1st Place, Story Package
2024-25, Division 4-MS, News Design & Art
By Staff
The Communicator
Ann Arbor Community HS
ND-05. Story Package
Packages appearing in print will be evaluated for overall design and how well multiple content elements work together to tell a story. Content should be based on one significant topic built around a dominant story packaged with or without a secondary story; dominant art and possibly secondary art; and may include other quick reads. The package may start on the front page, jumping inside, or it may start/finish on inside pages. This does not need to be a true spread or full-page design. Individual elements included as part of a story package can be entered in other categories. Entries from print-style PDF or e-edition pages may be submitted into this category. Note: Story packages appearing on a news website may be submitted in DM-11. Multimedia Story Package. A story presented entirely as an alternative story form should be submitted in NW-18: Alternative Story Form. Submit a PDF of the newspaper or magazine page(s).
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Package generates reader interest; showcases strongest content
- Story package elements — including stories, photos, supplementary copy, headlines, caption, graphics, etc. — work together to tell a single story
- Visual elements tie package together to create cohesiveness, even if package extends to another non-consecutive page or does not fill an entire page.
- Graphic devices, if used, contribute to overall impact of package
- Design reflects effective graphic style, personality of publication
- Consistent use of headline styles/typography
- Content covers appropriate, timely issues/topics
- Package elements display sound journalistic principles
- Headlines get smaller in relation to importance of elements in package