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Press Release

April 1, 2005
Contact: Jeffpatterson@mail.utexas.edu

Hogg Journalism Award for Mental Health Reporting Announced

A new award to recognize news reporting in mental health issues has been announced by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and the School of Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin.

The James Stephen Hogg Award for Mental Health Reporting recognizes exemplary journalism that informs, educates, or empowers the people of Texas on issues related to mental health and mental illness.

"News media are the primary source of information for how the public views and understands mental health issues," said Jeffery R. Patterson, communications director for the Hogg Foundation. "This award seeks to distinguish reporting that stimulates productive discussion about mental health issues and informs the public to reduce stigma and discrimination."

Entries will be divided into print and broadcast (radio/television) categories and will be judged on writing/production quality, capacity for explaining complex issues, and contributions to public understanding about mental illness and associated stigmas.

"Informed journalists can have a significant impact on public understanding of public health issues," said Lorraine Branham, director of the UT School of Journalism. "Award programs such as this are one way that the UT School of Journalism seeks to broaden reporters' knowledge and expertise, and establish exemplars for truly great work."

The award is named for former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg, who pursued a career as newspaper editor and lawyer before his career in politics. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health was established by the children of Governor Hogg and his wife Sarah Ann as a living tribute to their family's commitment to public service and philanthropy.

Entries must be postmarked by April 30, 2005. Entries will be accepted in either print or broadcast categories, and must have been published or broadcast in the state of Texas between March 1, 2004 and February 28, 2005. Entries will be judged by a panel of prominent journalism educators and mental health professionals.

First place winners will receive $1,000, second place winners will receive $500, and third place winners will receive $250. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted. Entries in languages other than English require complete translations. Winners will be announced in May 2005.

For more information, call the Hogg Foundation at 512-471-5041, or the UT School of Journalism at 512-471-1845. More information can also be found on the award web site.