NOTE: The same material may not be entered in more than one programming category.
Newscast
TIME LIMIT: 30 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a newscast, produced daily or less than daily, but broadcast, streamed or otherwise distributed as a “live” program. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of breaks. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc.
News Report — Serious News
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
News Report — Light News
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of timely news, information and current events. Entries may contain spot news coverage, investigations and feature stories on any newsworthy subject. Coverage of controversial issues is welcome. Entries will be judged on the basis of editorial content and pictorial coverage, which demonstrates awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness. Judges will particularly look for well- organized material paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Preference will be given to individual pieces demonstrating reporting and field production. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the individual report.
Multimedia Journalist (MMJ)
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement by a single individual covering a single or multi-part news story. The MMJ is reporter, writer, photojournalist and editor. Entry may not be submitted in any other programming or craft category.
Note: This category is intended for solo projects. Collaborative or group projects must be submitted in one of the other appropriate categories.
Non-Fiction — Short Form
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a short-form treatment of a single non-fiction subject. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Non-Fiction — Long Form
TIME LIMIT: MINIMUM 10 MINUTES — MAXIMUM 30 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single non-fiction subject. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Note: If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
Public Affairs/Community Service
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of content with current social, civic or other issue-oriented subject matter. Entry may be a single story or a multipart series of stories on the same topic. Advocacy of a point of view is encouraged. Content, creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Entry will be judged on awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness.
Music Video
TIME LIMIT: 5 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in replication, reinterpretation or original material in a music video. Judges will evaluate content, creativity and execution.
Fiction — Short Form
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a short-form treatment of a single fictional subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Fiction — Long Form
TIME LIMIT: MINIMUM 10 MINUTES — MAXIMUM 30 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single fictional subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Note: If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
Sports Story or Segment
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a sports news, information or feature story. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the presentation. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Sports Program
TIME LIMIT: 30 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in a sports program or special. Entry may be live or edited and must have, as its basis, special coverage not to be taken from a newscast. Entries may include multi-camera and pre-produced segments. Entry may have no post-edits except for the removal of PSAs, interstitials or commercials. Entry will be judged on awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness.
Note: This category is for shows such as pre/post-game shows, sports interview/discussion programs, season recap shows, etc. If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants may select up to three (3) segments/excerpts to bring the entry to the specified time limit. One (1) second of black should be included between segments/excerpts.
Live Sporting Event/Game
TIME LIMIT: 30 MINUTES
For outstanding achievement in the production of a live or recorded live sports event or game. A composite is required and may include segments or excerpts that provide examples of: Show Open, Graphics Package, Use of Replays, Inserted Pre-Produced Segments, Use of Statistical or Other Prepared Material, Highlights, Standard Coverage (e.g. Routine Innings or Downs) and any additional material at entrant’s discretion.
Note: One (1) second of black should be included between segments/excerpts.
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
TIME LIMIT: Spots may be 5-seconds to 2 minutes in length
For outstanding achievement in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.
Commercial
TIME LIMIT: Spots may be 5-seconds to 5-minutes in length
For outstanding achievement in a production advertising a product, business, service, school or school department, or a community or school event that is conceived, written, created and produced for a class/school project.