22nd annual
UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL
EMMY® AWARDS
2021
Regional EMMY® NOMINATIONS
Friday, September 10th
Regional EMMY® AWARDS
Ceremony
Saturday, October 9th
Early Bird Entries Open
Tuesday, June 1st
Early Bird Entry Deadline
Friday, June 11th
ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 25th
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD
Entries originally broadcast or distributed
within the Awards Year from
June 1st, 2020 — May 31st, 2021
22nd annual
UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL
EMMY® AWARDS
2021
Regional EMMY® NOMINATIONS
Friday, September 10th
Regional EMMY® AWARDS
Saturday, October 9th
Early Bird Entries Open
Tuesday, June 1st
Early Bird Entry Deadline
Friday, June 11th
ENTrY DEADLINE
Friday, June 25th
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD
Entries originally broadcast or distributed
within the Awards Year from
June 1, 2020 — May 31, 2021
22nd annual
UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL
EMMY® AWARDS
2021
Regional EMMY® NOMINATIONS
Friday, September 10th
Regional EMMY® AWARDS
Saturday, October 9th
Early Bird Entries Open
Tuesday, June 1st
Early Bird Entry Deadline
Friday, June 11th
ENTrY DEADLINE
Friday, June 25th
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD
Entries originally broadcast or distributed
within the Awards Year from
June 1, 2020 — May 31, 2021
CALL FOR ENTRIES
MEMBERSHIP
Twin City Market
$ 70
All Other Markets
$ 35
Members get:
· Discounts on entries, Gala RSVPs and award orders.
· Member rate entry fees applied to entries where all entrants listed are members.
Stations / Companies can renew or create new memberships for multiple people at one time.
Contact info@midwestemmys.org for details.
JUDGING
Members or anyone listed on 2020 entries are required to judge two (2) panels to qualify for judging discounts during 2021 Emmy® season.
$50 Entry discount
Main entrants get $50 discount per entry once judging requirements are complete.
Judging eligibility dates
July 1st, 2020 — June 30th, 2021
EMMY® Categories
New Numbering System
Contact US
2021 Upper Midwest
EMMY® AWARDS
— CEREMONY —
Saturday, October 9th
Radisson Blu Mall of America
Bloomington, MN
Eligibility Area
All broadcast, cable, broadband, cable/community/government access and video content providers (not close circuit or venue specific) located within the following Designated Market Areas (DMAs):
· Minneapolis — St. Paul
· Des Moines — Ames
· Cedar Rapids — Waterloo — Iowa City — Dubuque
· Sioux Falls (Mitchell)
· Fargo — Valley City
· La Crosse — Eau Claire
· Duluth — Superior
· Sioux City
· Rochester — Mason City — Austin
· Minot — Bismarck — Dickinson
· Rapid City
· Mankato
Upper Midwest Chapter Note:
New Media entries must be intended for consumption and be of interest to this regional audience.
ENTRY Rates
HintS
· Start or renew your membership BEFORE you enter to take advantage of member discount!
· Entrants who have completed judging requirements receive $50 discount on entries.
EARLY BIRD RATES
June 1, 2021 — June 11, 2021
MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
CATEGORY 101 (Overall Excellence)
ALL MarketS
$ 200
$ 200
CATEGORIES 102 — 309
Twin City Market
$ 130
$ 280
OTHER MARKETS
$ 120
$ 270
CATEGORIES 401 — 706
Twin City Market
$ 120
$ 270
OTHER MARKETS
$ 110
$ 260
CATEGORIES 801 — 825 (Craft categories)
Twin City Market
$ 110
$ 260
OTHER MARKETS
$ 100
$ 250
Regular RATES
June 12, 2021 — June 25, 2021
MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
CATEGORY 101 (Overall Excellence)
ALL MarketS
$ 350
$ 350
CATEGORIES 102 — 309
Twin City Market
$ 155
$ 305
OTHER MARKETS
$ 145
$ 295
CATEGORIES 401 — 706
Twin City Market
$ 135
$ 285
OTHER MARKETS
$ 125
$ 275
CATEGORIES 801 — 825 (Craft categories)
Twin City Market
$ 125
$ 275
OTHER MARKETS
$ 115
$ 265
Reminders
EARLY BIRD Rates
Early Bird entries must be complete with video upload by deadline to retain discount.
Changes to early bird entries after deadline will incur additional charges to reflect regular entry rate.
ADDING Names to entries
Forgot someone after entry deadline? You may request to add a name to your submitted entry prior to August 1st, 2021 for a $50 fee per-name.
To add a name after nominations and up to September 20th, 2021 a written application is required and the fee is $100 per-name.
Any names requested to be added to member-rate entries must be members for entry to retain member rate.
Absolutely no names can be added to entries once Emmy® Awards are announced.
Payment
Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted.
Payments due at the time of submission.
Checks
Company check payments are due by July 31st, 2021.
Make checks payable to:
NATAS-Upper Midwest Chapter
7319 Hunters Run
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
CATEGORY VIABILITY RULE
If the Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards Committee deems a category non-viable due to insufficient number of entries, the category may be canceled or merged with another similar category. If a category is merged, Submitters will be notified and given a choice of withdrawing the entry and having the fee refunded, or, leaving the entry to be judged in the merged category.
We encourage you to thoroughly read through the rules and category descriptions this year. If you’ve participated in the past, a lot may seem familiar but there are a number of changes that could impact your submissions. Don’t risk having your entry disqualified because you didn’t read the rules!
THE REGIONAL EMMY® AWARDS
Regional Emmy® statuettes are awarded in all professional categories. For those not eligible for statuettes, Production Plaques and/or Certificates may be purchased from the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter office for those who have participated in a Regional Emmy® entry.
One statuette is presented to the main entrant for each winning entry. Additional statuettes may only be purchased by individuals who made a significant contribution to the entry and are named on the entry.
Statuette cost: $275/members & $375/non-members.
Categories which receive fewer than 5 entries may, at the discretion of the Awards Committee, be merged with the most closely related category for the purpose of judging and awards.
QUICK TIPS
You are responsible for the accuracy and correct spelling of all information submitted on entry form.
Changes / Corrections after the entry deadline will incur a $25 reprocessing fee.
Please proofread the email confirmation of entry details. Ask other entrants listed to read it as well.
Please follow the Chapter’s rules for uploading entry submissions; along with detailed instructions on how to be certified to be a peer judge, and the individual requirements needed for judging assignments.
1. BECOME A MEMBER
Renew your membership (or become a member if you’re not already). This will enable you to receive the lower “member” entry fee and it will save money overall. If you’ve been a member in the past, please renew rather than submit a new membership form; just follow the links on the membership page for passwords or call the office for your password/membership ID.
