SABEW sets record for Best in Business entries

The Society of American Business Editors and Writers‘ 18th annual Best in Business competition attracted a record 1,120 entries this year, Warren Watson, executive director, announced Wednesday.

The competition includes entries from three foreign countries, more small websites and other specialty publications, Watson said.

The contest, the largest of its kind, is now being judged.  Winners will be announced soon, with the presentation of awards at SABEW’s 50th anniversary conference on April 5 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

The contest included entries from 195 companies, institutions and individuals, an increase of 90 over last year.  Last year’s contest included 1,030 overall entries, at the time a record.

“As the business of business journalism changes, BIB must change too,” said Lisa Gibbs, of Money magazine, the contest’s coordinator. “In a way, the number of media organizations entering BIB reflects the innovation that’s taking place right now in business journalism.”

Gibbs added, “The BIB should reflect excellence in business journalism everywhere, no matter where and how it’s published.”

Some other highlights from the entry period:

•  Bloomberg had the most entries – 60.  Second-highest total was CNN Money with 38.
•  Students from Arizona State University had the most entries in the college/university category – 22.
•  Overseas entries came from Canada, Germany and Iraq.

The competition was created in 1995 to recognize the best work in business journalism.  This year’s contest team included Chris Peacock of CNN Money and Joanna Ossinger of Bloomberg News.