2003 AAPBA Radio
Rules & Categories
1. SERIES: Coverage of a single subject reported in unspecified number of
segments, addressing issues pertinent to the community. Entry cannot exceed 20
minutes. Written presentation is required, containing a synopsis of the series.
Entry can be an individual or team effort.
2. SPECIAL PROGRAM: Continuous in-depth coverage of a single news event
lasting up to one hour. May contain live and taped segments, interviews, and-or
listener phone calls. Program may pertain to breaking news or an issue facing
community. Each entry must be accompanied by a written synopsis.
3. SPOT NEWS: One or more reports of an unscheduled news event for which
no planning or preparation was possible. Entries in this category can include
the work of more than one person, and can have originated from more than one
location, but must have been broadcast as a single entity.
4. TEAM COVERAGE: Should be a total station effort toward news reporting.
This may include live and taped elements to comprise the total coverage. The
entry should not exceed 15 minutes, but may include sequential breaks into
programming and newscasts in the coverage of a breaking or continuing story.
5. SERIOUS FEATURE: In-depth reporting of a single subject that relates
to breaking news (sidebar reporting) or that stands alone as a serious look at
a subject not normally given depth or texture.
6. LIGHT FEATURE: A light look at a serious subject or a serious look at
a light subject. This may be intentionally comic or just a unique treatment of
the passing scene of the human condition.
7. BEST NEWSCAST: Each newscast submitted must have been broadcast on one
of the Designated Days during 2003: Jan. 29, March 20, Oct. 1, Dec. 4.
8.
9. USE OF SOUND: Entries will be judged on how the use of natural sound
added meaning, understanding and clarity to the understanding of the story by
the listener.
10. SPORTS REPORTING: Entries may consist of a single sportscast, or a
series of reports, or a special program about a sporting event, personality,
issue or feature.
11. SPORTS PLAY-BY-PLAY: Entries should consist of samples, not over five
minutes in length, of outstanding sports play-by-play.
12. NEWS WRITING: Entries MUST include tape and copies of scripts.
Entries may be up to six stories. This category will be judged for excellence
in word smithing, clarity and flair.
13. EDITORIALS: These entries should consist of either scripts or taped
radio editorials. Entries will be judged for clarity of thought, persuasiveness
and overall presentation of a particular point of view.
14. PUBLIC SERVICE: This category is for all those programs that news
people work so hard to produce, and program directors
schedule to air in the middle of the night. No time limit. No form limits. Only one program per entry. Locally
produced material only.
15. REPORTER OF THE YEAR: Submit one example each of a hard news story,
spot news story and a feature story -- all on a single tape. The entry should
demonstrate the reporter's ability to cover a story, write news copy and report
the news. Market size is not a consideration; only journalistic aptitude.
16. TALK SHOW: Stations entering this category should submit a telescoped
version of their program that contains what they think is the best part of the
show. Judges will be asked to take into account the fact that entries are
telescoped and that they be judged according to the content.
17. CONTINUING COVERAGE: Submit a tape showing continuing coverage of a
major developing story. Tape may be edited and MUST NOT exceed 20 minutes.
Voice-overs or narratives are only permitted if they were part of the original
piece that aired. The tape should include at least one complete news report. A
written presentation IS REQUIRED and should include a BRIEF synopsis of the
coverage.