Can you enter without becoming a member?
Yes, certainly, but the rates are higher. If you enter as a non-member, all your entries will be at the non-member price.
2. FILL OUT YOUR ENTRY
Fill out and submit the online entry form for your entry. Be sure to list all eligible names for the entrants. Pay for the entry at this time. You’ll receive an email confirmation of your entry, with the Entry ID Number on the form.
3. UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO
Uploading on Emmy® Express is as easy as uploading a video on YouTube! After you upload, you will be able to watch the uploaded video on Emmy® Express and approve it for submission.
VIDEO FORMATS
PREFERRED FILE FORMAT
MP4 USING H.264 VIDEO CODEC AND AAC AUDIO CODEC
For best quality, encode your video at its original size.
Sizes 1920×1080 or 1280×720 are recommended.
Your video should be at least 720p.
Entrants are responsible for the technical quality of their videos.
SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
The system supports nearly any format other than DRM-encrypted media.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
For more detailed information regarding acceptable video formats, encoding and other settings, visit:
JW Player upload guidelines.
UNSUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
·Quicktime (MOV) files that use the Apple Intermediate Codec (used in Final Cut Pro)
· DRM protected files from Microsoft (WMV) or the iTunes Store (M4V, MOV)
· WMV videos using the MSS2 video codec (for screencasting).
VIDEO UPLOAD STEP BY STEP
PREPARING YOUR UPLOAD
Ensure that you have a video file in a format that can be uploaded.
· Videos must be uploaded through Emmy® Express.
· The browser window must remain open while the file is being uploaded.
SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
Once the file has been uploaded, processing will begin.
· If you don’t want to wait, you may close the browser window. The video will be processed in the background.
· NOTE: If you close the browser window, you must come back to approve the video upload.
APPROVAL
After upload and processing, you must double check the video and approve the upload.
· If you close the browser window during processing, you must come back later to approve it.
News Single Shift
Stories shot, edited and aired in a single shift – a day turn.
News No Time Limit
News No Time Limit refers to the time spent producing the story not the length of the story itself. These categories are for stories you worked on over several days or longer than a Single Shift.
Short Form Content
Non-news material that runs up to ten minutes in length – material that used to be entered in the Program Feature or Segment categories or short stand-alone content.
Long Form Content
Non-news material longer than 10 minutes, including traditional 30 and 60-minute programs.
News Content
Journalistic material from news departments at TV stations, newspapers, and online news reporting organizations.
(While News Content is generally not permitted in the Short and Long Form Content categories, shows and specials produced by news organizations should be entered in an appropriate Long Form Content category.).
Upper Midwest Regional EMMY® Awards
Contest Rules
To recognize outstanding achievements in television and allied media by conferring annual awards of merit in the Chapter’s designated award region which includes the following Designated Market Areas (DMAs): Minneapolis-St. Paul, Des Moines-Ames, Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque, Sioux Falls (Mitchell), Fargo-Valley City, La Crosse-Eau Claire, Duluth-Superior, Sioux City, Rochester-Mason City-Austin, Minot-Bismarck-Dickinson, Rapid City, Mankato. The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in the television and digital media industry and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news, informational programming and craft achievements in television and online.
Membership in The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is not required to enter the Emmy® Awards. Entrants must have each performed a significant and hands-on role in the production.
Eligibility is determined by role rather than an individual’s job title. Managers, News Directors, clients and supervisory personnel are typically not considered eligible but may petition to be included if they actively participated and their work significantly contributed to the content being submitted.
Entrants, producers, management or designated representatives may submit an entry on behalf of another individual. In that case, the submitter is responsible for confirming the entrant’s knowledge of and adherence to all eligibility rules and that they have given their consent to the content submitted. Also, submitters are strongly encouraged to reach out to all key contributors on the entry, to make them aware that their work is being submitted and to allow them the opportunity to add their name.
Students are not considered peer professionals and as such, their regional student productions are not eligible for Emmy® award recognition. If material is produced as part of a class for which school credit is received, the material is considered to be the work of a student. If a student works on a project submitted for Emmy® consideration by a professional, and is included on the entry for that project, they cannot enter as a student, but instead must pay the appropriate professional entry fees. Student award recipients or their institutions from any NATAS Chapter’s high school or college competitions may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion for their recognition.
To be eligible, original entries must have been transmitted to the general public by a television station, a cable company, satellite, the Internet or other digital delivery medium. Eligibility is limited to digital and telecast/cablecast programming that was originally produced and intended for the Chapter’s regional or local audience during the Chapter’s eligibility year.
Broadcast and cablecast entries must have been produced and intended for a regional or local audience, within the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter’s designated awards area, and must have had their first transmission in that awards area during the eligibility period. Entries produced and intended for a wider audience (a national audience) should be submitted for consideration in NATAS’ national awards.
Video content distributed via the Internet must have been produced and intended for a regional or local audience within the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter’s designated awards area. Internet content intended for a wider audience (a national audience) should be submitted for consideration in NATAS’ national awards.
Additional eligibility clarification notes:
- Local station news coverage that may receive national exposure should be submitted to regional Emmy® Award competitions.
- A documentary film that has a limited theatrical release at film festivals (showing on 50 or fewer screens in the U.S. over a one-year period) before telecast or being made available online is eligible provided the program content is produced and intended for the regional or local audience. Documentary films with a theatrical debut more than one year prior to its television or streaming debut will not be eligible.
- Local content that later receives national distribution may be submitted to either a Regional or a National Awards Competition, but not both.
- Materials provided by a news service, cooperative news association or similar source must be treated as previously produced material unless it was originally intended for first release in the regional awards eligibility area to which it was submitted with on-site supervision by the entrant.
- Local segments that are eligible to participate as entries in National Emmy® Award competitions (i.e. News & Doc) may compete in both regional and national awards competitions under prevailing rules.
At least two-thirds of an entry must consist of original material, unless previously produced material has been given some unique and creative treatment that, in the opinion of the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter Awards Committee, results in new, original content.
Materials provided by a news service, cooperative news association or similar source must be treated as previously produced material, unless originally intended for first release in the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter’s regional awards eligibility area to which it was submitted with on-site supervision by the entrant.
The interpretation of the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter Awards Committee is final and absolute. Entries must be submitted as originally shown. There may not be any post-broadcast changes except as noted in the category descriptions.
The following programming is not eligible:
- Pornographic, violent, defamatory or offensive content.
- Previously aired programs, series or related craft content which aired and met eligibility requirements during a previous award year or another Emmy® competition.
- Program length commercials or infomercials.
- Closed circuit content or internal communications.
