Broadcast Excellence Awards

2024 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 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). National or international stories must include a local/Michigan angle.
   Entries should include a series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description. 
   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.
   Entries should include a single commercial or series of commercials presented as a single compilation that is no more than 3 minutes in length. 
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   A series of actions by a station that result in a positive impact on one's community. 
   Entries should include a single compilation showcasing the station's annual community involvement that is no more than 10 minutes in length and an up to 500-word explanation of the initiatives. 
   Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact.
4. CONTINUING COVERAGE
   Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports. Entries should include a single compilation of the station's best news coverage of a continuing current event that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word explanation of coverage. 
   Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery.
5. NEW! DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
   Overall station use of social media platforms and website to connect with its audience and inform the public.
   Entries should include links to relevant social media accounts and websites and an up to 200-word description of the station's social media and website strategy.
   Criteria: Quality of updates, use of user-generated content, and use of audio and visuals.
6. FEATURE PROGRAMMING
   A single report or 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.
   Entries should include a single report or series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may include an up to 200-word description. 
   Criteria: Production, relevancy, creativity.
7. NEW! FEATURE STORY
   A single news report.
   Entries should include a single news report that is no more than 10 minutes in length and may include an up to 200-word description. 
   Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, effective use of audio and video.
8. INVESTIGATIVE STORY
   Coverage of a significant event or issue affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story.
   Entries should include a single investigative story or series of stories presented as a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length. 
   Criteria: Significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery.
9. MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES 
   A series of reports on a single topic which may be included in  regularly scheduled newscasts. 
   Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length. 
   Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value.
10. MORNING SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM (6AM - 10AM)
    Best local on-air morning broadcast personality or broadcast team. Syndicated programming is not eligible unless you are the flagship station. 
    Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
    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
    A locally originated newscast. 
    Entries should include a single newscast that is no more than 20 minutes in length. 
    Criteria: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast.
12. NEW! OTT CONTENT                                                                        
    Content produced exclusively for digital platforms, such as livestreams. Podcasts should be entered in the Podcast Series category. 
    Entries should include a single compilation of OTT content that is no more than 3 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of content. 
    Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value. 
13. PLAY-BY-PLAY SPORTS                                                                         
    Locally originated play-by-play live sports coverage of 1 game. 
    Entries should include up to 20 minutes of unedited continuous coverage of 1 game. Commercial breaks may be removed. 
    Criteria: Presentation and production value.
14. NEW! PODCAST SERIES                                                                   
    Best locally originated podcast series. 
    Entries should include a compilation of on-demand podcast content that is no more than 10 minutes in length and a link to the podcast feed that includes at least 10 episodes. Entries may also include station on-air promotion of the podcast.
    Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value. 
15. 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. 
    Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length. 
    Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity.
16. SPECIAL SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
    Best on-air special broadcast personality or broadcast team. 
    Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length. 
    Criteria: Production, effectiveness, and creativity.
17. NEW! SPORTSCAST
    Best locally originated sportscast. 
    Entries should include a single sportscast that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Presentation, production value, and interest of stories presented.
18. NEW! SPORTS FEATURE OR SERIES
    A series of reports on a single topic, or a single sports feature. 
    Entries should include a a series of reports presented as a single compilation, or a single sports feature that is no more than 10 minutes in length. 
    Criteria: Presentation, production value, and interest of stories presented.
19. NEW! STATION PROMOS
    Audio 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.
    Entries should include a single promotion or series of promotions presented as a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length. Additional supporting marketing materials welcome.
    Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.

