The award was presented for the Feb. 27, 2006, edition. Based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence, the APEX Grand Awards honor the outstanding works in each main category, while APEX Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional entries in each of the subcategories. There were 193 entries in the Magapaper and Newspaper Design and Layout category.

"Each year, the quality of entries increases," said the company. "Overall, this year's entries displayed an extraordinary level of quality."