- Content from telethons, pledge breaks and/or programs with a unique call to action aired for the purposes of raising money for political parties, charities or other related causes.
- Motion picture content that premiered in general release to the public in theaters.
- Compilation reels, “clip shows” or “best of…” programs that were edited from original content.
- Any acquired foreign productions not originated in the United States.
In order to sustain a high level of award excellence, Chapters must continue to self-regulate their entries, making sure only the appropriate individuals are recognized. To maintain this consistency, there is a maximum quota of 12 eligible names allowed on each entry. Any name(s) added beyond this number will require written authorization from the primary responsible entrant detailing the additional job title and responsibility. The Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter awards rules committee would then have the option of accepting these additional entrants or not.
In the event that Administration and the Awards Committee deem a category non-viable due to insufficient number of entries, the category may be canceled or merged with another similar category. If a category is merged, entrants would have the option of dropping out of the competition and receiving a refund of their entry fees.
An excerpt is defined as a continuous segment or section from longer content.
Unless noted in the category description, no more than three (3) excerpts may be used to bring longer content to the specified category time limit.
For entries representing a program series, content must be included from multiple episodes of the series. A maximum of three (3) representative excerpts is permitted. One to two seconds of black, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate excerpts.
If the awards committee determines the content of any excerpt is ineligible, the entire entry will be ruled ineligible.
Removal of a commercial/interstitial/bumpers break between segments does not constitute a separate excerpt.
A composite is defined as a sampling of a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) representative segments or examples of work that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents within the specified craft category.
The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted in the category description, are to be “as aired” with no post-distribution changes, such as additional edits, music or special effects. Composites may include stories or segments in their entirety and/or excerpts from longer content.
One to two seconds of black between cuts, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate segments within the composite.
DEMO REELS OR MONTAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED.
When an entry’s content allows for a choice of category placement, the producer has the discretion to enter the material in the most appropriate content category in addition to any craft achievement categories where it is eligible.
However, certain rules must also be considered and followed.:
- No entry may be submitted to more than one Emmy® awards competition (Regional or National).
*Exception: Regional Emmy® recipients in the Breaking News and Investigative Report categories are eligible for submission to the National News & Documentary competition under prevailing rules. - Different episodes from the same program or series can only be entered in one Emmy® Awards competition.
- Entrants are not allowed to separate content from individual craft achievement and submit in multiple Emmy® Awards competitions.
- If the Chapter deems content ineligible, craft submissions related to that content would also be ineligible.
- The first distribution of the entry is the primary determination of eligibility.
The Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter rules committee reserves the right to disqualify outright or move any entry to a different entry category if in its judgment such action is warranted. Entries will not be accepted if no applicable category is found.
Upper Midwest Chapter Note: There are NO REFUNDS for disqualified entries.
No entry may be submitted in its entirety in more than one content category. No entrant may be recognized more than once for performing the same job function for the same content.
Exceptions are given for content that was part of a full newscast, or included as an excerpt in the Overall Excellence, News Excellence and Community Service categories. To be eligible for this exception in the newscast categories, the same entrant cannot be listed on the newscast entry and another entry.
Example:
An investigative reporter is listed on a newscast entry. Under this double-dipping rule, a portion of the newscast content could be entered in Investigative Report, but the same reporter cannot be listed as a reporter since their name already appeared on the newscast entry in that specified role.
If you enter a full program or episode from a series in a content category, you cannot also enter a segment from the same show in another content category.
Content produced as both a multi-part series and a full-length program may be entered only once, regardless of the amount of new material added.
Example:
An investigative team does a three-part series within a newscast on gun control. Once the three parts have aired, and the same material re-purposed as a news or program special, the team would need to decide if they should enter the original series or the special, not both.
For Branded Franchise series, you may choose to submit up to five (5) representative segments from the series as a single entry in the appropriate category. If you enter the Branded Franchise as a series, you cannot also enter a segment from the same Franchise in another content category. However, if you do not submit the franchise as a series entry, you may submit individual segments in the appropriate categories.
Example:
Your franchise is “This Week’s Health Advice.” The specific subject matter varies from week to week with topics such as Heart Health Awareness, Mary’s Battle with Lupus, Dietary Tips, The Best Yoga Studios in Springfield. You may submit each segment separately as individual entries based on the subject matter. Alternatively, you may submit all 5 segments in the Health category as a single entry representing the franchise. However, if you submit the franchise as a single entry, you may not submit any individual segments from the franchise elsewhere.
A single or multi episode full-length program, or a multi-part news series, all on the same subject, may only be entered in one content category. If the subject matter varies, different episodes from the same overall program series can be entered in other program categories as appropriate based on content. This exception does not apply to individual stories from a news series.
Example:
Your entry is a four-part series, Saving the Bay. Part one of the series is entered in the Informational/Instructional category. Part three cannot be entered in the Environment category.
Your program is called Community Weekly, an on-going weekly series. Though it is basically a Public Affairs series, episode 204 may be about music, episode 216 about sports, while other episodes are more generic. Under our rules, episode 204 could be entered in an Entertainment category, while episode 216 could be entered in Sports. Other episodes from the series could be entered in Public Affairs.
In situations where craft persons, like writers, photographers, editors, etc., served in multiple roles that significantly impacted the final product, they may be listed on content categories and/or craft achievement categories provided they don’t violate double-dipping guidelines.
Example:
If a craft person is a writer/photographer on a documentary, they could enter the documentary in a program category listing themselves as only the writer. They could also enter the documentary (or a portion of it) in the photographer craft category, listing themselves as photographer only.
If they are not an entrant on the program entry, they could enter the writer and/or photographer craft categories, using the same material since they performed different job functions.
If they list themselves as both writer and photographer on the program entry, they are ineligible to enter either the writer or photographer craft categories.
They cannot enter either craft category using the dual job title since one craft category is only for writer and the other only for photographer.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of those individuals or entities submitting entries pursuant to this notice. All submitting entities and/or individuals are advised to review submissions with respect to correct name credits and other information. NATAS shall accept all submissions that are not in conflict with any of its rules and regulations.
Once the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter’s award nominations are announced, there is a 10 calendar day grace period in which names, under extreme, special circumstances, can be added to a nominated entry. These requests should be authorized in writing to the Chapter from the person who submitted the entry or one entry nominees requesting this addition and detailing why this request should be granted. An individual may petition the Chapter directly if the situation warrants. The Chapter’s Awards Committee will make the final decision and ruling.
Once the Emmy® awards ceremony has concluded, NO individual names can be added to an awarded entry as an additional recipient, under any circumstances.
The entrant warrants that they are the party most responsible for the award-worthiness of the entry. The intentional falsification of production credits or entry credits will result in disqualification.
