The Print Quality Contest is designed to be more than a contest; it is also a valuable learning experience for all entrants. Feedback is provided on the print quality of newspapers in six different areas including black ink laydown, color ink laydown, color registration, halftone quality, page alignment and overall print alignment and overall print appearance.

Five independent and trained judges evaluate each newspaper entry, the highest and lowest scores are thrown out, and then the remaining scores are averaged. Judges are specifically trained on how to evaluate the entries and are experienced production workers. Newspapers are divided into circulation divisions including under 25,000; 25,000 to 50,000; 50,000 to 100,000 and over 100,000.

Participants submit eight copies of their newspapers (less inserts) for a particular week in December, for judging and do not know in advance which day will be selected for judging.

Immediately following a print quality session, awards are presented at America East. All divisions include first, second and third place award winners, although depending upon number of entries in a division, judges reserve the right to present less awards. A Best of Show Award is presented to the newspaper with the best score across all circulation divisions. In addition, the top 25 percent of scores will be recognized as America East Blue Ribbon papers.

All newspapers receive their marked newspapers and a detailed evaluation of their entry, and America East attendees can schedule an appointment with the judges for a review of their newspaper at the conference. All entered newspapers will be on display throughout the conference

America East appreciates the support of SNAP in educating and serving our attendees. Learn about SNAP by clicking here.

America East encourages you to participate in the SNAP survey. The Specifications for Newsprint Advertising Production (SNAP) are designed to improve reproduction quality in newsprint production and provide guidelines for the exchange of information. SNAP is intended for advertisers, advertising agencies, publishers, pre-press managers, material suppliers, and commercial and newspaper printers. Results of this survey will be shared on Wednesday morning, March 17, at America East. Click here to take the survey.