2003 AAPBA TV Rules
& Categories
1. BEST PRODUCER: Submit one newscast, which best exemplifies the role of
the TV producer. Judging will consider story selection, pacing, writing,
content, and visuals. This category rewards the best use of journalism and
visual presentation in one newscast.
2. LIVE REPORTING: One story that shows the best use of creativity and
information in a live report. The subject matter can be light feature or hard
news. Judges will look at how well the reporter combines visual presentation
with interesting information.
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. INVESTIGATIVE NEWS: Entry must be truly investigative in nature, and
it will be judged for quality of investigation and research, importance and
overall presentation of the material. No year-end summaries.
10. PHOTOGRAPHY-VIDEOGRAPHY: A single piece,
series or composite of any length. This category will be judged for overall
technical and aesthetic qualities.
11. SPORTS COVERAGE: A single piece, series or program about a sporting
event, personality, issue or feature.
12. 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.
13. ANCHOR OF THE YEAR: Submit a composite of no less than five and nor
more than 10 examples of efforts to clarify or explain a story. Entry should
include some combination of elements -- field reporting, explanatory leadin-tag copy, "big board" explainers,
telephone journalism, and live debriefs-interviews. The entry can be the work
of one anchor or a composite of no more than two anchors' efforts.
14. EDITING: A single piece or series of any length. This category will
be judged for overall technical and aesthetic qualities.
15. 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.
16. 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.