Attempts to adjust show titles, airdates and/or descriptions of content in order to submit to multiple chapters or multiple categories, regardless of the circumstances, is prohibited.
Ineligible entries may be disqualified during any phase of the competition.
Upper Midwest Chapter Note: There are NO REFUNDS for disqualified entries.
Each entrant agrees that any form of analog and/or digital recording, whether it be film, tape recording, screenshot or supplemental printed material that is furnished to NATAS in connection with an entry may be retained by NATAS for file, reference and archival purposes and may be viewed partially or in its entirety for judging purposes. All of, or portions of, said content may be used on or in connection with the awards ceremony, any broadcast/telecast and other exhibition, including internet; as well as with promotional announcements or activities for any of the foregoing. If required, the entrant is further responsible for approval and clearances to the appropriate parties for any use of this copyright content.
Judging panels should be made up of no fewer than 6 qualified judges who shall be certified as peer judges, with no more than 3 of those judges from the same station or company. Whenever possible, it is preferred that the judging coordinator secure at least 8 qualified individuals to serve on a judging panel. Judges may not have a conflict of interest, which is described as having a direct involvement in the production of an entry, or having a personal relationship with a member of the production staff of an entry. Group ownership, by itself, does not necessarily create a conflict of interest.
Entries are judged against a standard of excellence on their own merit and do not compete against each other. Craft entries are evaluated using a 1-10 scale each for Creativity and Execution. All other entries are scored using a 1-10 scale each for Content, Creativity and Execution. There may be one award, more than one award or no award given in each category. Any exceptions will be noted in the category description.
The success of the Emmy® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Peers in other NATAS Chapters are judging our Chapter’s entries. Our Chapter will judge other Chapters’ entries.
By entering, you agree to serve as a judge when asked.
In order to maintain fair, consistent peer judging without influence, judges must not disclose how they voted. If they ignore or abuse this privilege, their ballot will be disqualified and/or their judging status eliminated.
Producers, craft persons and other eligible entrants as listed on the entry form receive the Emmy® statuette.
Eligible entrants must have significant, creative, and hands-on involvement in the actual production of the video that is submitted. Roles peripheral to the actual video production (proposal/grant writing, research, fundraising, general supervision, etc.) are not substantial enough to be considered in this competition.
Executive Producers and management personnel (such as News Directors) are not eligible for Emmy® statuettes unless directly involved in the hands-on production of the work submitted. Those who serve in a managerial or supervisory role only should not be listed on the entry. To be considered, Executive Producers, General Managers, News Directors or other management personnel must have directly participated in the execution of the video. In such cases, a written request outlining the person’s involvement should be submitted via email to the Chapter’s awards committee for approval. Note: General Managers are statuette eligible for the Overall Excellence category. News Directors are statuette eligible for the News Excellence category.
In the Craft Achievement categories, those who actually perform a specific discipline receive the Emmy® statuette. Supervising or directing the work of others does not qualify except for achievements in directing categories.
Emmy® Awards are presented to individuals, not to their employers. It is the individual entrant’s achievement that is being judged and recognized, even if an employer pays entry fees.
Others who work on a nominated or recognized entry may order contributor certificates or plaques. Individuals who did not receive a statuette, but were eligible for production certificates and/or plaques are not considered Emmy® recipients.
As a courtesy, stations, studios, production companies and other Chapter-approved organizations may order a commemorative statuette for public display at their place of business. The statuette is engraved the same as the original Emmy® Award, with the word “commemorative” added. Neither the organization’s name nor any other special wording may be engraved in place of where the individual’s name and position would usually appear. Commemorative Emmy® statuettes cannot be ordered for individuals.
All publicity, advertising or any written reference undertaken by nominees and award recipients to the Emmy® Awards, must clearly state that the awarded achievement is for a Regional Emmy® Award. The word “Regional” must appear in these instances. The recipient of a nomination or an Emmy® Award may refer in advertising and publicity to the fact that they have been honored only for one year after the recognition was bestowed. They may use a replica of the Emmy® statuette in such advertising. Individuals who significantly contributed to the production or craft but were not honored with a statuette cannot specifically advertise they are an Emmy® award recipient. They can only state they worked on the recognized program.
The Emmy® statuette is the property of and all rights are reserved by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Television Academy). The Emmy® statuette may not be reproduced or used in any commercial manner unless otherwise permitted by NATAS, it being understood that possession of the same is solely for the benefit of the recipient and the recipient’s heirs or successors in interest. If a recipient or the recipient’s heir or successor in interest proposes to sell, loan, donate or otherwise dispose of the Emmy® statuette, such persons shall be obligated to return the statuette to The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences which will retain the same in storage in memory of the recipient.
A ® registration mark and the appropriate copyright notice: © NATAS/Television Academy must accompany any portrayal of the Emmy® statuette or moniker.
EMMY® CATEGORIES
#100 SERIES
· Overall Excellence
· News Excellence
· Community Service
· Interactive Media
#200 SERIES
· Newscast — Daytime
Markets (1 — 75)
Markets (76 — 120)
Markets (121+)
· Newscast — Evening
Markets (1 — 75)
Markets (76 — 120)
Markets (121+)
#300 SERIES
· Daily News Report
Single Shift
· Hard News Report
No Time Limit
· Breaking News
· Continuing Coverage
· Investigative
Single Report
Multiple Reports
· News Feature
Light Feature
Serious Feature
· News Special
#400 SERIES
· Arts/Entertainment
News
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Business/Consumer
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Crime
News (Single Shift)
News (No Time Limit)
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Education/Schools
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Children/Youth/Teen
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Science/Environment
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Health/Medical
News (Single Shift)
News (No Time Limit)
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Historical/Cultural/Nostalgic
News
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Lifestyle
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Military
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Politics/Government
News (Single Shift)
News (No Time Limit)
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Weather
News
Short Form or Long Form Content
#500 SERIES
· Sports Story
News (Single Shift)
News (No Time Limit)
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Sports Program
Live
Post-Produced or Edited
· Sports
One-Time Special
· Live Sporting Event/Game
Single Game
Series
#600 SERIES
· Documentary
Cultural
Historical
Topical
· Magazine Program
· Public Affairs Program
· Special Event Coverage
· Entertainment
Short Form Content
Long Form Content
· Informational/Instructional
· Interview/Discussion
#700 SERIES
· Public Service Announcement
· News Promotion
Topical (Single spot or campaign)
Image (Single spot or campaign)
· Program/Image Promotion
(Single spot)
· Sports Promotion
· Commercial
#800 SERIES
· Anchor
News
Weather
Sports
· Reporter
Live or Daily News
· Program Host/Moderator
· Sports Play-by-Play/Analyst
· Live News Producer
· Live Sports Producer
· Writer
News
Content
Spot Announcement
· Graphic Arts
Motion Graphics
Visual Effects / Compositing
· Director
Newscast
Live or Recorded Live
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Editor
News
Sports
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Photographer
News
Sports
Short Form or Long Form Content
· Video Essay
· Video Journalist
Single Shift
No Time Limit
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
SINGLE RECIPIENT
One award, more than one award or no award is given
only to the primary recipient listed on each category. Others who may have
contributed to the content and execution of the material presented in the entry may
purchase plaques to commemorate their participation.
