Burton W. Marvin Kansas News Enterprise Award

The Kansas News Enterprise award of the William Allen White Foundation is named in honor of Burton W. Marvin, who was the first dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism, holding the post from 1948-1965. He also was the first director of the William Allen White Foundation. (See archive story.)

Each year, the William Allen White Foundation in conjunction with the KU School of Journalism and Mass Communications presents the Burton W. Marvin Kansas News Enterprise Award. The award is given to a Kansas journalist or team of journalists who have demonstrated enterprise in developing and presenting a significant news story in either a Kansas publication or broadcast. Judges are provided by the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Eligibility

Any journalist or team of journalists working and/or living in Kansas who has demonstrated enterprise in developing and producing a significant news story or stories on a single topic, which appeared during the previous calendar year, is eligible for the award. Opinion pieces are not eligible. If the contest judges think it is appropriate, separate awards will be made for entries from large and small news organizations.

Criteria

Judges will assess the extent to which each entry: 1) reflects a commitment to serve the public and demonstrates initiative in acting on that commitment, 2) bears the mark of good planning and professional execution, 3) reflects persistence and effectiveness in gathering information, such as through cultivation of knowledgeable sources and examination of public records, 4) is accurate and fair, and 5) had impact on the community.

Rules

Entriesmust include a statement of not more than 300 words indicating what problems the writer overcame in developing the story and how it meets the contest criteria.

No unit may submit more than two entries.

Questions?

Please email questions to jschool@ku.edu.