Final week for entries to compete for awards
The Military Reporters & Editors (MRE) awards contest is open for submissions, honoring excellence in reporting on military, defense, and national security issues. The contest will accept work published between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
In recognition of the vital contributions made by public service and U.S. government-funded journalism, MRE is pleased to announce that entry fees will be waived for journalists affiliated with Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), NPR, and PBS newsrooms.
“We believe strongly in the mission of these organizations to deliver critical and fact-based reporting to both American and global audiences,” said MRE President Jen Judson. “Waiving fees for these outlets is one way we can help spotlight the important work their journalists have done on some of the most challenging and consequential beats in the world.”
Qualifying affiliated journalists may submit one free entry – a savings of $50. Additional entries are $25 each. This offer is available beginning Saturday, July 26, 2025, and remains valid until the conclusion of the 2025 MRE Journalism Contest – Friday, August 1, 2025. To take advantage of the discount, visit the contest website and follow the entry directions.
Other exciting updates for 2025 include revised contest categories to better reflect today’s fast-evolving media environment and platforms. This year, all entries, in every category, will be eligible for MRE’s top honor: the Joseph L. Galloway Award for Distinguished Journalism, which comes with a $1,000 prize. Additionally, text-based entries will also be considered for the James Crawley Award, now carrying a $500 prize.
An independent panel of judges will select winners based on the highest standards of journalistic integrity, originality, and impact.
This is the final week for submissions from news reporters, broadcasters, photographers, podcasters, and videographers delivering information on the military and veterans, homeland, and national security, as well as developments in defense, technology, and war. The contest deadline is Friday, August 1, 2025. Complete details, including award descriptions, entry categories, FAQs, entry guidelines, registration and rules are available at mrecontest.org.
MRE | Military Reporters & Editors Mission
- Advance the public understanding of the military, national security, and homeland defense.
- Represent the interests of working journalists to the government and military.
- Assure journalists have access to places where the U.S. military and its allies operate.
- Provide resources, support. educational and networking opportunities for members, fostering excellence in journalism.
For more information, visit the MRE website at https://www.militaryreporters.org.