Category List

NEWS PROGRAMMING

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the Producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the news program, segment or coverage. Anchors, Reporters, Photographers, Editors, Assignment Editors, Hosts, Directors, and qualified others may be eligible if their contributions were tantamount to the entry’s award-worthiness.

For any entry designated as a SERIES, a minimum of two segments must be included.

A maximum of three edits are permitted to bring longer programs to the stated entry time limits.

No entry may be submitted in more than ONE programming category.

1. Morning Newscast

For excellence in a regularly scheduled daily newscast, as aired between 5 am and 9 am, with no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 60 minutes.

2. Daytime Newscast

For excellence in a regularly scheduled daily newscast, as aired between 9 am and 5 pm, with no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 60 minutes.

3. Evening Newscast

3A. Under 35 Minutes

3B. Over 35 Minutes

For excellence in a regularly scheduled daily newscast, as aired between 5 pm and 12 am, with no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 60 minutes.

4. General Assignment

For excellence in coverage of a story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include live and/or taped elements. The story covered must be an assigned report that would not be considered a Feature or Special (to be entered elsewhere). Time Limit: 10 minutes

Comment: This is the basic news reporting done day-in and day-out by a News Department. This is for the coverage of planned events and done as planned assignments. Entries should be carefully reviewed to insure that these were assigned reports not pitched or created reports.

5. Breaking News Story

For excellence in coverage of a single unanticipated news event that aired simultaneously with the news event being covered and aired either within or outside a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include multiple live and/or taped elements. Time limit: 15 minutes.

Note: Regional winners in this category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a plaque in the National News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Spot News.

6. Spot News Story

For excellence in coverage of a single, unanticipated news event that is shot, edited, produced and aired within 24 hours on a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include live and/or taped elements. Elements of a related Breaking News entry may be included in a Spot News entry but NOT in their entirety. Length is limited to a single report.

Comment: This is the “I am here at the bank where this morning the bullets were flying over my head and in the 2 hours that followed the police chased the robber to the state line” story. The goal is to extend what was done in the simultaneous report to allow the entry of the longer form report.

Note: Regional winners in this category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a plaque in the National News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Spot News.

7. Continuing Coverage

For excellence in coverage of a single news story over an extended number of reports. Entries will be judged in part on story advancement and should be entered as a composite. Elements may include segments from within or outside of a regularly scheduled newscast. A stand-alone segment from this composite may be entered in ONE other area. At least three segments should be entered to show the overall coverage of one news story over a longer period of time. Time limit: 30 minutes.

8. Hard News

A. Single Story

B. Series

For excellence in the coverage of a single or multi-part serious news story, as aired within a regularly scheduled news program. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

9. Investigative

A. Single Story

B. Series

For excellence in coverage of a community problem requiring research and investigative journalism, aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry will be judged on the quality and extent of research, the presentation, and the impact of the reporting. Documentation is invited (limit of 100 words). Time limit: 30 minutes.

Note: Regional winners are eligible to compete, at their discretion, for a plaque in the National News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Investigative Reporting.

10. Feature News

A. Single Story

B. Series

For excellence in coverage of a single or multi-part feature news story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

11. News Special

For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, significant, newsworthy event, occasion or topic aired outside any regularly scheduled news program. Subject should be an in-depth treatment of current topic, including election coverage, news event or analysis of a major news story. Time limit: 60 minutes.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

12. Journalistic Enterprise

For excellence in the continuing endeavor of high journalistic enterprise, which may include investigative pieces, breaking news, features, profiles, interviews, documentaries, etc. Composite entry may include a maximum of 5 different stories. The title of this entry MUST be the entrant’s name. The airdate and length of each story must be submitted with the entry. Time limit: 30 minutes.

NEWS & PROGRAM SPECIALTY

The following areas are open to entries created, written, produced and broadcast/cablecast by news, public affairs, and program personnel. One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the Producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the news program, segment or coverage. Anchors, Reporters, Directors, Photographers, Editors, Assignment Editors, Hosts, Writers, etc. may be eligible if their contributions were tantamount to the entry’s award-worthiness.

