65th Annual
CHICAGO/MIDWEST REGIONAL
EMMY® AWARDS
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD
June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023
ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 16, 2023
LATE ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 23, 2023
Regional EMMY® NOMINATIONS PARTY
Regional EMMY® AWARDS
Ceremony
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Swissôtel, 323 E. Wacker, Chicago
ELIGIBILITY AREA
All broadcast, cable, broadband, cable / community / government access and video content providers (not close circuit or venue specific) located within the following Designated Market Areas (DMAs):
- Chicago, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Peoria/Bloomington, IL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Madison, WI
- Green Bay/Appleton, WI
- Wausau/Rhinelander, WI
- South Bend/Elkhart, IN
1. BECOME A MEMBER
Renew your membership (or become a member if you’re not already by clicking “Sign Up”). This will enable you to receive the lower “member” entry fee and it will save money overall. If you’ve been a member in the past, please renew rather than submit a new membership form; just follow the links on the membership page to reset your password or email the office at rcowing@emmyonline.tv for your password/membership ID.
Can you enter without becoming a member?
Yes, certainly, but the rates are higher. Make a “guest account” and then you will enter as a non-member, and all your entries will be at the non-member price.
2. DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR ENTRIES PDF to see list of categories, FEES, and rules
3. FILL OUT YOUR ENTRY
Once you are logged in as a member or a guest user, go to your membership dashboard and click “New Entry” and fill out and submit the online entry form for your entry. Be sure to list all eligible names for the entrants. Pay for the entry at this time. You’ll receive an email confirmation of your entry, with the Entry ID Number on the form.
4. UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO
Uploading on Emmy® Express is as easy as uploading a video on YouTube! After you upload, you will be able to watch the uploaded video on Emmy® Express and approve it for submission.
VIDEO FORMATS
PREFERRED FILE FORMAT
MP4 USING H.264 VIDEO CODEC AND AAC AUDIO CODEC
For best quality, encode your video at its original size.
Sizes 1920×1080 or 1280×720 are recommended.
Your video should be at least 720p.
Entrants are responsible for the technical quality of their videos.
SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
The system supports nearly any format other than DRM-encrypted media.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
For more detailed information regarding acceptable video formats, encoding and other settings, visit:
JW Player upload guidelines.
UNSUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
· Quicktime (MOV) files that use the Apple Intermediate Codec (used in Final Cut Pro)
· DRM protected files from Microsoft (WMV) or the iTunes Store (M4V, MOV)
· WMV videos using the MSS2 video codec (for screencasting).
· DRM protected files from Microsoft (WMV) or the iTunes Store (M4V, MOV)
· WMV videos using the MSS2 video codec (for screencasting).
VIDEO UPLOAD STEP BY STEP
PREPARING YOUR UPLOAD
· Ensure that you have a video file in a format that can be uploaded.
· Videos must be uploaded through Emmy® Express.
· The browser window must remain open while the file is being uploaded.
· Videos must be uploaded through Emmy® Express.
· The browser window must remain open while the file is being uploaded.
SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
· Once the file has been uploaded, processing will begin.
· If you don’t want to wait, you may close the browser window. The video will be processed in the background.
· NOTE: If you close the browser window, you must come back to approve the video upload.
· If you don’t want to wait, you may close the browser window. The video will be processed in the background.
· NOTE: If you close the browser window, you must come back to approve the video upload.
APPROVAL
· After upload and processing, you must double check the video and approve the upload.
· If you close the browser window during processing, you must come back later to approve it.
· If you close the browser window during processing, you must come back later to approve it.
CHICAGO/MIDWEST SCHEDULE
Eligibility Period
June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023
ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 16, 2023, 11:59 pm
LATE ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 23, 2023, 11:59 pm
add $30 to regular entry fee
DEADLINE
College Entries can only be submitted in our STUDENT EXPRESS SYSTEM. These awards will be presented at the Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Ceremony as well. You will need to create a new FREE membership profile in the STUDENT EXPRESS SYSTEM to start the entry process. The flat fee to enter the College Awards is $50.
CHICAGO/MIDWEST Regional EMMY® Awards
Contest Rules
To recognize outstanding achievements in television and allied media by conferring annual awards of merit in the Chapter’s designated award region which includes the television markets primarily in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana and surrounding DMAs:
- Chicago, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Peoria/Bloomington, IL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Madison, WI
- Green Bay/Appleton, WI
- Wausau/Rhinelander, WI
- South Bend/Elkhart, IN
The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in the television and digital media industry and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news, informational programming and craft achievements in television and online.
