The Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts
and Sciences (NATAS) proudly presents the 2011 Call for Entries.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to those person(s) directly responsible for the content and execution of the material presented in the entry.

1 . Station Excellence

For excellence in overall station or cable/sports system operations, during the eligibility period. Entry should reflect the station or cable/sports system’s overall local product including any news & sports coverage, other locally produced programs, promotional announcements, on-air examples of events hosted by the station and involvement in the community, and any further evidence of station excellence. Entry should emphasize the quality, breadth and efficacy of a station’s operations, stressing substance rather than style, and exhibit station’s performance in sustaining excellence throughout the eligibility year. The composite entry must be comprised only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production, music or special effects may be added. Entry should include a one-page, written synopsis of the station’s operation, product, accomplishments and achievements. Entry length shall not exceed 60 minutes.

2. News Excellence

For excellence in the overall news operation during the eligibility period. Entry should present as many different examples as possible, including, but not limited to: enterprise in general assignment reporting, breaking news coverage, specialty and beat reporting, series, documentaries, continuing coverage of community issues, editorials/commentaries, etc. Entry should emphasize the quality, breadth and efficacy of a news operation, stressing substance rather than style, and exhibit the news department’s performance in sustaining excellence throughout the year. The composite entry must be comprised only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production, music or special effects may be added. Entry should include a one-page, written synopsis. Entry length shall not exceed 60 minutes.

3 . Community Service

For excellence in programming; whether news or non-news, involving the entire company in a continuing effort to focus interest on, and marshal support for, a worthy community cause. Entry should emphasize the depth, breadth, duration and efficacy of the effort , and must be comprised only of material as actually aired. No introductions, post production, music or special effects may be added. Composite entries are allowed. E ntry should include a one-page, written synopsis. Entry length shall not exceed 60 minutes.

4. Interactivity

For excellence in the creation of an interactive media effort that extends the reach and content delivery of a traditional broadcast/cablecast program. The interactive components include, but are not limited to, the traditional broadcast/cablecast program, video sharing, video blogs, discussion boards, online forums, instant web polls, live-to-tape telephone responses, man on the street kiosk recorders and other media. Submission must include a video presentation of the original program AND synchronous media IF the appearance and value of such is not obvious during the program. The entry may be accompanied by a written description of no more than 200 words explaining the enriching media experience of the interactive media effort. Time Limit: 30 minutes

NEWS PROGRAMMING

One award, more than one award, or no award (except where noted) may be given to the producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the news program, segment or coverage. Anchors, reporters, photographers, editors, assignment editors, hosts, directors and qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness. For any entry designated as a series, a minimum of two reports must be included.

NEWSCASTS

5. Newscast – Evening
A.Larger Markets (1-25)
B.Medium Markets (26-60)
C.Smaller Markets (61+)

For excellence in a regularly scheduled evening newscast. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 60 minutes.  

6. Newscast - Morning/Daytime
A.Larger Markets (1-25)
B.Medium Markets (26-60)
C.Smaller Markets (61+)

For excellence in a regularly scheduled morning newscast. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 60 minutes.

NEWS GATHERING

7. General Assignment Report

A. Within 24 Hours
For excellence in coverage of a single story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast which is assigned, shot, edited and aired within a 24-hour period. Entry may include live and/or taped elements. Time limit: 10 minutes.

B. No Time Limit
For excellence in coverage of a single or multi-part story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast or newscasts, which has no time limit for its preparation. Entry may include live and/or taped elements. Stories and topics covered must be of a Hard News character and be an assigned report that would not be considered a Feature or Special Report (to be entered elsewhere).
Time limit: 10 minutes

8. Breaking News

For excellence in coverage of a single unanticipated news event that is aired simultaneously with the news event being covered and aired either within or outside of a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include multiple live or taped elements and online content. Time limit: 15 minutes.

Note: Regional winners in this category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Spot News.

9. Team Coverage

For excellence by a team involved in covering multiple stories on a single subject, shot, edited, produced and aired within 24 hours in a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include multiple live and/or taped elements and online content. Time limit: 15 continuous minutes.

10. Spot News

For excellence in coverage of a single, unanticipated news event that is shot, edited, produced and aired within 24 hours on a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry may include multiple live and/or taped elements and online content. Elements of a related Breaking News entry may be included in a Spot News entry but not in their entirety. Time Limit: Limited to a single report.

Note: Regional winners in this category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National News and Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Spot News.

11. Continuing Coverage

For excellence in coverage of a single news story over an extended number of reports. Entries will be judged in part on story advancement and should be entered as a composite. Elements may include segments from within or outside of a regularly scheduled newscast, including those presented online. A stand-alone segment from this composite may be entered in one other category. Time limit: 30 minutes

A. Within 24 Hours
All reports included are from one news story and all aired within a 24-hour period.

B. No Time Limit
At least three segments should be entered to show the overall coverage of one news story over a longer period of time.