13. Arts

A. News

For excellence in coverage of the arts – fine arts, literature, philosophy, and the performing arts. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on the arts – fine arts, literature, philosophy, and the performing arts. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on the arts – fine arts, literature, philosophy, and the performing arts. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

14. Entertainment

A. News

For excellence in coverage of entertainment subjects – variety or performance issues or topics. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on general entertainment, variety or performing arts. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on general entertainment, variety or performing arts. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

15. Historical/Cultural

A. News

For excellence in coverage of subjects that emphasize historical, cultural or ethnic issues or topics. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on historical, cultural and/or ethnic topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on historical, cultural and/or ethnic topics or subject matter. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

16. Education

A. News

For excellence in coverage of subjects that focus on education, schools or teaching. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on education, schools or teaching. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on education, schools or teaching. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

17. Children

A. News

For excellence in coverage of issues that focus on children. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subjects designed to be of specific interest and value to a target audience 12 years of age and under. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subjects designed to be of specific interest and value to a target audience 12 years of age and under. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

18. Teen

A. News

For excellence in coverage of issues that focus on teenagers 13 to 19 years of age. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subjects designed to be of specific interest and value to a target audience 13 to 19 years of age. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subjects designed to be of specific interest and value to a target audience 13 to 19 years of age. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

19. Business/Consumer

A. News

For excellence in coverage of business, finance or consumer topics. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on business, consumer affairs or economic topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on business, consumer affairs or economic topics or subject matter. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

20. Environment

A. News

For excellence in coverage of environmental topics. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on environmental impact issues, topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on environmental impact issues, topics or subject matter. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

21. Health/Science

A. News

For excellence in coverage of health, science or medical topics. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on health, science or medical topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on health, science or medical topics or subject matter. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

22. Crime

A. News

For excellence in coverage of subjects that focus on violent or white-collar crimes or other violations of law. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on violent or white collar crimes or other violations of law. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on violent or white collar crimes or other violations of law. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

23. Politics/Government

A. News

For excellence in coverage of political, civil or public affairs topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on political, civil or public affairs topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on political, civil or public affairs topics or subject matter. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

24. Religion

A. News

For excellence in coverage of religious and/or spiritual subjects. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subject matter of a religious and/or spiritual nature. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on subject matter of a religious and/or spiritual nature. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

25. Societal Concerns

A. News

For excellence in coverage of current issues of societal concern, social ills, community or general public interest. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

B. Program Feature/Segment

For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on current issues of societal concern, social ills, community or general public interest. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special that focuses on current issues of societal concern, social ills, community or general public interest. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

SPORTS

26. Sports Coverage

A. Single Story

B. Sportscast

C. Series

For excellence in coverage of sports in general, sports related topics or subject matter within a regularly scheduled news program. Time limit: 10 minutes or two complete reports, if longer.

27. Sports Programming

A. Program Feature/Segment

B. Regularly Scheduled Program

C. Program Series

D. Special

For excellence in a regularly scheduled daily or weekly sports program, or for coverage of a one-time-only sports event (not sporting game or play-by-play, see category #28) or sports series. Entry may be live or taped. Entry must have, as its basis, special coverage not to be taken from a regularly scheduled newscast. Entries may include multi-camera and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of the event. Entry may have no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes. (A maximum of three edits is permitted to bring longer programs to the time limit).

28. Live Sports Event

A. Program/Special

B. Series

For excellence in coverage of a single program or series, live or live-to-tape sports event or game. A composite is required and must include 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. Time limit: 30 minutes.

PROGRAMMING

The following areas are open to entries created, written, produced and broadcast/cablecast by public affairs, and programming personnel. One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the Producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the program, segment or coverage. Hosts, Moderators, Reporters, Directors, Photographers, Editors, Writers, etc. may be eligible if their contributions were tantamount to the entry’s award-worthiness.

29. Documentary

For excellence in the creation of a formal, structured television presentation with dramatic impact of an event, condition or situation of current, cultural and/or historical significance. Time limit: 30 minutes.

30. Interview/Discussion

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special consisting of material that is at least 75% unscripted. Series entries accepted. Enter 30 minutes of complete program or series compilation not to exceed 30 minutes.

31. Magazine Program

For excellence in a regularly scheduled program or special consisting of various segments of local interest designed to entertain and/or inform. Time limit: 30 minutes.

32. Special Event Coverage

For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, anticipated community or entertainment event (other than News or Sports). Program may include multi-cameras and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of the event. Time limit: 30 minutes. (A maximum of three edits are permitted to bring longer programs to the time limit.)

SPOT ANNOUNCEMENTS

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the Producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the promotion or commercial. Entries must be locally conceived, produced and aired. Spots that contain more than 50% of network or syndicator-provided material do not qualify. Music, graphics and pre-edited video constitute such material. For a campaign, a maximum of three spots may be entered.

33. Community/Public Service (PSAs)

A. Single Spot

B. Campaign

For excellence in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.

