Award Details
The Keystone Media Awards – formerly called the Keystone Press Awards before merging with the PAPME Media Awards in 2020 – reinforce excellence by individuals in the news media profession, by recognizing journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities. Further, the Keystone Media Awards stimulate journalists to improve their craft and ultimately improve their community.
Please be sure your circulation division is accurate in the contest system before submitting your entries. Email foundation@pa-news.org with any updates.
Entries are now being accepted in the 2025 Professional Keystone Media Awards Contest!
Deadline to enter is Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Winners will be announced in May. Winners will be honored at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Harrisburg. Details about the event will be available in summer 2025.
Plaques will be provided to all first-place winners and certificates to all second place and honorable mention winners in attendance at the awards luncheon. Certificates for non-attendees will be available for pick up at the conclusion of the presentation. Any certificates not distributed at the event will be mailed by mid-April.
Direct order your plaques through Present A Plaque! To get the same plaques we issue to our first-place winners in the Keystone Media Awards contest, order the pocket plaques in black marble with frosted, non-glare acrylic (item #FBPOCM81 – for a case of 10), or item #FBPOCM81S (for individual plaques). You’ll see a significant savings if ordering by the case! Plaque orders will be sent directly to you from Present A Plaque via FedEx (ground or 2-day delivery options available).
Specialty categories:
- Calkins Family Distinguished Video Award
- Distinguished Writing Award
- First Amendment Award (Broadcast)
- Freelance Journalist of the Year
- G. Richard Dew Award for Journalistic Service
- John V. R. Bull First Amendment Award
- Lenfest Institute Diversity Champion Award
- Lenfest Institute Emerging Journalist Award
- Paul Vathis Memorial Photography Portfolio Award
- Public Notice Journalism Award
- Public Service Award
- Reader Initiative Award
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Participation in the Keystone Media Awards is essential to winning the coveted News Organization of the Year Awards. Beginning in 2023, your company MUST ENTER BOTH the Keystone Media Awards AND the PNA Foundation Advertising Contest in order to earn and accumulate points toward NOY designation which demonstrates your outstanding efforts across all facets of your news company. Companies not entering both contests will not be considered for NOY honors.
Questions? Email the PNA Foundation or phone 717-703-3003.
