1st Place, Field Reporter
2024-25, Division 1-2, Video Talent and Airchecks

By Rachel Hillard
MDM-TV.com
Hill-McCloy HS

VT-02. Field Reporter

This category is for compiled airchecks of the work of a single field reporter. Entries should include at least two examples of the reporter’s best work, but can include several selections from different newscasts and different stories. No studio work should be included; this is a compilation of “field” work only. The entry can include stand-ups, look-lives, field interviews and live spot reports, as well as other field reports. This category does not include live sports announcers, but it can include reporter work from sports news (e.g. game highlights and interviews). Attire and professionalism are factors in this category. Judges will assume that the airchecks included in the submission reflect the entrant’s BEST work; think of this as a demo reel to become a field reporter at a news station. Materials included as part of this entry can be entered in other categories. Submit a URL to the entry.

VIDEO TALENT/AIRCHECKS (VT)

Entries in video talent/airchecks categories may have been broadcast via TV or the Web. Entries should be hosted on your student media website or a video hosting service such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Maximum entry length is five minutes, unless otherwise noted. Time requirements do not include name slates, countdowns, etc.

JUDGING CRITERIA FOR VIDEO TALENT/AIRCHECKS

Please use MIPA’s Video Best Practices Guidelines, in addition to the following, to help judge contest entries in this section:

*Judges should assume the clips you include are student’s BEST.*

• 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.