Broadcast Excellence Awards

2023 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Commercial & Network Radio Categories
Please respect the time limits for each category.  Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.

1. BREAKING NEWS STORY
   A single report, or series of reports on initial coverage of a breaking or “unplanned” news event (including storm coverage), branded as “Breaking News,” under immediate deadline, and within 24 hours of the breaking news event (Extended, in-depth coverage should be submitted in the Continuing Coverage Category). Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – 20 minutes.
   Criteria: Manner in which the news organization responded, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups, and news elements uncovered.
2. COMMERCIAL
   A single commercial or series of commercials for one client. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions. Maximum length of entry - three minutes.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   Public service activities coordinated by the station or any forms of gratis community outreach which are a public service of the station to serve its local community. Entry must include a maximum 200-word explanation of the events. Stations may include video/audio reels summarizing events that are no longer than ten (10) minutes in length. Stations are limited to one entry in this category.
   Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact.
4. CONTINUING COVERAGE
   Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include an up to 30 minute composite of your best news coverage of a continuing current event. Entry may include a maximum 200-word explanation of coverage.
   Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery.
5. FEATURE PROGRAMMING
   A series of reports on a single topic which may be a public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, et.) at local and state levels. Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Production, relevancy, creativity.
6. FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM
   A single report which aired in a newscast. Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – ten minutes.
   Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of audio, video and editing medium.
7. INVESTIGATIVE STORY
   Coverage of a significant event or issue affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness, delivery.
8. MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS
   Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series. Maximum length of entry – 15 minutes.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
9. MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES 
   Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, production value.
10. UPDATED! MORNING SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM (6AM - 10AM)
    Best on-air morning broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot – ten minutes. This category is for morning shows only. Entrants will be asked to submit the time of their show in the entry system. 
    Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity.
11. NEWSCAST
    Best locally originated newscast. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
    Criteria: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
12. PLAY-BY-PLAY SPORTS                                                                                                                 
    Best locally originated play-by-play live sports coverage of 1 game. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
    Criteria: Presentation, production value.
13. REGULARLY SCHEDULED BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
    Best regularly scheduled on-air weekday or weekend broadcast personality or broadcast team. Morning show broadcast personalities or teams should enter in the #10 Morning Show category. Maximum length of spot – ten minutes.
    Criteria: Production, effectiveness, creativity.
14. SPECIAL SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
    Best on-air special broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot – ten minutes.
    Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity.
15. SPORTS
    Best locally originated sportscast or sports feature. Maximum length of entry – 15 minutes.
    Criteria: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented.
16. USE OF NEW MEDIA (Single Project)
    Stations should showcase their use of new media for one single project or story. Entries should include a use of new media, meaning communication using digital technologies. These digital technologies could include one or more of the following: use of the internet, social media, a piece of technology, mobile application, podcast, or other forms of new media. Entries must include an audio and/or visual presentation and a short explanation (500 words or less). An example of an entry would include a story featured on the stations Facebook page that is enhanced by a 360-degree photo or interactive element.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.
17. USE OF NEW MEDIA (All Encompassing)
    Stations should showcase their use of new media for multiple projects/stories or the brand of the station. Entries should include a use of new media, meaning communication using digital technologies. These digital technologies could include one or more of the following: use of the internet, social media, a piece of technology, mobile application, podcast, or other forms of new media. Entries must include an audio and/or visual presentation and a short explanation (500 words or less). An example of an entry would include how the station’s mobile application complements the Twitter and Facebook feeds by promoting their brand to the public.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence. 

2023 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Commercial & Network Television Categories
Please respect the time limits for each category.  Judges will be asked to stop watching entries at the time limit.

STATEWIDE BROADCASTING NETWORKS: Network Television categories are the same as the Commercial Television categories listed below, with the addition of the Independent Producer Category outlined in the Public Television Division.

1. BREAKING NEWS STORY
   A single report, or series of reports on initial coverage of a breaking or “unplanned” news event (including storm coverage), branded as “Breaking News,” under immediate deadline, and within 24 hours of the breaking news event (Extended, in-depth coverage should be submitted in the Continuing Coverage Category). Entry may include a maximum 200-word description. Maximum length of entry – 20 minutes.
   Criteria: Manner in which the news organization responded, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups, and news elements uncovered.
2. COMMERCIAL
   A single commercial or series of commercials for one client. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions. Maximum length of entry - three minutes.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.