Students are not considered peer professionals and as such, their regional student productions are not eligible for Emmy® award recognition. If material is produced as part of a class for which school credit is received, the material is considered to be the work of a student. If a student works on a project submitted for Emmy® consideration by a professional, and is included on the entry for that project, they cannot enter as a student, but instead must pay the appropriate professional entry fees. Student award recipients or their institutions from any NATAS Chapter’s high school or college competitions may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion for their recognition.
To be eligible, original entries must have been transmitted to the general public by a television station, a cable company, satellite, the Internet or other digital delivery medium. Eligibility is limited to digital and telecast/cablecast programming that was originally produced and intended for the Chapter’s regional or local audience during the Chapter’s eligibility year.
Broadcast and cablecast entries must have been produced and intended for a regional or local audience, within the Chapter’s designated awards area, and must have had their first transmission in that awards area during the eligibility period. Entries produced and intended for a wider audience (a national audience) should be submitted for consideration in NATAS’ national awards.
Video content distributed via the Internet must have been produced and intended for a regional or local audience within the Chapter’s designated awards area. Internet content intended for a wider audience (a national audience) should be submitted for consideration in NATAS’ national awards.
Additional eligibility clarification notes:
- Local station news coverage that may receive national exposure should be submitted to regional Emmy® Award competitions.
- A documentary film that has a limited theatrical release at film festivals (showing on 50 or fewer screens in the U.S. over a one-year period) before telecast or being made available online is eligible provided the program content is produced and intended for the regional or local audience. Documentary films with a theatrical debut more than one year prior to their television or streaming debut will not be eligible.
- Local content that later receives national distribution may be submitted to either a regional or a national awards competition, but not both.
- Local segments that are eligible to participate as entries in National Emmy® Award competitions (i.e. News & Doc) may compete in both regional and national awards competitions under prevailing rules.
REGIONAL vs. NATIONAL
In determining whether content distributed online, without geographic restriction, is more
appropriate for submission to a regional competition or a national one, entrants should
consider the following:
- Subject matter must be regionally or locally focused rather than national or global in scope
- If the content or program has been submitted into any of the NATAS national competitions in a previous or current awards cycle, it may no longer be submitted regionally.
- Company/individual has entered other similar content into NATAS national competitions.
- If the program or content has been promoted to/marketed to a national audience or produced in association with a national media brand, it may not be entered regionally.
- All promotional and craft-category submissions associated with the content must be submitted to the same competition.
Regional content that later receives national distribution may be submitted to either a Regional Awards competition or a relevant National Awards competition, subject to the following restrictions:
- Content may only be submitted to a single competition. A program submitted to a regional competition may not then be submitted to a national competition or another regional competition.
- All craft-category submissions associated with the content must be submitted to the same regional or national competition.
- Eligibility for a regional competition is determined by the date the production was first telecast or made available online or via VOD in a region.
- Eligibility for a national competition is determined by the date the production was first telecast or made available online or via VOD nationally.
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In determining whether content distributed online, without geographic restriction, is more appropriate for submission to a regional competition or a national one, entrants should consider the following:
- Subject matter must be regionally or locally focused rather than national or global in scope.
- If the content or program has been submitted into any of the NATAS national competitions in a previous or current awards cycle, it may no longer be submitted regionally.
- Company/individual has entered other similar content into NATAS national competitions.
- If the program or content has been promoted to/marketed to a national audience or produced in association with a national media brand, it may not be entered regionally.
- All promotional and craft-category submissions associated with the content must be submitted to the same competition.
Regional content that later receives national distribution may be submitted to either a Regional Awards competition or a relevant National Awards competition, subject to the following restrictions:
- Content may only be submitted to a single competition. A program submitted to a regional competition may not then be submitted to a national competition or another regional competition.
- All craft-category submissions associated with the content must be submitted to the same regional or national competition.
- Eligibility for a regional competition is determined by the date the production was first telecast or made available online or via VOD in a region.
- Eligibility for a national competition is determined by the date the production was first telecast or made available online or via VOD nationally.
At least two-thirds of an entry must consist of original material, unless previously produced material has been given some unique and creative treatment that, in the opinion of the Chapter Awards Committee, results in new, original content.
Materials provided by a news service, cooperative news association or similar source must be treated as previously produced material, unless originally intended for first release in the Chapter’s regional awards eligibility area to which it was submitted with on-site supervision by the entrant.
The interpretation of the Chapter Awards Committee is final and absolute. Entries must be submitted as originally shown. There may not be any post-distribution changes except as noted in the category descriptions.
The following programming is not eligible:
- Pornographic, violent, defamatory or offensive content.
