Michigan Association of Broadcasters

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Broadcast Excellence Awards

To see a list of past winners - click here.

The 2007 Broadcast Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in broadcasting by Michigan radio and television stations. The awards program is open to all commercial stations, public stations and statewide broadcasting networks licensed and based in Michigan. This program is presented by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation. This competition is established to encourage the highest standards of reporting, community service and production creativity. It brings the ultimate prize - peer recognition - to the members of the broadcast industry of Michigan . The Awards Committee has extensively reviewed and revised the rules to best benefit entrants in the competition. Rules and regulations have been approved by the MAB Board of Directors.

Download the Entry form, Summary notes on the Broadcast Excellence Awards, and the Rules:

2007 Brochure and Entry Form

2007 Summary Form

Rules & Market Definitions

Commercial Radio Categories

Commercial Television Categories

Public Radio Categories

Public Television Categories

Station of the Year

Archive of Past Winners

Updated 8/30/07

Rules & Market Definitions

RULES

This competition is open to all commercial stations, public stations and statewide broadcasting networks based in Michigan. Public stations may only enter in the Public categories, Commercial stations may only enter in the Commercial categories and Statewide Broadcasting Networks are eligible to enter in all Commercial categories and only category #8 “Special Interest & Cultural Programming” from the Public categories.
To enter in the Statewide Broadcasting Networks divisions, entrants must be a Michigan-based producer of network and syndicated programming. Entry must be aired on Michigan licensed broadcast stations.
Statewide broadcasting networks are not eligible for Station of the Year.
All entries must have been produced and broadcast during the 2007 calendar year, January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
Entries must have been created and produced by the entrant’s station. Awards are given to the station, not to individual talent.
Entries are limited to three (3) per station in each category with the exception of the Community Involvement category which is limited to one (1) and the Commercial Television News Reporter and Commercial Television Photojournalist categories which are limted to five (5).
Radio entries must be on CD. Television entries must be on VHS or DVD. Entries will not be returned.
Each separate entry must be accompanied by an Entry Form signed by the department manager or general manager. In addition, each entry must be marked with: station name, market, category and entry title. Only one entry per tape, CD or DVD except for the Series categories. Stations submitting multiple entries must provide an entry form for each entry. Every station must submit one Summary Form with payment.
Entry fees are $35 per entry for MAB or MAPB members, and $70 per entry for non-members. All fees must accompany the entries. If more than one entry is included, all fees may be paid in one payment.
Entries and payment must be received by Thursday, January 10, 2008 by 4 p.m. to: MAB AWARDS PROGRAM, 819 N. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906. Phone: 800-968-7622
Finalists will be notified by February 14, 2008. Winners, including the Stations of the Year, will be announced at the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference and Expo, Tuesday, March 11, 2008 during a special Broadcast Excellence Awards Presentation.
Judging will be conducted by broadcasting peers outside the state of Michigan.
An award will be given in each category unless, in the opinion of the judges, no award is deserved. The decision of the judges is final.
All entries must be produced by the station or network. Entries may not be produced with outside advertising or production agency equipment, assistance or direction. Public entries must be at least 51% locally produced. Public programs distributed throughout the state may be entered by the originating station only.
Entries without payment and/or completed entry forms will be disqualified.
Points for Station of the Year consideration are as follows: Best Award = 10 points; and Merit Award = 5 points. The Station of the Year award points will be calculated and verified by an independant accounting firm.
Disputes, of any kind, about this program will be reviewed by the MAB Awards Committee.

MARKET DIVISIONS:

Market is defined by size of the market your station serves. Simulcast stations can enter only in the largest market they serve.

Radio Markets

Market 1	Detroit Metro Area
Market 2	Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, Flint, Tri-Cities & Lansing
Market 3	Traverse City, Cadillac, Jackson, Adrian & Port Huron
Market 4	Marquette, Escanaba, Alpena and others

Television Markets

Market 1	Detroit Metro Area
Market 2	Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint, Tri-Cities
Market 3	Traverse City, Cadillac, Lansing, Marquette, Escanaba, Alpena and others

Public Radio

Group 1	Public radio stations with less than a $2 million budget
Group 2	Public radio stations with more than a $2 million budget

Public Television

Group 1	Public television stations with less than a $6 million budget
Group 2	Public television stations with more than a $6 million budget

Statewide Broadcasting Networks

Radio	All radio statewide broadcasting networks
Television	All television statewide broadcasting networks

Commercial Radio Categories

BREAKING NEWS STORY
A single report or series of reports on a breaking or “unplanned” news event (including storm coverage) under media deadline. Criteria: manner in which the news organization responded, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups and news elements uncovered.
INVESTIGATIVE STORY
Coverage of a significant event affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Criteria: significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness and delivery
FEATURE PROGRAMMING
A series of reports on a single topic which may be a public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local and state levels. Criteria: production, relevancy and creativity.
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 the audio medium, control of the medium, natural sound and editing.
MORNING SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best on-air morning broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot is five minutes. Criteria: production, effectiveness and creativity.
MIDDAY SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best on-air midday broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot is five minutes. Criteria: production, effectiveness and creativity.
AFTERNOON SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best on-air afternoon broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot is five minutes. Criteria: production, effectiveness and creativity.
SPECIAL SHOW BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Best on-air special broadcast personality or broadcast team. Maximum length of spot is five minutes. Criteria: production, effectiveness and creativity.
SPORTS
Best locally originated, regularly scheduled sportscast. Criteria: presentation, production values and interest of stories presented.
PLAY-BY-PLAY SPORTS
Best locally originated play-by-play live sports coverage. Criteria: presentation and production values.
NEWSCAST
Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
COMMERCIAL
A single commercial. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions. Maximum length of spot - no more than one minute. Criteria: creativity, effectiveness and production.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A compilation tape or CD with 3-5 events. May be any public service announcements 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 200 word explanation of events. Stations may include video/audio reel summarizing events that is no longer than 5 minutes in length. One entry will be allowed per station. Criteria: production, creativity and community impact.
MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS
Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series. Criteria: creativity, effectiveness and production.