12. Investigative Report

A. Single Story
B. Series
For excellence in reporting of a community problem requiring research and investigative journalism, aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. Entry will be judged on the quality and extent of research, the presentation, and the impact of the reporting. Written documentation is required (100-word limit). Time limit: 30 minutes.

Note: Regional winners in this category are eligible, at their discretion, to compete for a crystal pillar in the National News & Documentary Awards in the following category: Outstanding Regional News Story – Investigative Reporting.

13. Feature News Report

A. Light Feature / Series
B. Serious Feature
C. Serious Series

For excellence in reporting of a single or multi-part feature news story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. Time limit 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes. 

14. News Special

For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, significant, newsworthy event, occasion or topic aired outside any regularly scheduled news program. Subject should be an in-depth treatment of current topic. Time limit: 60 minutes.  

NEWS & PROGRAM SPECIALTY

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the program, segment or coverage. Anchors, reporters, directors, photographers, editors, assignment editors, hosts, writers, and qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness. A maximum of 3 segments/lifts is permitted to bring longer program entries to the required time limit.  

15. Arts/Entertainment

A. News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of general entertainment, variety or visual and performing arts. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.  

B. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special on general entertainment, variety or visual and performing arts. Time limit: 10 minutes.   

C. Program/Special
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on general entertainment, variety or visual and performing arts. Time limit: 30 minutes.

16. Business/Consumer

A. News Single Story / Feature
B. News Series
For excellence in coverage of business, finance, consumer affairs or economic topics. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.  

17. Children/Youth/Teen

A. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special that covers issues of specific interest to a target audience 12 years of age and under. Time limit: 10 minutes.

B. Program/Special
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special that covers issues of specific interest to a target audience 12 years of age and under. Time limit: 30 minutes.

18. Crime

News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of crimes or other violations of the law. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

19. Education/Schools

News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of schools, teaching or education. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

20 . Environment

News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of environmental impact issues, topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.Series time limit: 15 minutes.

21. Health/Science

News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of health, science, medical topics or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

22. Historic/Cultural

News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of subjects that emphasize historical, cultural and/or ethnic issues or topics. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

23. Human Interest

A. News Single Story Feature
B. News Series
For excellence in coverage of stories that appeal to the human spirit. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

24. Military

A. News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of military issues at home and/or abroad. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

B. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special on military issues at home and/or abroad Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on military issues at home and/or abroad. Time limit: 30 minutes.

25. Politics/Government

A. News Single Story / Feature
B. News Series
For excellence in coverage of political, civil, government issues or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

C. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special on political, civil, government issues or subject matter. Time limit: 10 minutes.  

D. Program/Special
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on political, civil, government issues or subject matter. Time limit: 30 minutes.

26. Religion

A. News Single Story / Series / Feature
For excellence in coverage of subject matter of a religious and/or spiritual nature . Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

27. Specialty Assignment Report

A. News Single Story / Feature
B. News Series
For excellence in coverage of special interest information that consists of regularly scheduled, on-going segments involving specialized reporting expertise (i.e., consumerism, health, science, criticism, politics, environment, technology, commentary, etc.). Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes. 

C. Program/Special/Feature/Segment
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special that covers special interest information involving specialized reporting expertise. Time limit: 30 minutes.

28. Sports

A. News Single Story / Series
B. Sportscast
C. News Feature
For excellence in coverage of sports in general, sports related topics or subject matter within a regularly scheduled news program. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

D. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled daily or weekly sports program, or for coverage of a one-time-only sports event (not sporting game or play-by-play) or sports series. Time limit: 10 minutes. 

E. Regularly Scheduled Daily or Weekly Program
For excellence in a regularly scheduled daily or weekly sports program, or for coverage of a one-time-only sports event (not sporting game or play-by-play) or sports series. Entry may be live or taped. Entry must have, as its basis, special coverage not to be taken from a regularly scheduled newscast. Entries may include multi-camera and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of the event. Entry may have no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time limit: 30 minutes.

F. One-Time Special
For excellence in a one-time sports related special program that is not part of a regularly scheduled daily or weekly sports program. Entry may be live or taped. Entry should have no post edits except for the removal of commercials. Time limit: 30 minutes.

29. Sporting Event/Game – Live/Unedited Program/Special/Series

For excellence in production of a single program, special or series, live or live-to-tape sports event or game. A composite is required and can include examples of: Show Open, Graphics Package, Use of Replays, Inserted Pre-Produced Segments, Use of Statistical or Other Prepared Material, Highlights, Standard Coverage (e.g. Routine Innings or Downs) and any additional material at entrant’s discretion. Time limit: 30 minutes.  