- Previously distributed programs, series or related craft content which was distributed and met eligibility requirements during a previous awards year or another Emmy® competition.
- Program length commercials or infomercials.
- Closed circuit content or internal communications.
- No content produced or created for a regional or national Emmy® awards show may be submitted to an Emmy® awards contest. Related craft material is also ineligible.
- Motion picture content that premiered in general release to the public in theaters.
- Compilation reels, “clip shows” or “best of…” programs that were edited from original content.
- Any acquired foreign productions not originated in the United States.
In order to sustain a high level of award excellence, Chapters must continue to self-regulate their entries, making sure only the appropriate individuals are recognized. To maintain this consistency, there is a maximum quota of 10 eligible names allowed on each entry. Any name(s) added beyond this number will require written authorization from the primary responsible entrant detailing the additional job title and responsibility. Chapters would then have the option of accepting these additional entrants or not.
In the event that the number of entries in a category falls below a range of four (4) to nine (9), Chapters have the option of eliminating or merging the category with another. If a category is merged, entrants would have the option of dropping out of the competition and receiving a refund of their entry fees.
Categories for which entrants do not readily volunteer to judge may be eliminated in the following eligibility year.
An excerpt is defined as a continuous segment or section from longer content.
Unless noted in the category description, no more than three (3) excerpts may be used to bring longer content to the category’s specified entry time limit. For entries representing a program series, content must be included from multiple episodes of the series. A maximum of three (3) representative excerpts is permitted. One to two seconds of black, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate excerpts. If the awards committee determines the content of any excerpt is ineligible, the entire entry will be ruled ineligible. Removal of a commercial break between segments does not constitute a separate excerpt.
A composite is defined as a sampling of a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) representative segments or examples of work that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents within the specified craft category.
The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted in the category description, are to be “as aired” with no post-distribution changes, such as additional edits, music or special effects. Composites may include stories or segments in their entirety and/or excerpts from longer content.
One to two seconds of black between cuts, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate segments within the composite.
DEMO REELS OR MONTAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED.
When an entry’s content allows for a choice of category placement, the producer has the discretion to enter the material in the most appropriate content category in addition to any craft achievement categories where it is eligible.
However, certain rules must also be considered and followed:
- No entry may be submitted to more than one Emmy® awards competition (Regional or National).
*Exception: Regional Emmy® recipients in the Breaking News and Investigative Report categories are eligible for submission to the National News & Documentary competition under prevailing rules. - Different episodes from the same program or series can only be entered in one Emmy® Awards competition
- Entrants are not allowed to separate content from individual craft achievement and submit in multiple Emmy® Awards competitions.
- If the Chapter deems content ineligible, craft submissions related to that content would also be ineligible.
- The first distribution of the entry is the primary determination of eligibility.
The Chapter reserves the right to disqualify outright or move any entry to a different category if in its judgment such action is warranted. Entries will not be accepted if no applicable category is found.
No entry may be submitted in its entirety in more than one content category. No entrant may be recognized more than once for performing the same job function for the same content.
Exceptions are given for content that was part of a full newscast, or included as an excerpt in the Overall Excellence, News Excellence and Community Service categories. To be eligible for this exception in the newscast categories, the same entrant cannot be listed on the newscast entry and another entry.
Example:
An investigative reporter is listed on a newscast entry. Under this double-dipping rule, a portion of the newscast content could be entered in Investigative Report, but the same reporter cannot be listed as a reporter since their name already appeared on the newscast entry in that specified role.
An investigative reporter is listed on a newscast entry. Under this double-dipping rule, a portion of the newscast content could be entered in Investigative Report, but the same reporter cannot be listed as a reporter since their name already appeared on the newscast entry in that specified role.
If you enter a full program or episode from a series in a content category, you cannot also enter a segment from the same program or series in another content category.
Content produced as both a multi-part series and a full-length program may be entered only once, regardless of the amount of new material added.
Example:
An investigative team does a three-part series within a newscast on gun control. Once the three parts have aired, and the same material re-purposed as a news or program special, the team would need to decide if they should enter the original series or the special, not both.
An investigative team does a three-part series within a newscast on gun control. Once the three parts have aired, and the same material re-purposed as a news or program special, the team would need to decide if they should enter the original series or the special, not both.
For Titled Franchise series, you may choose to submit up to five (5) representative segments from the series as a single entry in the appropriate category. If you enter the Titled Franchise as a series, you cannot also enter a segment from the same franchise in another content category. However, if you do not submit the franchise as a series entry, you may submit individual segments in the appropriate categories.