34. Promotion

A. News Promo – Single Spot

B. News Promo – Campaign

C. News Promo – Special

D. Image – News

For excellence in announcements that promote a news image, a specific story, stories or series, including sports, weather and/or franchise stories. This includes promos for news specials, breaking weather, sports specials, etc.

E. Program Promo – Single Spot

F. Program Promo – Campaign

G. Program Promo – Sports

H. Image – Station

For excellence in announcements that promote non-news station programming. This includes spots promoting a broader station image as well as locally produced spots for network and/or syndicated programming.

35. Commercial

A. Single Spot

B. Campaign

For excellence in commercial production advertising a product, business or service that is conceived, written, created and produced in and for the local market. Spots may be between :05 and 2:00 in length. Program length commercials (infomercials) are not eligible.

CRAFTS ACHIEVEMENT

One award, more than one award, or no award is given for excellence in a specific television discipline demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Submit a single example of the craft or a composite of up to three examples of the craft as originally broadcast. Time limit: 15 minutes, except for a program-length writing entry in Category 38.

Craft Awards are intended for hands-on craftspersons, not those who supervise craftspersons.

36. On-Camera Talent

A. Anchor – News

B. Anchor – Weather

C. Anchor – Sports

D. Reporter – Features

E. Reporter – General Assignment

F. Reporter – Investigative

G. Reporter – Live

H. Reporter – Specialty Assignment

I. Reporter – Sports

J. Commentator/Editorialist

K. Program Host/Moderator

L. Performer/Narrator

M. Sports Play-by-Play

N. Sports Analyst

37. Director

A. News

B. Live or Live to Tape

C. Post Production

D. Technical Director

38. Writer

A. News

B. Program

C. Short Form

D. Sports

39. Photographer

A. News

B. Program

C. Short Form

D. Sports

40. Editor

A. News

B. Program

C. Short Form

D. Sports

41. Audio

A. News

B. Program

C. Sports

42. Graphics

May include Graphics, Animation, Opening Title Sequence, Tease, Bumpers and/or Credits

A. News

B. Program

C. Sports

43. Set Design

44. Lighting

A. Studio

B. Location

45. Craft Specialty

A. Musical Composition/Arrangement

B. Choreography

C. Costume Design/Wardrobe

D. Makeup

E. Hair

46. Technical Achievement

Technical Achievement recognizes excellence in technical engineering and might include: oversight in the coverage of a special event, specific technical innovation that enhances viewer experience or a technical success story that is so unique and noteworthy as to warrant special honor and recognition. Entry should include a one-page synopsis detailing specific objectives, the challenges that were overcome and any specific engineering logistics involved in the program’s production.

Entry limited to 30 minutes.

47. Research

ADVANCED MEDIA

Recognizing Outstanding Achievement in Content for Broadband and Portable Delivery
          
Awards will be given in recognition of editorial content and video production creativity in original material created primarily for consumption on non-traditional viewing platforms such as computers, mobile phones, PDAs and similar devices. Judges will give significant weight to the entrant’s utilization of advanced media capabilities, (i.e. interactivity, and viewers’ choice of images), when determining award-worthy entries.

Examples of potential submissions may be (but not limited to) vodcasts, podcasts, webcasts, video blogs, web-site programs including journalistic reporting, event coverage or event analysis, mobisodes, video-on-demand content and any other form of material delivered over an IP network or platform like wireless, broadband or VOD.

Additional rules and procedures apply (see Standard Clauses).

PROGRAM CATEGORIES

This is NOT an award for “best website,” but may include the use of a website in a program.  The combination of these content-enhancing extensions must demonstrably engage the viewer synchronously or in a manner that is integral to the content of the associated program.  Submission must include a video presentation of the original program AND synchronous media IF the appearance and value of such is not obvious during the program.  If the judging panel can benefit by visiting a website that will be current and relevant during the judging period, provide an appropriate web address.  If the appropriate web site is not available during the judging period, the entry must include a video clip that represents its significant contribution to the interactive program. 

The entry may be accompanied by a written description of no more than 200 words explaining the enriching media experience of the interactive media effort. 

One award, more than one award, or no award is given for excellence in a specific discipline demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals.  Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally posted.

While craft entrants may submit more than one entry per craft discipline, only one of those entries may be a composite.

Entrants may submit material representing one or both of the crafts listed in each area.
     
61. Animator / Motion Graphic Designer 

62. Host / Anchor / Reporter

63. Photographer

64. Video Editor 

65. Writer / Producer