30. Texas Heritage

A. News Single Story/Series/Feature
For excellence in coverage of stories regarding state or local heritage, history or natural attributes of Texas. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

B. Program Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special on state or local heritage, history or natural attributes of Texas. Time limit: 10 minutes.

C. Program/Special
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on state or local heritage, history or natural attributes of Texas. Time limit: 30 minutes.  

31. Weather

A. News Single Story/Series/Feature
B. News Weathercast
For excellence in coverage of weather in general, weather related topics or subject matter within a regularly scheduled news program. Time limit: 10 minutes. Series time limit: 15 minutes.

C. Program/Special/Feature/Segment
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on weather related topics or subject matter. Time limit: 30 minutes. 

PROGRAMMING

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the program, segment or coverage. Hosts, moderators, reporters, directors, photographers, editors, writers and qualified others may be eligible if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness. A maximum of three segments/lifts is permitted to bring longer program entries to the required time limit. If preferred, long-form programs can be accepted in their entirety. However, judges are only required to screen 25% of the full program.

32. Documentary

A. Cultural
B. Historical
C. Topical
For excellence in the creation of a formal, structured television presentation with dramatic impact of an event, condition or situation of current, cultural and/or historical significance. Time limit 60 minutes.  

33. Informational/Instructional

Program/Special/Feature/Segment
For excellence in presentation of stories from a regularly scheduled program, series or special whose prime purpose is to be instructional; to teach formally or informally about a subject or subjects. Time limit: 30 minutes.

34. Interview/Discussion

A. Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special consisting of interview/discussion material that is at least 75% unscripted. Time limit: 10 minutes.  

B. Program/Special/Series
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special consisting of interview/discussion material that is at least 75% unscripted. Time limit: 30 minutes.

35. Magazine Program

A. Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special consisting of various stories of regional interest designed to entertain and inform. Time limit: 10 minutes.

B. Program/Special

C. Series
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special consisting of various stories of regional interest designed to entertain and inform. Time limit: 30 minutes.  

36. Public/Current/Community Affairs

A. Feature/Segment
For excellence in a feature or segment from a regularly scheduled program, series or special on current issues of societal concerns, social ills, community or general public interest. Time limit: 10 minutes.  

B. Program/Special/Series
For excellence in a regularly scheduled program, series or special on current issues of societal concerns, social ills, community or general public interest. Time limit: 30 minutes.  

37. Special Event Coverage (other than News or Sports)

For excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, anticipated community or entertainment event. Program may include multi-cameras and pre-produced segments that cover the full spectrum of the event. Live entries should include at least 70% live material. Time limit: 30 minutes. 

SPOT ANNOUNCEMENTS

One award, more than one award, or no award is given to the producer(s) and others directly responsible for the content and execution of the promotion or commercial. Entries must be regionally conceived, produced and aired. Spots that contain more than 50% of network or syndicator-provided material do not qualify. Music, graphics and pre-edited video constitute such material. Spots may be 5-seconds to 2-minutes in length. Program length commercials (infomercials) are not eligible. If a campaign is entered, a maximum of three spots may be included.  

38 . Community/Public Service (PSAs)

Single Spot/Campaign
For excellence in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.

 39 . Promotion

A. News Promo - Single Spot
B. News Promo – Campaign
C. News Promo - Image
For excellence in announcements that promote a news image, a specific story, stories or series, including sports, weather and/or franchise stories. This includes promos for news specials, breaking weather, sports specials, etc.

D. Program – Single Spot
E. Program – Campaign
F. Program - Sports
G. Program – Image
For excellence in announcements that promote non-news programming. This includes spots that promote a broader station/company image as well as regionally produced spots for network and/or syndicated programming. 

40 . Commercial

Single Spot /Campaign
For excellence in commercial production advertising a product, business or service that is conceived, written, created and produced in and for the regional market. Spots may be 5-seconds to 2-minutes inlength. Program length commercials (infomercials) are not eligible.  

CRAFTS ACHIEVEMENT

One award, more than one award, or no award is given for excellence in a specific craft discipline demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted. Time limit: 15 minutes.

While craft entrants may submit more than one entry per craft discipline, only one of those entries may be a composite . Elements of the composite may not be separately entered as individual craft entries. Craft awards are intended for hands-on craftpersons, not those that supervise craftpersons.

41 . Audio

42 . Director

A. Live or Live to Tape/Newscast
B. Post-Production/Short Form (Promos, PSAs, Commercials, Opens, etc.)
C. Technical Director

43 . Editor

A. Program (Non-News)
B. Short Form (Promos, PSAs, Commercials, Opens, etc.)
C. News - Within 24 Hours
D. News - No Time Limit
E. Sports

44 . Graphic Arts

Graphics/Animation

45 . Lighting

46. Musical Composition/Arrangement

47 . News Producer
Enter complete segment or composite not to exceed 30 minutes. Unless part of a composite entry, material entered in this category cannot be part of a full-length program (news or non-news) already entered elsewhere.  