Example:
Your franchise is “This Week’s Health Advice.” The specific subject matter varies from week to week with topics such as Heart Health Awareness, Mary’s Battle with Lupus, Dietary Tips, The Best Yoga Studios in Springfield. You may submit each segment separately as individual entries based on the subject matter. Alternatively, you may submit all 5 segments in the Health category as a single entry representing the franchise. However, if you submit the franchise as a series entry, you may not submit any individual segments from the franchise elsewhere.
Your franchise is “This Week’s Health Advice.” The specific subject matter varies from week to week with topics such as Heart Health Awareness, Mary’s Battle with Lupus, Dietary Tips, The Best Yoga Studios in Springfield. You may submit each segment separately as individual entries based on the subject matter. Alternatively, you may submit all 5 segments in the Health category as a single entry representing the franchise. However, if you submit the franchise as a series entry, you may not submit any individual segments from the franchise elsewhere.
A single or multi episode full-length program, or a multi-part news series, all on the same subject, may only be entered in one content category. If the subject matter varies, different episodes from the same overall program series can be entered in other program categories as appropriate based on content. This exception does not apply to individual stories from a news series.
Examples:
• Your entry is a four-part series, Saving the Bay. Part one of the series is entered in the Informational/Instructional category. Part three cannot be entered in the Environment category.
• Your program is called Community Weekly, an on-going weekly series. Though it is basically a Public Affairs series, episode 204 may be about music, episode 216 about sports, while other episodes are more generic. Under our rules, episode 204 could be entered in an Entertainment category, while episode 216 could be entered in Sports. Other episodes from the series could be entered in Public Affairs.
In situations where craft persons, like writers, photographers, editors, etc., served in multiple roles that significantly impacted the final product, they may be listed on content categories and/or craft achievement categories provided they don’t violate double-dipping guidelines.
Examples:
• If a craft person is a writer/photographer on a documentary, they could enter the documentary in a program category listing themselves as only the writer. They could also enter the documentary (or a portion of it) in the photographer craft category, listing themselves as photographer only.
• If they are not an entrant on the program entry, they could enter the writer and/or photographer craft categories, using the same material since they performed different job functions.
• If they list themselves as both writer and photographer on the program entry, they are ineligible to enter either the writer or photographer craft categories.
• They cannot enter either craft category using the dual job title since one craft category is only for writer and the other only for photographer.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of those individuals or entities submitting entries pursuant to this notice. All submitting entities and/or individuals are advised to review submissions with respect to correct name credits and other information. NATAS shall accept all submissions that are not in conflict with any of its rules and regulations.
Once a Chapter’s award nominations are announced, there is a 10-calendar day grace period in which names, under extreme, special circumstances, can be added to a nominated entry. These requests should be authorized in writing to the Chapter from the person who submitted the entry or one of the entry nominees requesting this addition and detailing why this request should be granted. At a minimum, the appeal must include why the person was not originally listed on the entry AND what significant contributions that person made. An individual may petition the Chapter directly if the situation warrants. The Chapter’s Awards Committee will make the final decision and ruling.
Once the Emmy® Awards ceremony has concluded, NO individual names can be added to an awarded entry as an additional recipient, under any circumstances.
The entrant warrants that they are the party most responsible for the award-worthiness of the entry. The intentional falsification of production credits or entry credits will result in disqualification.
Attempts to adjust show titles, original distribution dates and/or descriptions of content in order to submit to multiple chapters or multiple categories, regardless of the circumstances, is prohibited.
Ineligible entries may be disqualified during any phase of the competition. Any violation of the rules or error in naming an entrant may result in a disqualification or an Emmy® Award being revoked at any point, including after recipients have been announced.
Each entrant agrees that any form of analog and/or digital recording, whether it be film, tape recording, screenshot or supplemental printed material that is furnished to NATAS in connection with an entry may be retained by NATAS for file, reference and archival purposes and may be viewed partially or in its entirety for judging purposes. All of, or portions of, said content may be used on or in connection with the awards ceremony, any broadcast/telecast and other exhibition, including internet; as well as with promotional announcements or activities for any of the foregoing. If required, the entrant is further responsible for approval and clearances to the appropriate parties for any use of this copyright content.
Judging panels should be made up of no fewer than 6 qualified judges who shall be certified as peer judges, with no more than 3 of those judges from the same station or company. Whenever possible, it is preferred that the judging coordinator secure at least 8 qualified individuals to serve on a judging panel. All entries from a given Chapter will be judged by professional peer judges from other Chapters. Judges may not have a conflict of interest, which is described as having a direct involvement in the production of an entry, or having a personal relationship with a member of the production staff of an entry. Group ownership, by itself, does not necessarily create a conflict of interest.
