2023 Dart Awards

The Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma honor innovative, ethical and effective reporting of violence, trauma and tragedy across all media platforms. Judges will make two awards, each carrying a cash prize. The submission deadline has been extended. Entries must be received by February 9, 2023 at 5:00 pm EST.

The submission deadline was February 9, 2023 at 5:00 pm EST. We are no longer accepting submissions for the contest.

The Dart Center is now accepting entries for the 29th annual Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma

The Dart Awards honor innovative, ethical and effective reporting on the impact of violence, crime, disaster and other traumatic events. Since 1994, they have recognized coverage that engages deeply with the toughest human experiences, and sets a new standard for grappling with the complexity of trauma and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

Recognizing coverage produced for North American outlets, the Dart Awards are the only journalism prize to reward and inspire in-depth trauma reporting across media. They are a team prize, recognizing that trauma reporting of the highest order demands a special commitment from news organizations. 

The Dart Awards are judged by an interdisciplinary panel of journalists, mental health professionals, and survivor advocates. Judges will make two awards, each carrying a $5,000 cash prize. Winners will be honored in a public ceremony in September 2023 at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City.

Past honorees share a commitment to telling a powerful story, offering respect and compassion to survivors, and to remaining sensitive to the complexity of a tragic event.

Click here for full submission guidelines.