The Sacramento Press Journalism Open is back! Below is the press release with key details:

Sacramento, Calif. January 3, 2012 — Cutting-edge hyperlocal online newspaper The Sacramento Press announces the launch of its 2012 Journalism Open. Unlike many other local news sources, The Sacramento Press enables members of the community to tell stories about their neighborhoods. By holding the third annual Journalism Open, The Sacramento Press encourages journalists, community contributors and aspiring writers to share their neighborhood stories for a chance to win cash prizes.

More than 50 community contributors participated in the 2011 Journalism Open, and 134 entries were submitted. Cash prizes were awarded to 12 individuals, with the grand prize of $700 to Isaac Gonzalez for his story titled “A Towering Challenge.” This year, The Sacramento Press will give away $2,000 in prizes to selected winners: first prize $600, second $400, third $200, three $100 prizes for honorable mentions, and $500 in prizes awarded to best photos.

Holding true to its strong belief in community engagement, The Sacramento Press accepts writers of all skill levels to enter the Journalism Open. This pro-am approach allows the community to report on a wide range of issues that are most important to and affect local neighborhoods. Stories can range from insight on an upcoming City Council election to a favorite landmark in the Sacramento region. The Journalism Open encourages participants to report on stories that they are passionate about – reiterating that no story is too small.

The Sacramento Press Editor-in-Chief Colleen Belcher noted that “The Journalism Open is one way The Sacramento Press gives back to the community.

“There are so many voices that don't get heard in the media, and it's wonderful to be able to reward people for sharing what they know or why they have an opinion about a certain issue,” she said. “Many of our regular community contributors have won prizes in previous years for doing what they normally do all year – writing articles and taking photos.”

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., The Sacramento Press will hold a workshop dedicated to the Journalism Open. Participants can propose story ideas and receive feedback on how to develop those ideas and/or how to present them in way that is appropriate for The Sacramento Press. On Feb. 13, 2012, The Sacramento Press will announce the winners on the site.

For further details on story guidelines, judging criteria and rules, please visit Journalism Open 2012 Official Rules. For further details or questions regarding signing up to publish a story or enter the Journalism Open, please email: support@sacramentopress.com.

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