illustrative material.

Best Redesign
Any magazine that has performed a major reworking of its overall design and/or content between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Submit one issue each featuring old and new design. Judges will consider redesign’s creative ambition and editorial value as related to the magazine’s mission, as well as its relevance to today’s aesthetics and trends in comparison to the previous design.

Best New Magazine
Limited to magazines first published between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. The magazine must never have been previously published under its current title or company name. Submit three different issues (submitting fewer than three issues is acceptable only for those publications launched too late to comply, but which will produce at least three issues during a 12-month period). Include a one-page summary of mission statement and editorial concept.

BEST OVERALL AWARDS

Best Overall: Digital Innovator
Submit examples of your digital presence, including but not limited to social media, podcasts, websites, newsletters, apps, and digital editions. Judging will be based on navigational ease, editorial and visual quality as it relates to the magazine’s mission and brand, as well as creativity of design and execution. Should contain a variety of content.

Best Overall: Design
Submit three different issues published between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Judging will be based on the use of all graphics including typography, use of photography, line art, effectiveness of presentation and page design.

Best Overall: Writing
Submit three different issues published between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Judging will be based on quality of writing, editorial focus, and depth of reporting.

Best Overall: Magazine
Submit three different issues published between March 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Judging will be based on originality, design, creativity, photography/illustrations, writing, reader interest, overall impact/execution, and success in achieving the magazine’s mission.

IMPORTANT! This category previously required print copies to be mailed in for judging. This is no longer required, but if you wish to have your magazines reviewed in print, you may still do so by following the rules for mailing entries above.

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Magazines cannot directly enter this category; rather, the Best Overall: Magazine winners in each division will then be considered for Magazine of the Year in a separate judging process. Judging will be based on originality, design, creativity, photography/illustrations, writing, reader interest and overall impact/execution. Historically, the magazine that best met its mission statement has been taken into consideration.

Dues and entry fees must be received prior to the start of judging (March 30, 2022). If these monies are not collected by that time, entries will be removed from the contest.

Credit card and check payments accepted.

Submission Fees:

Early Entry - Entries submitted on or before 11:59 pm EST 2/21/2023

$55 / entry     |     $60 / Best Overall categories entry

Regular Entry - Entries submitted between 12:00 am EST 2/22/2023 and 5:00 pm ET 3/14/2023

$65 / entry     |     $70 / Best Overall categories entry

Student Categories Only:

Early Entry - Entries submitted on or before 11:59 pm EST 2/21/2023

$30 / entry

Regular Entry - Entries submitted between 12:00 am EST 2/22/2023 and 5:00 pm ET 3/14/2023

$40 / entry

Payment Instructions:

Important! Please do not pay until all your entries are complete!

1. Log in to your account at https://portal.newspapercontest.com/florida/fma/newspaper/
2. On the left-hand side of the page, select “Entry Billing”
3. Review your entries to ensure they are complete prior to payment
4. To pay online, click the “Pay Now” button
5. You may either log in to your PayPal account to complete your payment, OR you can select “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” in order to check out as a Guest (you do not need a PayPal account to pay online).
6. You will receive a receipt to the email address you provide.

If paying by check and need an invoice in order to do so, please contact Virginia Lumpkin at vlumpkin@mediagenius.com.

Make checks payable to Florida Magazine Association.

Send checks to:
FMA Charlie Awards c/o Virginia Lumpkin
1025 Greenwood Blvd., Ste 121
Lake Mary, FL 32746

Judges for this year’s competition include leading writers, editors, designers and educators—all from outside the state of Florida. Individual awards are the decision of the independent judges and are based solely on the judges’ evaluations of entries. Judges will critique this year’s winning entries, and their comments will be made available following the FMA conference awards gala (when applicable).

Award winners will be announced at a dinner gala on the evening of July 21 during the 2023 Florida Media Conference held at the Westin Resort in Sarasota. For full conference details visit www.floridamediaconference.com.

What file formats are accepted for uploading?
File types are PDF, JPEG, JPG, and WMF.

How can I make my PDF files smaller?
Most newspaper PDFs include high-resolution images for printing. However, PDF contest entries will be viewed and judged on a computer monitor, which displays at low resolution (72-96 dpi) in RGB color. Changes in the resolution and color mode of images are the most effective way to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

What if I cannot make the files small enough?
The system allows files up to 100 megabytes (mb) per entry. If you cannot make your files small enough to load to the website, then you may host larger files from your corporate server or use the free service online at www.issuu.com.

Where can I get more help for anything I can’t find here?
Email ktower@flpress.com or call (321) 283-5345.