Awarded to the President/General Manager only for excellence in the
overall operations of a television station, news/sports cable system or online media
outlet, during the eligibility period. Entry should reflect the organization’s overall local
product including any news & sports coverage, other locally produced programs,
promotional announcements, on-air examples of events hosted by the organization and
involvement in the community, and any further evidence of excellence. Entry should
emphasize the quality, breadth and efficacy of the organization’s operations, stressing
substance rather than style, and exhibit performance in sustaining excellence throughout
the eligibility year. Exempt from the excerpt and composite limits, but the entry must be
comprised only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production,
montages, music or special effects may be added. This is not intended to be a “buzz” or
demo reel. Entry should include a one-page, written synopsis of the organization’s
operation, product, accomplishments and achievements.
Note: This category is exempt from
double-dipping rules.
Awarded to the News Director only for excellence in the overall news
operation during the eligibility period. Entry should present as many different examples
as possible, including, but not limited to: enterprise in general assignment reporting,
breaking news coverage, specialty and beat reporting, series, documentaries, continuing
coverage of community issues, editorials/commentaries, etc. Entry should emphasize the
quality, breadth and efficacy of a news operation, stressing substance rather than style,
and exhibit the news department’s performance in sustaining excellence throughout the
year. Exempt from the excerpt and composite limits, but the entry must be comprised
only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production, montages, music or
special effects may be added. This is not intended to be a “buzz” or demo reel. Entry
should include a one-page, written synopsis.
Note: This category is exempt from
double-dipping rules.
Awarded to the individual most responsible for excellence in
programming; whether news or non-news, involving the entire company in a continuing
effort to focus interest on and marshal support for a worthy community cause or causes.
Entry should emphasize the depth, breadth, duration and efficacy of the efforts and must
be comprised only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production,
montages, music or special effects may be added. Composite entries are allowed, but
entry is exempt from the excerpt and composite limits. Entry should include a one-page,
written synopsis.
Note: This category is exempt from
double-dipping rules.
MULTIPLE RECIPIENTS
One award, more than one award or no award is given
to those person(s) directly responsible for the content and execution of the material
presented in the entry.
For excellence in multimedia/trans-media content that stands alone as original
regional programming and uses digital platforms, like the web, mobile phones, tablets,
smart TVs, etc., to extend or enhance the viewing experience, involvement and
engagement beyond a linear television or video experience. Components may include
tools, cross-platform environments or activities that unlock content, provide access to
information, back-story or user-generated narratives, facilitate individual or collective
participants and social collaboration. Content must have originated during the Chapter’s
eligibility year. Submission to include a video (no promotional, marketing, sales or sizzle
reels), that explains and focuses on key features and user experiences, along with the
active URL or link to the webpage for judges to view.
Note: This category is not
exempt from double-dipping rules.
NEWS CONTENT
News content categories are intended for journalistic material produced by news departments within television stations, newspapers or online news reporting entities. Producers should be the primary entrants for these categories. Qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness. Submitters who created work as part of media pool coverage can only enter their material once and must clearly identify their contributions on the entry.
NEWSCASTS
For excellence in a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of commercials. For newscasts that exceed the 30 minute category time limit entrant may submit up to 3 excerpts.
CHAPTER NOTE: Executive Producers and management personnel (such as News Directors) are not eligible for Emmy® statuettes unless directly involved in the hands-on production of the work submitted. Those who serve in a managerial or supervisory role only should not be listed on the entry.
Chapter Note: Open to content from any
day of the week.
Chapter Note: Open to content from any
day of the week.
NEWS GATHERING
For excellence in coverage of a single news story or topic which is shot, edited
and aired within one work shift. Entry may include live and/or recorded elements and
online video content. Topic covered must not be considered a news investigative report
or news specialty report.
Note: This is the basic news reporting
done day-in and day-out by a news department. Entries in this category typically evolve
out of the daily planning of a newscast or other news distribution product.
For excellence in coverage of a single hard news story or topic which has No
Time Limit for its preparation. Entry may include live and/or recorded elements and online
video content. Topic covered must not be considered a news investigative report or news
specialty report.
Note: This is the basic news reporting
done day-in and day-out by a news department. Entries in this category typically evolve
out of the daily planning of a newscast or other news distribution product.
For excellence in coverage of a single unanticipated news event. Entry should
convey a sense of immediacy in the coverage of an unfolding event. Entry may be a
single report or a composite of at least two (2) reports on the same topic - as they were
originally broadcast or streamed. Exempt from composite and excerpt limit rules. Entry
may include live or taped elements and online video content.
Note: Regional recipients in this
category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National
News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News
Story – Breaking News.
For excellence in coverage of a single, evolving news topic through an
extended number of reports distributed over a time period exceeding 24 hours. Entries
will be judged in part on story advancement. Entry should be a composite of at least two
(2) reports as they were originally broadcast or streamed. Exempt from composite and
excerpt limit rules.
Note: Continuing coverage entries
typically consist of an establishing report followed up by additional reports that show
how the story has evolved and changed with new revelations or sidebar stories over a
longer period of time, such as days, weeks or months.
For excellence in a single report focused on a community problem requiring
research and investigative journalism. Entry will be judged on the quality and extent of
research, the presentation and the impact of the reporting, which may include new
legislation, policies, government or legal investigations, public outcry, etc. Entry must
include written documentation in the synopsis section of the online entry form.
Note: Regional recipients in this
category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National
News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News
Story Investigative Report.
For excellence in a series of reports covering one investigation focused on a
specific community problem requiring research and investigative journalism. Entry will be
judged on the quality and extent of research, the presentation and the impact of the
reporting, which may include new legislation, policies, government or legal
investigations, public outcry, etc. Entry must include written documentation in the
synopsis section of the online entry form and a minimum of two (2) reports.
Note: Regional recipients in this
category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National
News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News
Story Investigative Report.
