1st Place, Live Sports Announcer
2022-23, Division 1, Video Talent and Airchecks
By Anthony Schulte
WDBC Dragon Broadcasting
Lake Orion HS
VT-03. Live Sports Announcer
A compilation of a talent’s best on-air work as play-by-play, color commentator or sideline reporter. The airchecks should be recorded at a live sports event in real time. The announcer does not have to always appear on-camera, and the entry may be limited to announcer speaking over video of game action. Attire is a factor in the judging. Judges will assume the airchecks represent only your best work; think of this as a demo reel to become a sports play-by-play or color commentator.
Judging Criteria
WRITING
- Is the writing clear, concise and conversational? Does the reporter use active voice and present tense? Does the script complement the visuals?
RATE OF SPEECH
- Do you talk too fast/slow?
COMMUNICATION OF IDEAS
- Do we understand what you’re talking about?
COMMUNICATION OF EMOTION
- Do you use voice fluctuation? Do you have emotion in your voice? Are you monotone?
MIC WEAKNESS
- Is your microphone too close or too far? Do we hear the sound of your paper script?
SINCERITY
- Do you come across as being genuine?
NATURALNESS
- Do we enjoy listening to you? Does it sound like you know what you’re doing?
CREDIBILITY
- Does it sound like YOU know what you’re talking about? Do you give credit to any sources that might be applicable?
PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
- Are you dressed appropriately? Tuxedos and prom dresses aren’t necessary, but t-shirts and jeans aren’t appropriate either.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATIONS
- If the video does not meet the specific time requirement (such as the 30/60s rule for PSAs & Commercials) (not including any black/slates before or after the video itself).
- If the video does not meet the category description.
- If the video includes copyrighted music or graphics
USE OF MUSIC OR OTHER CONTENT THAT IS NOT CREATED BY STUDENT STAFF MEMBERS
- If any music is included in an entry, indicate the title(s) of track(s) used and source of the music. Provide this information either in a name-slate/title card in a video entry or in the space provided on the entry form.
- If you are making a “fair use” claim on copyrighted materials, please cite your reasoning in the entry form.