48. On-Camera Talent

A. Anchor – News
B. Anchor – Weather
C. Anchor – Sports
D. Commentator/Editorialist/Performer/Narrator
E. Program Host/Moderator/Reporter – Programming
F. Reporter – Features/Human Interest
G. Reporter – General Assignment/Spot News
H. Reporter – Investigative
I. Reporter – Live
J. Reporter – Specialty Assignment/Consumer/Medical
K. Reporter – Sports
L. Sports Analyst/Play-by-Play  

49 . Photographer

A. Program (Non-News)/Short Form (Promos, PSAs, Commercials, Opens, etc.)
B. News
C. Sports  

50. Technical Achievement

For excellence in technical engineering which might include: oversight in the coverage of a special event, specific technical innovation that enhances viewer experience or a technical success story that is as unique and noteworthy as to warrant special honor and recognition. Entry should include a one-page synopsis detailing specific objectives and challenges that were overcome as a result of the technical achievement. Time limit: 30 minutes.

51. Video Journalist

For excellence by a single individual, covering a single or multi-part news story or topic aired within a regularly scheduled newscast. The video journalist acts as a cross-discipline producer, serving as photojournalist, editor, talent and producer for the story. Entry may not be entered in any other craft or program category.

52 . Writer

A. Program (Non-News)/Commentary/Editorial
B. Short Form (Promos, PSAs, Commercials, Opens, etc.)
53C. News

COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY STUDENT PRODUCTION

A crystal pillar is awarded in this area for excellence in a program or segment produced and executed by students at a university, college or technical/vocational school during the eligibility year. Entry must be validated by a professor/teacher. Students responsible for the production, as specified in writing by the school, will each receive an Emmy® certificate.

54A - College/University Student Production - Newscast

For outstanding achievement in a regularly scheduled newscast. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of breaks. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc. Time Limit: 30 minutes

54B - College/University Student Production - News: General Assignment

For outstanding reporting achievement in a regularly scheduled presentation of timely news, information and current events. Entries may contain spot news coverage, investigations and feature stories on any newsworthy subject. Coverage of controversial issues is welcome. Entries will be judged on the basis of editorial content and pictorial coverage, which demonstrates awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Preference will be given to individual pieces demonstrating reporting and field production. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the individual report. Time Limit: 10 minutes

54C - College/University Student Production - Arts and Entertainment/Cultural Affairs

For outstanding reporting achievement in a regularly scheduled presentation of content with cultural or artistic significance. Time Limit: No more than 10 minutes. Or an individual may enter a compilation of his/her work in this category consisting of up to three unedited pieces totaling 10 minutes in length.

54D - College/University Student Production - Long Form (Fiction and Non-Fiction)

For outstanding achievement in a regularly scheduled or special presentation of a long-form treatment of a single subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Time Limit: Entry must run a minimum of ten minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes. If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to submit two 15 minute unedited segments that best exemplify the total work.

54E - College/University Student Production - Sports

For outstanding achievement in a regularly scheduled or special presentation of sports news and information. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the presentation. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Time Limit: No more than three minutes. Or an individual may enter a compilation of his/her work in this category consisting of up to three unedited pieces totaling 10 minutes in length.

54F - College/University Student Production - Community/Public Service (PSAs)

For outstanding achievement in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes. Spots may be 5-seconds to 2 minutes in length.

54G - College/University Student Production - Public Affairs/Community Service

For outstanding achievement in a regularly scheduled or special presentation of content with current social, civic or other issue-oriented subject matter. Advocacy of a point of view is encouraged. Content, creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Entry will be judged on awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness. Time Limit: No more than 10 minutes. Or an individual may enter a compilation of his/her work in this category consisting of up to three unedited pieces totaling 10 minutes in length.

54H - College/University Student Production - Writing

For outstanding achievement in writing in all forms, including both fiction and non-fiction. This award is designed to encourage clarity of thought as well as creativity. Style and substance both count heavily in determining the winner. Scripts must be fair and accurate and must demonstrate logical organization of editorial content so that a viewer will easily understand the story that is being told. Scripts must accompany produced pieces. Time Limit: 15 minutes.

54I - College/University Student Production - Photographer

For outstanding achievement in photography demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted. Time Limit: 15 minutes.

54J - College/University Student Production - Editor

For outstanding achievement in editing demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted. Time Limit: 15 minutes.

EMMY® Express

Detailed EMMY® Express Instructions

2011 EMMY® Categories

2011 EMMY® Rules & FAQ

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EMMY® Statuette and Plaque FAQ's

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