The NIHCM Foundation Television and Audio Journalism Award recognizes excellence in television and audio reporting that can assist managed care organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders in improving the affordability and quality of U.S. health care. This prestigious award aims to highlight outstanding reporting that enhances public understanding of health care management, financing, delivery, and cost issues. The competition is open to television and radio journalists, including those producing content for national or local news organizations, cable programs, online streaming platforms, and freelancers working with these outlets.

For the 18th Annual Television and Audio Journalism Award, entries must have originally aired during the 2024 calendar year. Submissions can be either individual stories or a series, provided they have been officially advertised and disseminated as a series. Online stories are eligible if they were originally produced for and distributed through a television or radio news organization or an online streaming platform. Each entry must address topics related to health care management, affordability, financing, delivery, or rising health care costs, with a focus on their impact on managed care organizations, policymakers, and related stakeholders. Submissions should emphasize U.S. health care issues.

The application period is currently open and will close on March 28, 2025. There is no entry fee, and each entrant may submit up to three entries. However, a single entry may only be submitted to one category. Entries must not exceed three hours in total length; if an entry surpasses this limit, applicants should select up to three hours for submission. Entries must be submitted via a URL link. If applicants encounter submission issues, they are encouraged to contact Mikayla Thompson at mthompson@nihcm.org.

The award will grant a $20,000 prize to the winner. Entries will be evaluated based on the quality of storytelling, impact, and insights that contribute to improvements in health care management, affordability, access, and policy. Judges will assess how submissions generate evidence on health care affordability and cost trends, influence private sector health care strategies, and provide valuable insights to policymakers and stakeholders. A panel of independent journalists and researchers will conduct the evaluation process.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the NIHCM Foundation at their Washington, DC office located at 1225 19th St. NW, Suite 710. The foundation can be reached via telephone at 202-296-4426 or by fax at 202-296-4319.