There are many reasons why public notices belong in newspapers and on their websites, and not on obscure government or private websites. Among those reasons is the fact that newspapers have reporters who can follow up on the newsworthy notices published within their pages. By reporting on notices, newspapers help to focus additional attention to matters that are important to their communities — like public meetings, environmental emergencies, government seizure and disposal of private property.

PNRC’s Public Notice Journalism Contest highlights the best newspaper reporting that is based on public notices, and celebrates the reporters and editors who bring these important stories to life.