Entries are judged against a standard of excellence on their own merit and do not compete against each other. Craft entries are evaluated using a 1-10 scale each for Creativity and Execution. All other entries are scored using a 1-10 scale each for Content, Creativity and Execution. There may be one award, more than one award or no award given in each category. Any exceptions will be noted in the category description.
Entries in English will be judged by English-speaking professionals. Entries in Spanish will be judged by Spanish-speaking professionals. Entries in other languages may be entered. We recommend that entrants in languages other than English or Spanish submit an English-language translation of the spoken sequences.
The success of the Emmy® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Peers in other NATAS Chapters are judging our Chapter’s entries. Our Chapter will judge other Chapters’ entries. By entering, you agree to serve as a judge when asked.
In order to maintain fair, consistent peer judging without influence, judges must watch, at a minimum, the required amount of each entry. They must not score entries with any bias or attempt to manipulate scoring, and must not disclose how they voted. If they ignore or abuse this privilege, their ballot will be disqualified and/or their judging status revoked.
Producers, craft persons and other eligible entrants as listed on the entry form receive the Emmy® statuette.
Eligible entrants must have significant, creative, and hands-on involvement in the actual production of the video that is submitted. Roles peripheral to the actual video production (proposal/grant writing, fundraising, general supervision, etc.) are not substantial enough to be considered in this competition.
Executive Producers and management personnel (such as News Directors) are not eligible for Emmy® statuettes unless directly involved in the hands-on production of the work submitted. Those who serve in a managerial or supervisory role only should not be listed on the entry. To be considered, Executive Producers, General Managers, News Directors or other management personnel must have directly participated in the execution of the video. In such cases, a written request outlining the person’s involvement should be submitted via email to the Chapter’s awards committee for approval.
Note: General Managers are statuette eligible for the Overall Excellence category. News Directors are statuette eligible for the News Excellence category.
In the Craft Achievement categories, those who actually perform a specific discipline receive the Emmy® statuette. Supervising or directing the work of others does not qualify except for achievements in directing categories.
Emmy® Awards are presented to individuals, not to their employers. It is the individual entrant’s achievement that is being judged and recognized, even if an employer pays entry fees.
Others who work on a nominated or recognized entry may order contributor certificates or plaques. Individuals who did not receive a statuette, but were eligible for production certificates and/or plaques are not considered Emmy® recipient
As a courtesy, stations, studios, production companies and other Chapter-approved organizations may order a commemorative statuette for public display at their place of business. The statuette is engraved the same as the original Emmy® Award, with the word commemorative” added. Neither the organization’s name nor any other special wording may be engraved in place of where the individual’s name and position would usually appear. Commemorative Emmy® statuettes cannot be ordered for individuals.
All publicity, advertising or any written reference undertaken by nominees and award recipients to the Emmy® Awards, must clearly state that the awarded achievement is for a Regional Emmy® Award. The word “Regional” must appear in these instances. The recipient of a nomination or an Emmy® Award may refer in advertising and publicity to the fact that they have been honored only for one year after the recognition was bestowed. They may use a replica of the Emmy® statuette in such advertising. Individuals who significantly contributed to the production or craft but were not honored with a statuette cannot specifically advertise they are an Emmy® Award recipient. They can only state they worked on the recognized program.
The Emmy® statuette is the property of and all rights are reserved by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Television Academy). The Emmy® statuette may not be reproduced or used in any commercial manner unless otherwise permitted by NATAS, it being understood that possession of the same is solely for the benefit of the recipient and the recipient’s heirs or successors in interest. If a recipient or the recipient’s heir or successor in interest proposes to sell, loan, donate or otherwise dispose of the Emmy® statuette, such persons shall be obligated to return the statuette to The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences which will retain the same in storage in memory of the recipient.
A ® registration mark and the appropriate copyright notice: © NATAS/Television Academy must accompany any portrayal of the Emmy® statuette or moniker.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The document that provides information related to the Emmy® Awards contests, including rules, guidelines and categories.
A committee that oversees the Regional Emmy® Awards contest within a particular NATAS chapter. This committee has the final say on selecting categories for the chapter Call for Entries, determining content and entrant eligibility and reviewing judges’ challenges (among other duties.)
Programs or other content that consist of previously distributed material in the form of a “year in review” special or a collection of Branded Content Series pieces. These are NOT eligible for Regional Emmy® Awards contents.
Content that is only available to a select and limited audience via distribution on a closed circuit (hospitals, inflight entertainment, hotels, doctor’s offices, private companies, etc.)
