The Peter F. Collier Award for Ethics in Journalism honors student and professional journalists who uphold exceptional ethical standards despite challenges or incentives to compromise them. Established by the Ethics & Journalism Initiative at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, this is the inaugural year for the award, which will be presented annually. The initiative emphasizes that rigorous, factual reporting, transparency, and fairness enhance journalistic trustworthiness and societal value.

Applicants must submit work published between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, in U.S.-based media, including print, digital, audio, video, or photographic formats. Entries must include the published work and written responses detailing how ethical challenges were addressed. Applicants may discuss up to three issues from a provided list, such as minimizing harm, protecting sensitive sources, and balancing public interest with privacy concerns. Submissions must adhere to category-specific guidelines regarding format and length, such as word counts, time limits for audio/video, or limits on the number of photographic images.

The award features three categories with varying prizes. Student journalists compete for awards up to $5,000, with smaller second and third-place prizes. Professionals working on local or regional stories are eligible for up to $10,000, while those addressing national or international issues may win up to $15,000. All entries must be the original work of the journalist or team and published in an appropriate outlet, with eligibility criteria tailored to each category.

Submissions will be judged in early 2024 by a distinguished panel of media professionals and educators. Judges will evaluate both the quality of the published work and the ethical considerations outlined in the written responses. Finalists will be announced in early 2025, with winners revealed at the NYU Ethics and Journalism awards ceremony and symposium in April 2025. The judging process underscores the award’s dual focus on journalistic ethics and excellence.

This award offers a unique opportunity to recognize journalistic integrity and the ethical decision-making that underpins impactful reporting. Journalists and students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with ethical challenges, leveraging this platform to highlight how ethical journalism contributes to public trust and meaningful discourse.