307
News Feature
Light Feature
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
308
News Feature
Serious Feature
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in reporting of feature news stories or topics. Features are
generally defined as stories that have a personal, emotional or creative slant and include
elements that go beyond the scope of straight factual information found in a hard news
story. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports. Multiple Report entries may
include either several reports on the same feature topic, or several reports from an
ongoing branded feature news series and must include a minimum of two (2) and no
more than five (5) reports.
For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, significant, newsworthy event,
occasion or topic. Subject should be an in-depth treatment of a current topic.
SPECIALTY CONTENT
Producers should be the primary entrants for Specialty Content categories. Qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness.
News content is only eligible in the appropriate News subcategories.
CHAPTER NOTE: Content Categories replace former Program entries
Short Form Content
Video production that is no more than 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program Feature or Segment categories or sub-categories, as well as online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
Long Form Content
Video production that exceeds 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program categories or sub-categories, as well as longer segment or feature categories or sub-categories and online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
News Content
News Content is journalistic material from news departments at TV stations, newspapers, and online news reporting organizations.
(While News Content is generally not permitted in the Short and Long Form Content categories, shows and specials produced by news organizations should be entered in an appropriate Long Form Content category.)
For single News and Short Form Content entries, the original video and submission length must not exceed 10 minutes.
For Long Form Content entries, the original video must be longer than 10 minutes. Submission length may not exceed 30 minutes. No more than three (3) excerpts may be used to bring longer content to the 30-minute time limit. Excerpts must be presented in original, chronological order.
Series entries are eligible and must include a minimum of two (2) but no more than five (5) separate segments from the series. Total submission time limit for News and Short Form Content series entries may not exceed 15 minutes. Long Form Content series entries may not exceed 30 minutes.
Submitters who created work as part of media pool coverage can only enter their material once and must clearly identify their contributions on the entry.
401
Arts/Entertainment
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of general entertainment,
variety or visual and performing arts. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
For excellence in content about general entertainment, variety or visual and
performing arts.
404
Business/Consumer
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of business, finance, consumer
affairs or economic topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
405
Business/Consumer
Short Form or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about business, finance, consumer affairs or
economic topics.
406
Crime
News (Single Shift)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
407
Crime
News (No Time Limit)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of crime, violations of the law or
criminal justice related topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
For excellence in content about crime, violations of the law or criminal justice
related topics.
410
Education/Schools
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of schools, teaching or
education related topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
411
Education/Schools
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about schools, teaching or education related topics.
412
Children/Youth/Teen
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage that is of interest and value to a
target audience through 19 years of age. Entries may be a single report or multiple
reports.
413
Children/Youth/Teen
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content that is of interest and value to a target audience
through 19 years of age.
414
Science/Environment
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of environmental impact issues,
science or related topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
415
Science/Environment
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about environmental impact issues, science or related
topics.
416
Health/Medical
News (Single Shift)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
417
Health/Medical
News (No Time Limit)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of health or medical related
topics.
For excellence in content about health or medical related topics.
420
Historical/Cultural/Nostalgic
News
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage about historical or cultural
related topics.
For excellence in content about historical or cultural related topics.
For excellence in news or journalistic content that deals with everyday life
subjects such as: food preparation, recipes, techniques, home improvement, decoration,
renovation, gardening, outdoors, crafts and/or automotive repairs.
424
Lifestyle
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content that deals with everyday life subjects such as: food
preparation, recipes, techniques, home improvement, decoration, renovation, gardening,
outdoors, crafts and/or automotive repairs.
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of military related topics.
426
Military
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about military related topics.
427
Politics/Government
News (Single Shift)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
428
Politics/Government
News (No Time Limit)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of political, civil or government
related topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
429
Politics/Government
Short Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
430
Politics/Government
Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about political, civil or government related topics.
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of weather related topics.
432
Weather
Short or Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about weather related topics.
SPORTS CONTENT
Producers should be the primary entrants for Sports Content categories. Qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness.
Sports News content is only eligible in the appropriate News subcategories.
For Short Form Content and Sportscast entries, the original video must not exceed 10 minutes.
For Long Form Content and Program entries, the original video must be longer than 10 minutes and submission length may not exceed 30 minutes (exception: Sports Documentary). No more than three (3) excerpts may be included to bring longer content to the 30-minute time limit (exceptions: Sports - One-Time Special and Sporting Event/Game Live Broadcast.) Excerpts must be presented in original, chronological order.
Series entries are eligible and must include a minimum of two (2) but no more than five (5) separate segments from the series. Total submission time limit for News and Short Form Content series entries may not exceed 15 minutes. Long Form Content series entries may not exceed 30 minutes.
501
Sports Story
News (Single Shift)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
502
Sports Story
News (No Time Limit)
Single Report Time Limit: 10 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
Multiple Reports Time Limit: 15 minutes
For excellence in news or journalistic coverage of sports, athletes, coaches and
other related topics. Entries may be a single report or multiple reports.
503
Sports Story
Short & Long Form Content
Short Form Time Limit: 15 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
Long Form Time Limit: 30 minutes
For excellence in content about sports, athletes, coaches and other related
topics. This category is intended for features, segments and other storytelling vehicles of
varying lengths and NOT for traditional 30 or 60-minute programs.
For excellence in a sports program or series that is live or recorded live. Entry
must have, as its basis, special coverage not to be taken from a newscast, including but
not limited to pregame and postgame shows surrounding live sporting events. Entry may
include multi-camera and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of the
event. Entry may not have post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be
judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc.
For excellence in a daily or weekly sports program or sports series (non-news).
Entry must have, as its basis, special coverage not to be taken from a newscast. Content
in these programs is post-produced and heavily edited. Entry may have no post-
broadcast edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall
content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc.
For excellence in a one-time sports-related special program that is not part of a
daily or weekly sports program, game or series. Entry may be live, recorded live or post-
produced. Entry should have no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry
may include no more than eight (8) excerpts to bring the entry down to the 30-minute
time limit.
NOTE: examples might include content surrounding
regional coverage of the Kentucky Derby, Boston Marathon, Hockey Day Minnesota or
High School Football Championship Preview.
For excellence in production of a single program or series, (live or recorded
live) sporting event or game. A composite is required and should 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. Series entries must
have something that makes it a series (an actual baseball series, playoff series, season
series between teams, etc.) Entry may include no more than eight (8) excerpts to bring
the entry down to the 30-minute time limit.
PROGRAM CONTENT
Producers should be the primary entrants for Program Content categories. Qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness. Submitters who created work as part of media pool coverage can only enter their material once and must clearly identify their contributions on the entry.
Unless otherwise noted, the time limit for any program or long form content category is 30 minutes. A maximum of three (3) segments/excerpts is permitted to bring longer programs to the required Entry Time Limit. For program or long-form series entries, the entry must include excerpts from at least two (2) episodes from the series.
