1st Place, Live Sports Announcer
2024-25, Division 1-2, Video Talent and Airchecks

By Ayden Novak
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. 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.