Video content transmitted in a public sports venue, arena or stadium is not considered distribution on a closed circuit and is eligible in content and craft categories.
A sampling of a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) representative segments or examples of work that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents within the specified craft category. The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted in the category description, are to be “as aired” with no post-distribution changes, such as additional edits, music or special effects. Composites may include stories or segments in their entirety and/or excerpts from longer content. One to two seconds of black between cuts, with no audio or slates, must be added to separate segments within the composite.
Having a direct involvement or vested interest in the production of an entry or having a personal relationship with an entrant. Judges may NOT judge entries in which any of these criteria are met. Group ownership, by itself, does not create a conflict of interest.
Examples: A producer working for a station owned by TEGNA in one market is not prohibited from judging an entry produced by another TEGNA-owned station in another Chapter. NBC Sports Chicago personnel are not prohibited from serving as judges for entries produced by NBC Sports Bay Area.
A category for which there are three (3) areas of excellence being considered in the judging process: Content, Creativity and Execution.
Our chapter’s content categories can be found in categories 1 to 24.
(also see: Craft Category)
A category for which there are two (2) areas of excellence being considered in the judging process: Creativity and Execution. These categories focus solely on the craft designated for each (photography, editing, talent, etc.) Our chapter’s craft categories are Categories 25 to 34. (also see: Content Category)
Short examples edited from content that showcases your work. Demo reels or montages often include shorter excerpts from the original video that may or may not have added music, graphics and/or special effects.
Example: A photographer cannot take short segments from original content and edit those pieces together for a composite submission in the craft category.
The process of getting video content from a producer to a viewer. This may include being broadcast on a television or cable station, streamed on a website or app, posted on a company website or social media account.
Any entry or portion of an entry submitted in more than one content category or an entrant submitting work in an attempt to be recognized more than once for performing the same job function for the same content.
See specific examples of double-dipping in the RULES section of this Call for Entries.
Period of time in which any content must have been produced to be eligible for entry in this regional Emmy® Awards contest. This window varies among NATAS chapters and will be prominently displayed in each Call for Entries.
The most prestigious peer-judged award recognizing excellence in professional achievement with annual awards of merit in the television industry through extensive, confidential peer review of broadcast work and related media.
Individual whose work has been submitted for consideration in a regional Emmy® Award contest.
Maximum length allowed for the submitted entry video. This does not necessarily correspond with the original length of the video that was aired/distributed for viewing by the general public. Entry Time Limits vary among categories. Example: The length of a program when it originally aired was 60 minutes. You are entering that program in a category with an Entry Time Limit of 30 minutes. You must follow appropriate guidelines to shorten the entry video to 30 minutes or less.
A continuous segment or section from longer content, excerpts are used to bring longer content to the specified category time limit.
While still journalistic in nature, this content takes less of a hard news tone while incorporating strong storytelling. It may be a serious or lighter subject. The story construction and personality of the interviewees are highlighted in a feature story. Feature news stories often run a bit longer and may not have an immediate time peg.
News or Short Form Content that includes multiple installments, all of which are produced under a unifying title and theme. Examples: “Reports from the Border” that air every Wednesday night on a local newscast, “Tom’s Financial Tips” posted weekly on the web, “Your Pet’s Health” features in an ongoing magazine broadcast.
Classic, fact-gathering and reporting. Should include a news hook and timely peg.
A program or long form content that promotes a product, service or idea and includes a call to commerce.
Systematic, in-depth and original research and reporting of a single topic of interest, such as serious crime, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing.
Job Title is the word or words under your name on a business card that indicate(s) what job position you hold within the organization for which you work.
Role on Entry is the particular function you performed on an Emmy® Award entry.
Many of these are similar or even the same (Producer, Photographer, Editor) while some job titles (Executive Producer, Chief Creative Officer, Assignment Desk Editor) don’t directly translate to a tangible job function performed during the production process. Entrants often perform roles on an entry that aren’t a part of their job title (a producer who edits, a director who writes, a photographer who lights the set, an editor who produces.)
For the purposes of regional Emmy® Award statuette eligibility, Role on Entry is the determining factor over Job Title.
Method of coverage that considers all sides fairly, reporting without bias or persuasion.
One whose work on a production was significant enough to be considered eligible for a regional Emmy® Award statuette. In the estimation of the entry submitter, the entry would not have been award-worthy without this person’s contributions.
Video production that exceeds 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program categories or sub-categories, as well as longer segment or feature categories or sub-categories and online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
One who has completed the membership process in one of the 19 regional NATAS chapters.
(Membership is not required to enter regional Emmy® Awards contests)
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) was founded in 1955. It is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award.
