AUDIO PRESENTATION

Entries accepted into this category demonstrate the power of audio (in the form of audio plays, music, and audio-documentaries) created and recorded as an audio presentation only, to tell fictional or non-fictional story that has meaning to the audience.

PODCASTS/COMMUNITY RADIO

Entries accepted into this category demonstrate the power of audio (in the form of interviews, talk shows, monologues, podcasts, and sports events) created and recorded as audio presentation only.

ENTERTAINMENT

Presentation designed to amuse or entertain; variety or comedy programming.

INSPIRATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Presentation of a spiritual or motivational nature. Not limited to religious programming.

MOST MEMORABLE ACCESS MOMENT

Highlighting a poignant or outstanding moment of an access program. Entry must be less than five minutes in length and include background information of less than 100 words putting the “moment” into context. Include ONLY what you wish to be judged. This is an OPEN category and all entries will be judged together.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

  Meetings, programs, conferences and events that were held virtually. This can include Hybrid (virtual and in-person) events.

POWER OF ACCESS

Demonstrations of the power of cable access and its impact on the community. This may include submission of a single program or clips from several programs created during the contest period. Producers are encouraged to provide additional documentation for their submission. Include ONLY what you wish to be judged. This is an OPEN category and all entries will be judged together.

SPORTS EVENT

Programming covering a sporting event or athletic activity.

STUDENT PROGRAMMING, HIGH SCHOOL/GRADES 9-12

Programming by students. Any adult participation or professional assistance MUST be noted on the entry form. Equipment used should be similar to that available to other access producers at the access center which this program aired. This category is open ONLY to YOUTH producers.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY COVERAGE

Presentation of an event which has not been created specifically for television (i.e., parades, festival coverage, community meetings, etc.).

GRAPHICS & ANIMATION

Still graphics and/or motion animations or logos created and aired as a part of an access program, program promotion or video text bulletin board. This entry should demonstrate the producer’s creativity. Pre-produced media (i.e. Digital Juice backgrounds) should be ONLY a limited component of the entry. Include ONLY what element you wish to be judged.

INSTRUCTIONAL/EDUCATIONAL

Programs that teach or demonstrate (i.e. “how to” videos).

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Presentation of a musical performance (i.e. music videos, concerts, in-studio music performance).

NARRATIVE FICTIONAL/NON-DOCUMENTARY FILMS

Films that have a budget of $25,000 or less. The entry does not originally have to have been shot on film in order to be eligible.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Presentation three (3) minutes in length and under promoting an event, program, cause or organization including PSAs, intros, etc.

SPORTS NON-EVENT

Programming relating to sports or athletics, but NOT directly to the coverage of an event.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Programming that highlights and/or celebrates who and what we are and how we got here.

INFORMATIVE TALK OR NEWS

Discussions about any subject presented in a program formatted as a “talking heads” or “host/guest” show.

LIVE REMOTE PROGRAMMING

First cablecast LIVE from a venue off-site from an access center’s facility.

OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT IN ACCESS AWARD

Nominate an individual you believe has made a compelling contribution to community access television. Include contact information for the nominee, a 100 word or less statement as to why this person(s) deserves the Achievement Award and any support materials you wish to provide. More than one may be awarded. . This is an OPEN category and all entries will be judged together.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Access program presenting a religious service.

DOCUMENTARY

Programming presenting political, social or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner (actual news films, interview accompanied by narration, etc.).

LIVE STUDIO PROGRAMMING

First cablecast LIVE from any area within, or connected to, an access center’s facility.

PERFORMING ARTS

Presentation of cultural events or performances; original dramas, plays, dances, concerts, etc.

SHORT SUBJECT

Presentation no longer than ten minutes (10) and no less than three minutes (3)  in length of a subject, including promos, informative videos, or any other topic.

STUDENT PROGRAMMING, K-8

Programming by students. Any adult participation or professional assistance MUST be noted on the entry form. Equipment used should be similar to that available to other access producers at the access center which this program aired. This category is open ONLY to YOUTH producers.

ENTRY STATUS

Entries by professionals, non-professionals and youth will be judged together in categories listed as “Open Categories”.

  • YOUTH ELIGIBILITY is reserved for program producers who are 18 years of age or under. The youth must have participated in a majority of the production (both in-front and behind the camera). Any adult participation MUST be noted.
  • NON-PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBILITY is reserved for those who have earned LESS THAN HALF their annual income from employment in teaching or production of media anytime within the last five years.
  • PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBILITY is required for all others.

Programs produced using both professionals and non-professionals should be entered in the division according to who had the most creative control over the program (i.e. directing, editing, etc.).