Instead of one contest in which editorials and columns are judged together, two separate contests are being held this year — one for excellence in editorial writing (representing the view of the newspaper) and one for excellence in column writing (columns written by one or more individuals).

In each of those contests, entries will be judged in two circulation brackets: over 35,000 circulation and under 35,000 circulation. And, three cash prizes will be included in each bracket — giving 12 individuals the opportunity to win cash prizes in 2023 (up from four cash prizes in 2022).

Cash prizes will be awarded in the following brackets:

Cash awards will be as follows in each of the four contest brackets: first-place, $2,250; second-place, $1,000; and third-place, $500. This puts total cash prizes at $15,000 — thanks to the generous support of Lissa Walls Cribb and Southern Newspapers, Inc.

In addition to the top three in each bracket, America's Newspapers also will be recognizing additional finalists.

This contest has always sought to recognize strong, courageous and positive editorial page leadership. Judges will be taking the courage it took to write the editorials or columns into highest consideration.

You might ask yourself, what is the difference between a column and an editorial? While both represent the heartbeat of a newspaper, each includes a different objective and road to accomplishing a goal. While a column is generally a first-person account, an editorial represents the newspaper as an institution. Additionally, columns extend a latitude to the writer of choosing a profoundly personal matter or to give the reader a chuckle.

Consider a column as a personal conversation with the reader. An editorial is all business — much like putting on battle paint and heading into the world to make a difference. Editorials are not written to take up space but to create thought, generate discussion and lead to change. Both are critical to a great newspaper's DNA, each bringing tremendous value to our institution. 

This year's Carmage Walls Commentary Contest is an opportunity to show off your chops: wordsmithing, insightful observations, and moving a reader or stranger to action. Get in the game. 

For Marka Sonoga, moving to Athens, Ohio, represents a full-circle moment in her life.

The Youngstown native has been named regional publisher for the Adams Publishing Group (APG) of Ohio. In her newly appointed position, Sonoga is responsible for APG’s seven daily and weekly publications in Ohio.

The Family and Independent Owners Meeting is designed for the senior executives, owners and family members who are directly involved in their company’s operations.  The meeting provides these executives the opportunity to network and share successful strategies to move their business forward.  From issues related to basic operations, business structures or familial transitions, the Family and Independent Owners Meeting fosters a spirit of partnership and innovation.

The 2023 Summer Meeting will be held at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — home of the Pittsburgh Pirates! Sessions will begin Tuesday, July 18, at 2 p.m. EDT, followed by a reception and Pirates baseball game that evening. On Wednesday, July 19, sessions will run from 9 a.m to 12:30 p.m., followed by an optional Pirates game that afternoon.