With the support of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the BGA Investigative Journalism Awards recognize the best in government-related investigative reporting from across the Midwest region. The Better Government Association is now accepting submissions for the 2011 BGA Investigative Journalism Awards.

Judged by a rotating panel of journalists and media educators, the awards highlight the impact of investigative reports as a reform tool within the context of state and local government waste, fraud and corruption. Not only will investigative techniques be considered in the selection, but the winning entries will have made significant contributions to inform the public on issues of government corruption and to prompt reforms.

Qualified entries include newspaper, television, radio, web reports and political cartoons published from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010. Entries are judged on the quality of the investigative reporting and the effectiveness of the piece to prompt change, as evaluated by the following elements:

• accuracy, clarity and completeness
• difficulty in obtaining sources
• resourcefulness
• impact of piece, including legal or statutory remedies, official responses or
• policy changes

The awards ceremony will be held in Chicago in May 2011.

For more information and how to apply, please see website.

Deadline for submissions: Friday, March 18, 2011.