Regional Emmy® Awards are given in nineteen regions across the United States. National Awards are given for Daytime Entertainment, News & Documentary, Children’s & Family, Sports and Technology & Engineering.
Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including Regional Student Production Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public.
The Daytime, Children’s & Family, News & Documentary, Community Service, Sports and Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards contests are held annually and open to all entrants whose work meets eligibility criteria.
Multiple reports that build on the same subject or news story.
A stand-alone program or content that is not part of a larger series of content.
The date that content was first made available (aired or otherwise distributed) to the general public.
The process by which Emmy® Awards entries are reviewed by professionals of like disciplines for the purpose of determining award-worthiness. Entries are judged against a standard of excellence and not each other.
A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to or streaming on a computer or mobile device. Audio-only Podcasts are not eligible for Emmy® Award consideration. Podcasts that also include a video element would be eligible for regional entry as long as they are in compliance with all other requirements.
A term used to help determine eligibility of content for regional Emmy® Awards contests. This was previously used as the standard of eligibility but has been replaced with the phrase “produced and intended for a regional or local audience,” as the National Awards Committee determined this was more effectively measured and determined.
NOTE: The duties of the newscast producer (the person producing the overall newscast) are generally understood industry-wide and are not outlined here.
This description is meant to define duties associated with producers of specific content within a newscast or program, as well as producers of short/long form content, programs, promos, branded and other eligible content distributed on various platforms.
To be listed on an entry as “Producer” an entrant must perform the majority of the following producer duties:
- Serving as an “overseer” of the content, determining the overall tone, structure, look, sound, and mission of the content.
- Making strategic editorial decisions that have a significant impact on the resulting content.
- Identifying interview subjects and shoot locations.
- Scheduling interviews, shoots, and edits.
- Writing and/or approving scripts.
- Formulating ideas for graphics/animations and working with designers through completion.
- Working with editors to assure the content meets expectations and overseeing necessary changes.
The following are NOT considered to be Producers and are, therefore, not Emmy® statuette eligible. Note: An appropriate plaque or certificate may be purchased to recognize the support or contributions of these individuals.
- Clients, Sponsors, Underwriters, Funders, Distributors
- CEOs, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Company Owners, General Managers with no hands-on role in the video production
- News Directors and Executive Producers with no hands-on role in the video production
- Support staff or management with no hands-on role in the video production
- People or organizations that are the subject of the video, including interviewees
- People or organizations that provide resources (archives, photos, film, location access, etc.) for and/or during the production
Maximum length allowed to produce an entry, which may be indicated in hours or the term Single Shift.
A traditional content format used in broadcast and cable television. In order to be more inclusive of content delivered via non-traditional means, the term Long Form Content is being used in most applications that were previously referred to as Programs. Certain categories (Documentary, Sports Program, Magazine Program) have retained the term where the traditional definition remains applicable.
Multiple episodes of a program with similar subject matter or an overall unifying theme.
One who receives a regional Emmy® Award. As regional entries are judged against a standard of excellence and not each other, there may be no recipient, one recipient or more than one recipient in a given category. Honorees in the National Emmy® Award contests are referred to as “winners” since only one entry is awarded in each category, with the exception of ties.
The document that sets forth the rules and available categories for each regional chapter’s Call For Entries. It also includes a section of Chapter Guidance and this Glossary of Terms.
A section of video content that could be part of a program or entry.
Multiple installments of similar and related content.
(also see: News Series and Program Series)
Video production that is no more than 10 minutes in length. These subcategories are the intended home for content that previously would have been submitted in Program Feature or Segment categories or sub-categories, as well as online content that meets other eligibility criteria.
This is defined as the time between when a work shift begins and ends (could be a normal work shift or an extended, breaking-news type of shift). This term is replacing the previously used “within 24 hours” as a way to separate longer term projects and productions from those completed within one work shift.
Crystal pillars presented to recipients of separate contests among high school and college students, with the intention to recognize outstanding student achievements in production. Rules and category options for Student Production Awards are outlined in the Regional Awards Manual.
Content conceived and created by full-time students at a university, college, technical/vocational school or high school. Student Productions may not include any professional services and faculty involvement can only be advisory.
Exact runtime of an entry video.
Person who completes the process of entry in a regional Emmy® Award contest. This person may also be an entrant but is not required to.
Content that is licensed for distribution on multiple broadcast or online outlets and available for consumption in multiple geographic locations.
The maximum amount of time allowed. A chapter call for entries will include two (2) types of time limits: Time Limit and Production Time Limit.
Time Limit: maximum length allowed for an entry, this varies among categories
.