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.
For excellence in a single program or series consisting of various stories of
regional interest designed to entertain and inform.
For excellence in a program or series that focuses on current community, social
or political issues that are of general public interest or concern.
For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, anticipated community or
entertainment event such as a parade, holiday fireworks or a funeral procession. Entry
may include multi-cameras and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of
the event. Live entries should include at least 75% live material, with no post edits.
For excellence in content whose purpose is to entertain. Examples include
scripted content, music videos, live stage performance.
CHAPTER NOTE: News or content about
entertainment should be submitted in the Arts/Entertainment category.
For excellence in short or long form content whose purpose is to be
instructional; to teach formally or informally about a subject.
For excellence in short or long-form content that consists of
interview/discussion material that is at least 75% unscripted. This category is primarily
intended for formal interviews where both the interviewer(s) and the interviewee(s) are
visible on camera and engaged in discussion.
SPOT ANNOUNCEMENTS
For excellence in promotional, commercial or public service announcements. Entries must be regionally conceived, produced and distributed. Spots that contain more than 50% of network or syndicator-provided material do not qualify. Music, graphics and pre-edited video constitute such material. Spots may be 5 seconds to 2 minutes in length, except for the Promotional Trailer category. If a campaign is entered, a maximum of five (5) spots may be included which are edited together for a single video upload. If a campaign is entered, no spots from that same campaign may be submitted in a single-spot category.
701
Public Service Announcement
News (Single Shift)
Single Spot Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
For excellence in a single spot or campaign announcements that effectively
create awareness, focus interest on or marshal support for worthy community causes or
organizations.
702
News Promotion
Topical (Single spot or campaign)
Single Spot Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
703
News Promotion
Image (Single spot or campaign)
Single Spot Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
Campaign Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
For excellence in announcements that promote news departments within
television stations, newspapers or online news reporting entities and/or content
produced by those entities. This includes promotion of or teases for specific news
stories, breaking news or weather, sports content within newscasts, news specials, news
image and on-air news/weather/sports anchors and reporters.
For excellence in announcements that promote content produced outside the
news department. This includes spots that promote a broader station/company image as
well as regionally produced spots for network, local and/or syndicated programming.
For excellence in announcements that promote content produced outside the
news department. This includes spots that promote a broader station/company image as
well as regionally produced spots for network, local and/or syndicated programming.
NOTE: Intended for promos produced for content
that would be entered in the Sports Content section with the exception of Sports Story -
News
For excellence in a single spot or campaign commercial production advertising
a product, business or service that is conceived, written, created and produced in and for
the regional market. Program length commercials (infomercials) are not eligible.
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
For excellence in a specific craft discipline demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Each entry may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally distributed. While craft entrants may submit more than one entry per craft discipline, only one of those entries may be a composite. Elements of the composite may not be separately entered as individual craft entries in the same craft category. Craft awards are intended for hands-on craft persons, not those who supervise craft persons.
For Anchor categories only: A segment is an excerpt from a news program
(newscast, news special, breaking news, etc.) with the material that doesn’t include the
entrant edited out. An entry may include up to five segments. Each segment can include
material from only ONE news program: think of this as “five segments equals five
changes of clothing” rule. It’s allowed, but not required, for the co-anchor’s and
reporters’ video to be edited out of a segment. Anchor entries may include examples of
studio anchoring, field anchoring, specials, breaking, etc., but NOT reporter packages (if
an anchor also does reporter packages, they must enter those in one of the reporter
categories.)
Enter a composite not to exceed 30 minutes. Material entered in this category
cannot be entered by the same entrant in any News Content categories.
Enter a composite not to exceed 30 minutes. Material entered in this category
cannot be entered by the same entrant in any Sports Content categories.
NOTE: Script preferred for all writer categories.
Entries must contain graphical elements originally created for regional markets.
Re-purposed content from national sources is not eligible. Graphics Composites may
include more than 5 examples of work, for up to five minutes of entry video, as long as
each example is separated by one second of black and there is no other post-production
to the entry.
Entries must contain graphical elements originally created for regional markets.
Re-purposed content from national sources is not eligible. Graphics Composites may
include more than 5 examples of work, for up to five minutes of entry video, as long as
each example is separated by one second of black and there is no other post-production
to the entry.
For excellence in creating or manipulating imagery digitally. Rotoscoping and Blending visual elements with practical imagery.
For excellence in creating or manipulating imagery digitally. Rotoscoping and Blending visual elements with practical imagery.
NOTE: Entry may include a before and after video to
demonstrate the craft that might not be evident by only seeing the final product (ex.
Removing a billboard, fixing a dent on a car bumper, adding trees to a landscape.)
(PL Track is Preferred).
(PL Track is Preferred).
For excellence by a single individual telling a single or multi-part story. The
video essay creator is the photographer and editor, weaving together elements captured
in the field to tell the story without a reporter, narrator or host. Entry may not be entered
in any other craft category.
For excellence by a cross-discipline individual, serving as photojournalist,
editor, talent, and writer; covering a single or multi-part story or topic. Entry may not be
entered in any other craft category.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Short form content that includes multiple installments, all of which fit under a unifying theme.
Examples: “Tom’s Financial Tips” that air every Wednesday night on a local newscast, “Reports from the Border” that post on a local news website over a 6-month period.
The document that provides information related to the Emmy® Awards contests, including rules, guidelines and categories.
A committee that oversees the Regional Emmy® Awards contest within a particular NATAS chapter. This committee has the final say on selecting categories for the chapter Call for Entries, determining content and entrant eligibility and reviewing judges’ challenges (among other duties.).
Programs or other content that consist of previously aired material in the form of a “year in review” special or a collection of Branded Content Series pieces. These are NOT eligible for Regional Emmy® Awards contents.
Content that is only available to a select and limited audience via distribution on a closed circuit (hospitals, in flight entertainment, hotels, doctor’s offices, private companies, etc.)
Video content transmitted in a public sports venue, arena or stadium is not considered distribution on a closed circuit and is eligible in content and craft categories.
A sampling of a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) representative segments or examples of work that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents within the specified craft category. The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted in the category description, are to be “as aired” with no post-distribution changes, such as additional edits, music or special effects. Composites may include stories or segments in their entirety and/or excerpts from longer content. One to two seconds of black between cuts, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate segments within the composite.
Having a direct involvement or vested interest in the production of an entry, or having a personal relationship with an entrant. Judges may NOT judge entries in which any of these criteria are met. Group ownership, by itself, does not create a conflict of interest.
Examples: A producer working for a station owned by TEGNA in one market is not prohibited from judging an entry produced by another TEGNA-owned station in another chapter. NBC Sports Chicago personnel are not prohibited from serving as judges for entries produced by NBC Sports Bay Area.