2024 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 series of reports on initial coverage of a breaking or “unplanned” news event, 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).
   Entries should include a series of reports edited into a single compilation that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description.
   Criteria: News organization’s response, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups, and news elements uncovered.
2. COMMERCIAL
   A single commercial or series of commercials for 1 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.
   Entries should include a single commercial or series of commercials edited into a single compilation that is no more than 3 minutes in length.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
   A series of actions by a station that result in a positive impact in one’s community.
   Entries should include a single compilation showcasing the station’s annual community involvement initiatives that is no more than 10 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of the initiatives.
   Criteria: Station efforts, creativity, and community impact.
4. CONTINUING COVERAGE
   Coverage of current events over an extended number of reports.
   Entries should include a single compilation of the station’s best news coverage of a continuing current event that is no more than 20 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word explanation of coverage.
   Criteria: Presentation of facts, thoroughness, story advancement, significance, and delivery.
5. NEW! DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
   Overall station use of social media platforms and website to connect with its audience and inform the public.
   Entries should include links to relevant social media accounts and websites and an up to 200-word description of the station’s social media and website strategy.
   Criteria: Quality of updates, use of user-generated content, and use of audio and visuals.
6. NEW! FEATURE STORY
   A single report which aired in a newscast.
   Entries should include a single report that is no more than 10 minutes in length and may also include an up to 200-word description.
   Criteria: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, and effective use of audio and video.
7. INVESTIGATIVE STORY
   Coverage of a significant event or issue affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story.
   Entries should include a single investigative story or series of stories presented as a single compilation that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
   Criteria: Significance, presentation or facts, thoroughness, and 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.
   Entries should include a single promotion or series of promotions presented as a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
   Criteria: Creativity, effectiveness, and production.
9. NEW! METEOROLOGIST 
   A compilation clip highlighting the Meteorologist’s abilities. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates.  
   Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
   Criteria: Clear presentation of facts, effective use of available technology, and delivery/communication skills.  
10. NEW! NEWS SERIES
    A series of reports on a single topic which may be included in regularly scheduled newscasts.
    Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research and production values.
11. NEWSCAST
    A locally originated newscast.
    Entries should include a single newscast that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
12. NEWS ANCHOR
    A compilation clip highlighting the news anchor’s abilities. Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates. Entrants who submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #13 News Reporter category.
    Entries should include a single compilation that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Story approach, on-air presence, and delivery.
13. NEWS REPORTER
    A compilation of 3-5 events or stories highlighting an in the field news reporter, no montages will be accepted. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates. Entrants who submit in this category are not eligible to submit an entry in the #12 News Anchor category.
    Entries should include a single compilation of 3-5 events or stories that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Writing, story approach, on-air presence, and delivery.
14. NEWS SPECIAL
    A single program or documentary which aired separately from a regularly scheduled newscast.
    Entries should include a single program that is no more than 60 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values.
15. NEW! OTT CONTENT
    Content produced exclusively for digital platforms, such as livestreams or podcasts.
    Entries should include a compilation of OTT content edited into a single video that is no more than 30 minutes in length and an up to 200-word explanation of content.
    Criteria: Creativity, innovation, and production value.
16. PHOTOJOURNALIST
    A compilation of 3-5 events or stories showing the photojournalist’s best work, no montages will be accepted. Each station is allowed to enter up to 5 candidates.
    Entries should include a single compilation of 3-5 events or stories that is no more than 10 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Creativity, continuity, and technical production.
17. SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMMING
    A full 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 or state levels.
    Entries should include a full public affairs program that is no more than 60 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Locally produced, presentation, production, and comprehensiveness.
18. NEW! SPORTS FEATURE OR SERIES
    A series of reports on a single sports topic or a single sports feature.
    Entries should include a series of reports presented as a single compilation or a single sports feature that is no more than 15 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented.
19. NEW! SPORTSAST
    Best locally originated sportscast.
    Entries should include a single sportscast that is no more than 15 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Presentation, production values, and interest of stories presented.
20. WEATHERCAST
    A locally originated regularly scheduled weather broadcast or breaking weather event.
    Entries should include a full weather broadcast or compilation of weather reports from one breaking weather event that is no more than 20 minutes in length.
    Criteria: Clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills, and effective use of available technology.

2024 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

2024 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.