3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   Public service activities coordinated by the station or any forms of gratis community outreach which are a public service of the station to serve its local community. Entry must include a maximum 200-word explanation of the events. Stations may include video/audio reels summarizing events that are no longer than ten minutes in length. Stations are limited to one entry in this category.
   Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact.
4. CONTINUING COVERAGE
   Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include an up to 30 minute composite of your best news coverage of a continuing current event. Entry may include a maximum 200-word explanation of coverage.
   Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery.
5. FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM
   A single report which aired in a newscast. Entry may include a maximum 200-word description.  Maximum length of entry – ten minutes.
   Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, effective use of audio, video and editing medium.
6. INVESTIGATIVE STORY
   Coverage of a significant event affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Significance, presentation or facts, thoroughness, and delivery.
7. MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS
   Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series. Maximum length of entry – 15 minutes.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
8. MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
   Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research and production values.
9. NEWSCAST
   Best locally originated newscast. Maximum length of entry – 30 minutes.
   Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
10. UPDATED! NEWS ANCHOR
    A compilation clip highlighting applicants news anchor abilities.  Maximum length of entry – ten minutes.  Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates.  Entrants that submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #11 News Reporter category.
    Criteria: Story approach, on-air presence, and delivery.
11. UPDATED! NEWS REPORTER
    A compilation clip of 3-5 events highlighting an in the field news reporter. Maximum length of entry – ten minutes.  Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates. Entrants that submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #10 News Anchor category. 
    Criteria: Writing, story approach, on-air presence, and delivery.
12. NEWS SPECIAL
    A single program which aired separately from a regularly scheduled newscast and is at least thirty (30) minutes in length. Maximum length of entry – 60 minutes.
    Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values.
13. PHOTOJOURNALIST
    A compilation clip of 3-5 events showing applicant’s best work. Maximum length of entry – ten minutes. Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates.
    Criteria: Creativity, continuity, and technical production.
14. SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMMING
    Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local and state levels. Maximum length of entry – 60 minutes.
    Criteria: Locally produced, presentation, production, and comprehensiveness.
15. SPORTS
    Best locally originated, sportscast or sports feature. Maximum length of entry – 15 minutes.
    Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented.
16. USE OF NEW MEDIA (Single Project)
    Stations should showcase their use of new media for one single project or story. Entries should include a use of new media, meaning communication using digital technologies. These digital technologies could include one or more of the following: use of the internet, social media, a piece of technology, mobile application, podcast, or other forms of new media. Entries must include an audio and/or visual presentation and a short explanation (500 words or less). An example of an entry would include a story featured on the stations Facebook page that is enhanced by a 360-degree photo or interactive element.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.
17. USE OF NEW MEDIA (All Encompassing)
    Stations should showcase their use of new media for multiple projects/stories or the brand of the station. Entries should include a use of new media, meaning communication using digital technologies. These digital technologies could include one or more of the following: use of the internet, social media, a piece of technology, mobile application, podcast, or other forms of new media. Entries must include an audio and/or visual presentation and a short explanation (500 words or less). An example of an entry would include how the station’s mobile application complements the Twitter and Facebook feeds by promoting their brand to the public.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.
18. WEATHERCAST
    A locally originated, regularly scheduled weather broadcast. Maximum length of entry – ten minutes.
    Criteria: Clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills and effective use of available technology to enhance audience understanding.

2023 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Public Radio Categories

Entries, including those with multiple clips, may not exceed 60 minutes in total length unless otherwise specified. Please respect the time limits for each category.  Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.

1. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   May be any public service announcement locally produced by the station, a public service activity coordinated by the station or any form of gratis community outreach which is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Submit file and any substantiating material. Entry must include an explanation of events.
   Criteria: Production, creativity, and community impact.
2. FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM
   A single report which may have aired in a newscast as relief or contrast to serious reporting or a long form program.
   Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of audio, video and editing medium.
3. HARD NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS STORY
   Coverage of a significant event effecting the community.  May be an investigative or enterprise story.
   Criteria: Significance, preservation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery.
4. MARKETING MATERIALS & PROMOS
   Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced, and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
5. MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
   A live or pre-produced pitch or spot which is engaging and moves listeners to action.
   Criteria: Should be unique, entertaining, and creative.
6. MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
   Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast.
   Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research, and production values.
7. NEW! Music Feature or Special
   A music-focused special program, feature, interview, or feature story. Entries should include programming that is not aired as part of a regular newscast or music programming block.
   Criteria: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and enrichment.
8. MUSICAL PROGRAMMING
   Best locally originated, regularly produced musical programming.
   Criteria: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and enrichment.
9. NEWSCAST
   Best locally originated newscast.
   Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast.
10. NEWS SPECIAL OR PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM
    A single, self-contained report or program which aired separately from a regularly scheduled news program and is at least 30 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production values.
11. SPECIAL INTEREST & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
    Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children's programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local and state levels.  
    Criteria: Locally produced, presentation, production, and comprehensiveness.
12. NEW! Spot News
    A report on any topic that aired during a station’s regular newscast. Maximum length of entry – two minutes.
    Criteria: Clarity, conciseness, quality of writing, and quality of sound.
13. STATION EXCELLENCE
    A 1,000-word maximum essay explaining why the station is deserving of the overall Station of the Year title.  Must include as least three testimonials or letters of support from station partners, sponsors and/or affiliates.  A station MUST enter this category to be considered for station of the year.
14. NEW! Use of Multiplatform Media, Promotional/Membership Materials
    Stations should showcase their use of digital media content for promotional materials and membership appeal. Content placement examples include, but are not limited to, Reels, Instagram posts, and TikToks. Compile content into a linear submission up to ten minutes long. Criteria to be judged – innovation, creativity, presentation. 
15. NEW! Use of Multiplatform Media, Programming Materials
    Stations should showcase their use of digital media content for programming. Content placement examples include podcasts and online-specific programming. Compile content into a linear submission up to 30 minutes in length. Option to include a one-paragraph narrative of submission. 
    Criteria to be judged – innovation, creativity, presentation.

2023 Broadcast Excellence Awards, Public Television Categories

Entries, including those with multiple clips, may not exceed 60 minutes in total length unless otherwise specified. Please respect the time limits for each category.  Judges will be asked to stop listening to entries at the time limit.

1. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   A compilation clip with 3-5 events. May be any public service announcement locally produced by the station, a public service activity coordinated by the station or any form of gratis community outreach which is a public service of the station to serve its local community. Entry must include a maximum 200-word explanation of events. Stations may include video/audio reel summarizing events that is no longer than five minutes in length. One entry will be allowed per station.
   Criteria: Production, creativity, and community impact.
2. CONTINUING COVERAGE
   Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include an up to 30 minute composite of your best coverage of a continuing current event. The entry may include a maximum 200-word explanation of coverage.
   Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery.
3. CULTURAL & PERFORMING ARTS
   A single program or series primarily featuring performances.  May include no more than three excerpts from a series.  
   Criteria: Subject portrayal, entertainment value, and effective use of audio, video and editing medium.
4. CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
   A cultural documentary or series that presents the arts or cultures of a community.  
   Criteria: Enrichment, thoroughness, production, and presentation.
5. INDEPENDENT PRODUCER
   An independently produced program or series that must have aired on the sponsoring public station. May only be entered by a Public Television Station.   
   Criteria: Presentation, production, thoroughness, and enrichment. 
6. MARKETING MATERIALS & PROMOTIONS
   Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces. Must be written, produced by your station. May be single announcement, series, or digital campaign.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
7. MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
   A live or pre-produced pitch, digital campaign, or spot which is engaging and moves listeners to action.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
8. MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES
   Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled newscast.
   Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research, and production values.
9. NEWS OR PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL
   Best locally originated news or public affairs program or series.  
   Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the program.
10. NEWS SPECIAL OR DOCUMENTARY
    A single, self-contained report or program which is a least 30 minutes in length.  
    Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value.
11. SPECIAL INTEREST
    Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children's programming, parades, etc.) at local and state levels.  
    Criteria: Presentation, production, comprehensiveness, and enrichment.
12. SPORTS, OUTDOOR OR RECREATION
    Best locally originated outdoor or recreation program, series, or live sports coverage.  
    Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented.
13. STATION EXCELLENCE
    A 1,000-word maximum essay explaining why the station is deserving of the overall Station of the Year award. Must include as least three testimonials or letters of support from station partners, sponsors and/or affiliates.  A station MUST enter this category to be considered for Station of the Year.
14. USE OF MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA, SHORT FORM
    Stations should showcase their use of short form digital media content. Content placement examples include, but are not limited to, Reels, Instagram posts, and Tik-Toks. Compile content into a single video up to ten minutes in length. Entry content must have been published on a digital platform.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.
15. USE OF MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA, LONG FORM
    Stations should showcase their use of long form digital media content. Content placement examples include podcasts and online-specific programming. Compile content into a single video more than ten minutes in length. Entry content must have been published on a digital platform.
    Criteria: Innovation, creativity, and journalistic excellence.