A category for which there are three (3) areas of excellence being considered in the judging process: Content, Creativity and Execution. Our chapter’s content categories are 101 – 706.
(also see: Craft Category)
(also see: Craft Category)
A category for which there are two (2) areas of excellence being considered in the judging process: Creativity and Execution. These categories focus solely on the craft designated for each (photography, editing, talent, etc.) Our chapter’s craft categories are 801 – 825.
(also see: Content Category)
(also see: Content Category)
Short examples edited from content that showcases your work. Demo reels or montages often include shorter excerpts from the original video that may or may not have added music, graphics and/or special effects.
Example: A photographer cannot take short segments from original content and edit those pieces together for a composite submission in the craft category.
The process of getting video content from a producer to a viewer. This may include being broadcast on a television or cable station, streamed on a website or app, posted on a company website or social media account.
Any entry submitted in its entirety in more than one content category or instance of any entrant submitting work in an attempt to be recognized more than once for performing the same job function for the same content.
See specific examples of double-dipping in the RULES section of this Call for Entries.
Period of time in which any content must have been produced to be eligible for entry in this regional Emmy® Awards contest. This window varies among NATAS chapters and will be prominently displayed in each Call for Entries.
The most prestigious peer-judged award recognizing excellence in professional achievement with annual awards of merit in the television industry through extensive, confidential peer review of broadcast work and related media.
Individual whose work has been submitted for consideration in a regional Emmy® Award contest.
A continuous segment or section from longer content, excerpts are used to bring longer content to the specified category time limit.
While still journalistic in nature, this content takes less of a hard news tone while incorporating strong storytelling. It may be a serious or lighter subject. The story construction and personality of the interviewees are highlighted in a feature story. Feature news stories often run a bit longer and may not have an immediate time peg.
Classic, fact-gathering and reporting. Should include a news hook and timely peg.
A program or long form content that promotes a product, service or idea and includes a call to commerce.
Job Title is the word or words under your name on a business card that indicate(s) what job position you hold within the organization for which you work.
Role on Entry is the particular function you performed on an Emmy® Award entry.
Many of these are similar or even the same (Producer, Photographer, Editor) while some job titles (Executive Producer, Chief Creative Officer, Assignment Desk Editor) don’t directly translate to a tangible job function performed during the production process. Entrants often perform roles on an entry that aren’t a part of their job title (a producer who edits, a director who writes, a photographer who lights the set, an editor who produces.)
For the purposes of regional Emmy® Award statuette eligibility, Role on Entry is the determining factor over Job Title.
Method of coverage that considers all sides fairly, reporting without bias or persuasion.
One whose work on a production was significant enough to be considered eligible for a regional Emmy® Award statuette. In the estimation of the entry submitter, the entry would not have been award-worthy without this person’s contributions.
Video production that exceeds 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program categories or sub-categories, as well as longer segment or feature categories or sub-categories and online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
One who has completed the membership process in one of the 19 regional NATAS chapters.
(Membership is not required to enter regional Emmy® Awards contests)
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) was founded in 1955. It is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award.
Regional Emmy® Awards are given in nineteen regions across the United States. National Awards are given for Daytime Entertainment, News & Documentary, Community Service, Sports and Technology & Engineering.
Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including Regional Student Production Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public.
The Daytime, News & Documentary, Community Service, Sports and Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards contests are held annually and open to all entrants whose work meets eligibility criteria.
As outlined in the NATAS bylaws, this group of people administers the policy and structure of the National and Regional Emmy® Awards process. Its membership consists of representatives from each of the National Awards constituencies as well as regional/chapter reps.
Multiple reports that build on the same subject or news story.
A stand-alone program or content that is not part of a larger series of content.
The date that content was first made available (aired or otherwise distributed) to the general public.
The process by which Emmy® Awards entries are reviewed by professionals of like disciplines for the purpose of determining award-worthiness. Entries are judged against a standard of excellence and not each other.
A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to or streaming on a computer or mobile device. Audio-only Podcasts are not eligible for Emmy® Award consideration. Podcasts that also include a video element would be eligible for regional entry as long as they are in compliance with all other requirements.
A term used to help determine eligibility of content for regional Emmy® Awards contests. This was previously used as the standard of eligibility, but has been replaced with the phrase “produced and intended for a regional or local audience,” as the National Awards Committee determined this was more effectively measured and determined.
A traditional content format used in broadcast and cable television. In order to be more inclusive of content delivered via non-traditional means, the term Long Form Content is being used in most applications that were previously referred to as Programs. Certain categories (Documentary, Sports Program, Magazine Program) have retained the term where the traditional definition remains applicable.
Multiple episodes of a program with similar subject matter or an overall unifying theme.
One who receives a regional Emmy® Award. As regional entries are judged against a standard of excellence and not each other, there may be no recipient, one recipient or more than one recipient in a given category. Honorees in the National Emmy® Award contests are referred to as “winners” since only one entry is awarded in each category, with the exception of ties.
The document that sets forth the rules and available categories for each regional chapter’s Call For Entries. It also includes a section of Chapter Guidance and this Glossary of Terms.
A section of video content that could be part of a program or entry.
Multiple installments of similar and related content.
(also see: News Series and Program Series)
Video production that is no more than 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program Feature or Segment categories or sub-categories, as well as online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
This is defined as the time between when a work shift begins and ends (could be a normal work shift or an extended, breaking-news type of shift). This term is replacing the previously-used “within 24 hours” as a way to separate longer term projects and productions from those completed within one work shift. A story assigned one day but researched, scheduled, and shot over another day or multiple days, should be submitted in a “No Time Limit” category.
Crystal pillars presented to recipients of separate contests among high school and college students, with the intention to recognize outstanding student achievements in production. Rules and category options for Student Production Awards are outlined in the Regional Awards Manual.
Content conceived and created by full-time students at a university, college, technical/vocational school or high school. Student Productions may not include any professional services and faculty involvement can only be advisory.
Exact runtime of an entry video.
Person who completes the process of entry in a regional Emmy® Award contest. This person may also be an entrant but is not required to.
Content that is licensed for distribution on multiple broadcast or online outlets and available for consumption in multiple geographic locations.
The maximum amount of time allowed. A chapter call for entries will include two (2) types of time limits: Entry Time Limit and Production Time Limit.
Entry Entry Time Limit: maximum length allowed for an entry, this varies among categories
.
Production Entry Time Limit: maximum length allowed to produce an entry, which may be indicated in hours or the term Single Shift.
When an entry includes previously produced material, it is only eligible if its use is significantly different from any previous use of the same material.