Each year since 1989, Utne's editors have gathered around a table in our library, surrounded by nearly 1,600 publications that come through our doors, to talk about the magazines, newsletters, and zines that most informed, inspired, and intrigued us over the past 12 months. We'll debate the merits of our favorites, recall great articles from past issues, consult a few outside sources, and eventually come to some consensus about which publications most deserve special recognition.

This year, we're joining with the Independent Press Association, the San Francisco-based group that supports progressive periodical publishing nationwide, to throw an awards banquet. Winners of the Utne Independent Press Awards will be announced in our January/February 2003 issue and awarded January 18, 2003 at the IPA's first annual conference in San Francisco. For more information on the banquet, visit www.indypress.org or call IPA at 877/INDYMAG.
-The Editors

General Excellence, Magazines
The Nation
A lively weekly venue for debate on politics and culture. $35.97 for 47 issues from Box 55149, Boulder, CO 80322-5149; 800/333-8536; http://www.thenation.com

General Excellence, Newsletters
The Hightower Lowdown
Jim Hightower and Phillip Frazier?s populist-inspired monthly zeroes in on political issues that affect everyday people and chronicles how grassroots America is making its voices heard. $15 for 12 issues from Box 20596, New York, NY 10011; 212/741-2365; http://www.jimhightower.com

General Excellence, Zines
King Cat Comics
Sweet, slow stories about the small epiphanies of life told with a few careful lines?both in text and illustration. $6 for 3 issues from Box 881, Elgin, IL 60121; http://www.king-cat.net

Cultural/Social Coverage
Punk Planet
Punk Planet augments its rock music coverage with thoughtful and stirring views on many subjects from travelers, activists, and do-it-ourselves mavens. $24 for 6 issues from Box 464, Chicago, IL 60690; 773/784-9774; http://www.punkplanet.com