Production Time Limit: maximum length allowed to produce an entry, which may be indicated in hours or the term Single Shift.
When an entry includes previously produced material, it is only eligible if its use is significantly different from any previous use of the same material.
COLLEGE
CALL FOR ENTRIES
EARLY DEADLINE
Friday, June 14, 2024
LATE ENTRY DEADLINE
Friday, June 21, 2024
Eligibility Period
June 1, 2023 - May 31, 2024
NOMINATIONS PARTY
SEPTEMBER 2024 TBA
AWARDS CEREMONY
NOVEMBER 2, 2024
STANDARD RULES
To recognize outstanding achievements in television and allied media by conferring annual awards of merit in the Chapter’s designated award region within the following Designated Market Areas (DMAs):
ILLINOIS MARKET:
CHICAGO
PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON
ROCKFORD
CHICAGO
PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON
ROCKFORD
INDIANA MARKET:
SOUTH BEND / ELKHART
SOUTH BEND / ELKHART
WISCONSIN MARKETS:
GREEN BAY / APPLETON
MADISON
MILWAUKEE
WAUSAU / RHINELANDER
GREEN BAY / APPLETON
MADISON
MILWAUKEE
WAUSAU / RHINELANDER
The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in the television and digital media industry and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news, informational programming and craft achievements in television and online
Programs or program segments conceived, produced and executed by students at a university, college or technical/vocational school within the Chapter’s designated award area are eligible for student award consideration. Returning students who previously worked as professionals in the media and television industry are not eligible. No professional services may have been employed in the production of the entry. Faculty involvement can only be advisory.
Students may enter work that was produced as a class assignment, extra-curricular assignment or in conjunction with their academic experience. Students who perform professional work may enter their work in our professional awards competition, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. No entry may be submitted to more than one Chapter’s awards. The entry does not need to have been broadcast, cablecast or webcast to be eligible.
Submitted programs must have been made during the period of June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
The College or University submitting must be located within the ADI (area of dominant influence) of the television markets within the Chicago/Midwest chapter jurisdiction. The television markets that the Chicago/Midwest Chapter covers are:
ILLINOIS MARKET:
CHICAGO
PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON
ROCKFORD
CHICAGO
PEORIA/BLOOMINGTON
ROCKFORD
INDIANA MARKET:
SOUTH BEND / ELKHART
SOUTH BEND / ELKHART
WISCONSIN MARKETS:
GREEN BAY / APPLETON
MADISON
MILWAUKEE
WAUSAU / RHINELANDER
GREEN BAY / APPLETON
MADISON
MILWAUKEE
WAUSAU / RHINELANDER
Entry and payment must be submitted online with the STUDENT EXPRESS system. The entry video is to be uploaded online as well (all directions online). Judging will also be done online. Entry forms can be printed out once you complete the entry process online. The email confirmation you receive should have a link listed for the printing of the entry form. We recommend that you print a copy of the entry form for your own records.
Administrative fee per entry: $55 for members and non-members.
The validation form must be filled out by the faculty advisor. Go to the link below:
All entry forms, online credit card payment, and video uploading must be completed by 6/14/2024. Late entries will be accepted up to 6/21/2024. Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover are accepted. If paying by check or money order, payment should be sent to the TV Academy office with a copy of your entry form.
Our address is:
NATAS, Chicago/Midwest Chapter
c/o Columbia College Chicago, Communication Dept
33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Ste. 535
Chicago, IL 60605
c/o Columbia College Chicago, Communication Dept
33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Ste. 535
Chicago, IL 60605
Judging programs or segment entries are on a scale of 1 to 7 on each of three criteria: Content, Creativity and Execution for program entries; and two criteria: Creativity and Execution for craft entries. Judging panels are made up of professional judges.
There is no limit to the number of entries a school may submit. Entries in English will be judged by English-speaking professionals. Entries in Spanish will be judged by Spanish-speaking professionals. Entries in other languages may be entered. Judging of these entries is subject to the availability of qualified judges who speak the language of the entry. We recommend that entrants in languages other than English or Spanish submit an English-language translation of the narration track.
At least two-thirds of an entry must consist of original material, unless previously produced material has been given some unique and creative treatment. Entrants must specifically identify and give credit to all non-original material included in the entry. This includes music use.
College and University students may refer to the fact that they are recipients of a NATAS Student Achievement Award but may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion.
Students responsible for the production will each receive a certificate. Certificates will be provided for students who are nominated and/or win. The winning crystal pillar is given to the school directly. Individual winning students may order a duplicate of the pillar after the Awards ceremony.
