Maine AP
Broadcasters contest

(Please read the rules carefully. Some changes were made this year by the MAPBA board.)

The contest year ended on Jan. 1, 2001. Entries are due in the Portland AP bureau by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2001.

The two days selected for the Same Day Newscast, Same Day Sportscast and Same Day Weathercast categories were Sept. 27 and Dec. 13.

Please note that at the request of the judges, TV entries should be recorded on VHS tape. Please direct any questions to Correspondent David Sharp in Portland at 1 (800) 585-4656 (fax 774-6625).

The awards banquet will be held on May 5 at the Four Points Sheraton in Bangor. Registration information will move on the wire and will be posted here.

CONTEST RULES

ELIGIBILITY: The contest is open to all AP member radio and television stations licensed in Maine.

JUDGING: All entries will be judged by AP broadcasters in another state. First and second place are awarded in each category. Third place and Honorable Mention may be awarded at the judges' discretion.

NOTIFICATION: The news directors of stations that have won awards will be notified by phone before the awards dinner. However, specific winners and categories will not be announced until the May 5 awards dinner.

ENTRIES: Each station may submit three entries per category, unless otherwise noted. An individual newsperson is limited to only three items per category, regardless whether the individual serves a single station or multiple stations. Within individual categories, a newsperson may not submit an item that is substantially the same under different call letters. Finally, an anchor may submit only one entry for best newscast or sportscast, regardless whether the individual serves a single station or multiple stations. If you have questions, please contact David Sharp or an AP board member.

FORMAT: Each television category must be submitted on a separate videotape in VHS format. Each radio category must be submitted on a separate, standard cassette. More than one entry in the same category may be submitted on the same tape.

FEES: Entry fees are $6 per radio entry and $12 per TV entry. Payment must be included with entries. (This represents a drop in fee, from last year's level of $8 for radio entry and $15 per TV entry.) Make checks out to Maine Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

SUBMITTING ENTRIES: Entries must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 23, 2001, and must be clearly labeled and accompanied by entry forms. Labels stating all entry form information are acceptable.

Submit entries, via U.S. Postal Service:
David Sharp
The Associated Press
PO Box 15008
Portland, ME 04112

or via UPS/FEDEX/Courier
David Sharp
The Associated Press
75 Market Street, Suite 402
Portland, ME 04101

MISCELLANEOUS: In the event of a dispute over eligibility, contest deadlines, etc., the directors of the Maine Associated Press Broadcasters Association reserve the right to investigate and rule. The decisions are final.

CATEGORIES:

Note: Three entries are allowed in each category unless otherwise noted. Videography and weathercast are open only to TV stations. All other categories are open to both radio and television stations.

WRITING: Entry must be written scripts and should be accompanied by the audio or videotape. The subject may be news, sports or features, and will be judged on the reporter's use of language and the overall effect (including how the writer works with natural sound, for example.) One entry per station. Radio and TV compete together in this category.

BEST SAME DAY NEWSCAST: Entry must be of a station's news coverage on one of two days designated by The Associated Press. Entries must show the major elements of a newscast, but must not exceed 30 minutes. Only one entry, from either day, per station is permitted.

SPOT NEWS COVERAGE: Entries must show coverage of a breaking news event during a 24-hour period. Attach an explanation of problems encountered in obtaining information, meeting deadlines, etc., as well as contributions from non-staff members, such as amateur photographers. Entries must not exceed 15 minutes.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Entries must consists of one or more examples of a station's public affairs programming. Entries can consist of a single program or segment, or a composite of programs or segments dealing with one or more subjects. Entries must not exceed 30 minutes.

ENTERPRISE: Entries should exhibit a special investigative effort or in-depth reporting that demonstrates original and outstanding journalistic enterprise on an important issue. Entries may be a single report or a composite from a series, feature or documentary. Entries must not exceed 15 minutes.

FEATURE: Story on an event or topic other than hard news designed as a relief or contrast to regular news programming. Creative writing, humor and/or use of audio or video are elements that should set this story apart from others. Tape must not exceed 30 minutes.

MEDICAL: Entries should deal with an event or topic dealing with health or medicine. Can be a single enterprise segment or one of a series of reports. Tape should not exceed 15 minutes.

CONTINUOUS COVERAGE: Entries should demonstrate station's coverage of a developing issue or event. The stories should advance the subject, breaking new ground as well as dedicating substantial airtime and resources to that coverage. The period of time covered must fall within the current contest year. Entries should not exceed 30 minutes. A written introduction or explanation of the subject may be included.

WEATHERCAST: Entry must consist of a single weathercast as aired within a newscast on one of the two days selected by The Associated Press for Best Same Day Newscast. TV only.

ELECTION COVERAGE: Entries must be a composite of Election Day coverage and may include footage of your national, state, regional or local races. Entries must not exceed 30 minutes.

VIDEOGRAPHY: Entries may be of spot news, feature or documentary photojournalism. Entries may be a single report or a composite from a series or documentary. Entries may not exceed 15 minutes.

SPORTS VIDEOGRAPHY: Coverage of a sporting event or feature on a sports subject. Entry must come from a regularly scheduled broadcast news program. Tape must not exceed five minutes.

SPORTS PLAY-BY-PLAY: Entries must be play-by-play coverage that was broadcast live in its entirety on your station. Entries may consist of a single sport or may be a composite of play-by-play from several sports and several games. Entries must not exceed 20 minutes.

SPORTS FEATURE: Entries must consist of a single program or segment or a composite of programs or segments on a single subject. Regular sportscasts should not be submitted. Entries must not exceed 30 minutes.

BEST SAME DAY SPORTSCAST: Entries must consist of a single sportscast broadcast on one of the Best Same Day Newscast days selected by The Associated Press. One entry, from either day, per station is permitted.

STATION OF THE YEAR: Judges will designate one station in each group _ television and radio _ that displays the best, overall excellence. The decision will be based on all entries submitted in all categories.

ENTRY FORM: Please copy and complete the following form and attach one to each entry. Labels stating the requested information are acceptable.

STATION ...............................(call letters)

ADDRESS ..............................................................................

CONTACT NAME ....................................................................

TELEPHONE NUMBER .........................................................

CATEGORY ...........................................................................

(circle one)

TV

Radio

STORY .................................................................................

REPORTER/VIDEOGRAPHER...............................................