Why we participate in contest – Lisa Miller, New Century Press

What a year! Wait — it’s only September. To say the least, 2020 has been a challenge for newspapers. We crossed boundaries we didn’t even know existed. We discovered how to do business without a handshake. Has everything been a bed of roses? Absolutely not. Truthfully, we are still getting poked by thorns each day. 

However, look at all of the amazing situations we have already encountered this year and conquered. We discovered how essential we are every day. Most importantly we found ourselves again and recreated our publications. 

Change has been a great part of 2020. Now is the time to congratulate ourselves on the countless hours we have put in learning our “new normal” within the journalism field. 

This year, more than ever, I would encourage all organizations to enter the INF Better Newspaper Contest for 2021. Each staff member deserves to be showcased for their outstanding work. Stories need to be shared on how your publication has overcome the challenges of 2020 and flourished. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 16. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. 

Let’s come together and feature Iowa journalism. Iowa deserves it. Every newspaper staff person deserves it. 

– Lisa Miller,  New Century Press