#USA #Washington, D.C. #National Press Club #Pamela Tobey #Rick Dunham

National Press Club Journalism Institute Introduces the Pamela Tobey Award

The National Press Club Journalism Institute is pleased to announce a new initiative to honor excellence in visual storytelling through the establishment of the Pamela Tobey Award for Excellence in Visual Storytelling. This award represents a significant step forward in recognizing the immense value that creative visual journalism provides in today’s media landscape.

Origins of the Award

This prestigious award has come to fruition thanks to the generosity of Rick Dunham, former president of both the National Press Club and the Institute, alongside his wife, Pamela Tobey, a notable graphics editor who worked at The Washington Post. The Tobey Award will not only celebrate outstanding visual journalism but also aims to provide essential training for journalists to enhance their visual storytelling skills.

An initial endowment of $20,000 has been launched with a goal of increasing it to $50,000 over the next five years. This financial investment manifests a commitment to fostering innovative storytelling in journalism—a necessity in our current digital age.

The Vision of the Award

Pamela Tobey has emphasized the significance of visual storytelling, stating, “In this era of digital news, visual storytelling and graphics have become important tools for every news organization.” She hopes to elevate the acknowledgment of skilled journalists who specialize in this craft, ensuring their exemplary work gets the recognition it deserves.

The annual award will commend journalists whose work transcends traditional text, covering areas such as data visualization, interactivity, photography, videography, audio, and illustration. The recipient of this honor will earn a cash prize totaling $1,000 and will contribute to the Institute’s training efforts by sharing their knowledge and experiences with fellow professionals.

A Commitment to Innovation

Rick Dunham fondly recalls Pam’s illustrious career, noting how she played an integral role in transforming the graphics department at The Washington Post. From working with drafting tools to pioneering digital graphics, her journey has been a testament to the evolution of visual media.

Pam has also extended her expertise beyond the U.S. She has journeyed to China, imparting her knowledge about data visualization and visual journalism to budding journalists and students worldwide. Her tireless efforts aim to uplift the standards of the industry she cherishes.

Application Process

The inaugural Pamela Tobey Award will open for applications in early September 2025, with no entry fees required. Journalists from diverse organizations are invited to apply, with entries accepted until October 20, 2025. This inclusiveness reflects the award’s objective to encourage participation from a wide range of journalists, promoting a broader understanding and appreciation for visual storytelling.

Acknowledgments

Ed Kelley, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, has praised Pam Tobey’s contributions to visual journalism, stating, “Pamela Tobey's career exemplifies the power of visual journalism to connect with audiences in fresh and compelling ways.” This mission to enhance design innovation in journalism aligns perfectly with the core values of the Institute.

The Calvert K. Collins Family Foundation has also made contributions, pledging $10,000 to support the launch of this commendable award.

Making Contributions

For those interested in supporting the Pamela Tobey Award for Excellence in Visual Storytelling, donations can be made through the provided link. As an added incentive, Mr. Dunham has also agreed to match individual contributions up to $5,000 made until December 31, 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the establishment of the Pamela Tobey Award marks a vital step in honoring creativity in visual journalism while encouraging journalists to enhance their skills in storytelling through compelling visuals. The National Press Club Journalism Institute remains committed to fostering an environment where journalism thrives and where innovative storytelling is celebrated.

For more information, please contact Beth Francesco, executive director at NPCJI, at [email protected].