Commercial Television Categories

BREAKING NEWS STORY

A single report, or series of reports, on a breaking or “unplanned” news event (including storm coverage) under media deadline. Criteria: manner in which the news organization responded, presentation of facts, delivery, follow-ups and news elements uncovered.
INVESTIGATIVE STORY

Coverage of a significant event effecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Criteria: significance, presentation or facts, thoroughness and delivery
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.
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.
WEATHERCAST

A locally originated, regularly scheduled weather broadcast. Criteria: clear presentation of facts, delivery/communication skills and effective use of available technology to enhance audience understanding.
SPORTS

Best locally originated, regularly scheduled sportscast, play-by-play or live sports coverage. Criteria: presentation, production values and interest of stories presented.
NEWSCAST

Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
NEWS SPECIAL

A single, self-contained report or program which aired separately from a regularly scheduled newscast and is at least 30 minutes in length. Criteria: significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values.
SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMMING

Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, recreation, sports, special performances, parades, concerts, etc.) at local and state levels. Criteria: locally produced, presentation, production and comprehensiveness.
COMMERCIAL

A single commercial. May be any commercial announcement written and produced by station personnel. May not include announcements produced with outside advertising or production agency assistance or directions. Maximum length of spot - no more than one minute. Criteria: creativity, effectiveness and production.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

A compilation tape or DVD 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 are no longer than 5 minutes in length. One entry will be allowed per station. Criteria: production, creativity and community impact.
MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS

Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series. Criteria: creativity, effectiveness and production.
NEWS REPORTER

A compilation tape or DVD of 3-5 events highlighting applicant. Maximum of five minutes in length. Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates. Criteria: writing, story approach, on-air presence and delivery
PHOTOJOURNALIST

A compilation tape or DVD of 3-5 events showing applicant’s best work. Maximum of five minutes in length. Each station is allowed to enter up to five candidates. Criteria: creativity, continuity and technical production.

Public Radio Categories

HARD NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS STORY

Coverage of a significant event affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Criteria: significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness and delivery.
MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES

Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled news program. Criteria: significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values.
FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM

A single report which may have aired in a news program as relief or contrast to serious reporting or a long form program. Criteria: human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of the audio medium, control of the medium, natural sound and editing.
SPORTS

Best locally originated, regularly scheduled sportscast, play-by-play or live sports coverage. Criteria: presentation, production values and interest of stories presented.
NEWSCAST

Best locally originated newscast. Criteria: presentation, production values, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the newscast.
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.
SPECIAL INTEREST AND 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.
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.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Involves only one subject. 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 tape and any substantiating material.
MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS

Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program or event your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series.

Public
Television Categories

HARD NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS STORY

Coverage of a significant event affecting the community. May be an investigative or enterprise story. Criteria: significance, presentation or facts, thoroughness and delivery.
MINI-DOCUMENTARY OR SERIES

Series of reports on a single topic which may be included in a regularly scheduled news or public affairs program. Criteria: significance, resourcefulness, comprehensive, thoroughness of research and production values.
FEATURE/USE OF MEDIUM

A single report which aired in a news or public affairs program 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.
CULTURAL & PERFORMING ARTS

A single program or series featuring cultural and performing arts. May include no more than three excerpts from a series. Criteria: subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, effective use of audio, video and editing medium.
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.
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.
SPECIAL INTEREST AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

Public affairs program featuring issues of interest to Michigan citizens of all ages (may be children’s programming, special performances, parades, etc.) at local and state levels. Criteria: locally produced, presentation, production and comprehensiveness.
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.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Involves only one subject. May be any public service announcement locally produced by the station, or 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 tape and any substantiating material.
MARKETING MATERIALS AND PROMOS

Promotion of your station or a promotional announcement for a program or event your station produces and airs. Must be written, produced and aired on your station. May be single announcement or series.
NEWS SPECIAL OR DOCUMENTARY

A single, self-contained report or program which is at least 30 minutes in length. Criteria: significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production values.

Station of the Year

Commercial Radio

All commercial radio stations entering the Broadcast Excellence Awards will be eligible for the Station of the Year. Station of the Year will be based only on the total points in the following radio categories:

Newscast

Commercial

Marketing Materials and Promos

Personality*

Community Involvement

One Station of the Year award will be presented in each Market Division. In the event of a tie, the station with the most Best awards in the five (5) categories listed above will be awarded Station of the Year. If the first tie breaker is executed and a tie still remains, the station with the most Best awards in all categories will be awarded Station of the Year.

*Stations may enter any of the listed Personality categories. If a station wins Best or Merit in more than one Personality category, the highest points won in any of Personality categories will be applied to the Station of the Year competition.

Commercial Television

All commercial television stations entering the Broadcast Excellence Awards will be eligible for the Station of the Year. Station of the Year will be based only on the total points in the following television categories:

Investigative Story

Weathercast

Sports