This comprehensive guide covers all the rules, categories, and judging criteria for the UIL Broadcast Journalism Contest. It provides essential information for students looking to compete in categories such as news stories, documentaries, sports features, and more. Whether you’re new to broadcast journalism or a seasoned participant, this guide will help you prepare and submit your best work. Download the PDF to review category descriptions, submission guidelines, and technical requirements to ensure your entry meets UIL standards and stands out in the competition.

This entry highlights the ability to gather, organize, and present the latest or most complete information on a specific topic or event. The focus is on clear reporting, accurate information, and a logical progression of facts and visuals.

Criteria:

• • The story is well-written, concise, and the video footage matches the audio commentary with appropriate use of natural sound.
  • There is smooth integration of reporter narration and visuals, maintaining engagement throughout the segment.

This entry emphasizes the writing skills behind a broadcast news story. The written script for the video story should reflect clarity, precision, and an appropriate tone for the news piece.

Criteria:

• • Submission includes both the written script and the accompanying video story.
  • Writing should demonstrate solid journalism principles: clear, concise, and engaging.

This category involves a feature story written for broadcast. The focus is on storytelling, creativity, and the human-interest angle. The written script should be submitted along with the video story.

Criteria:

• • Submission includes both the written script and the video story.
  • Creative writing techniques are encouraged to engage the viewer emotionally or intellectually.

This entry focuses on personality profiles or human-interest stories that delve into personal narratives or unique stories. The feature should be rich in detail and rely heavily on sound bites, interviews, and natural sound to create a compelling story.

Criteria:

• • Audio matches video, with appropriate sound bites, interviews, and clear reporter/anchor narration covering the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and how.
  • Engaging stand-ups, relevant action shots, and well-placed lower-thirds (supers) identifying reporters, locations, and interview subjects, with emotion or humor encouraged for audience connection.

This entry is for a longer-form broadcast that explores a trend, issue, or individual in greater detail. The documentary should use in-depth interviews, strong storytelling, and relevant visuals to present a complete picture of the subject matter.

Criteria:

• • Audio and video are well-matched, with sound bites and interviews adding context and depth.
  • Effective use of lower thirds and appropriate emotion or humor to make the documentary relatable.

This category involves the coverage of a recent or ongoing game, a season summary, or an in-depth sports-related topic. The segment should focus on capturing the excitement and energy of the sporting event or story.

Criteria:

• • Audio matches video, with sound bites and interviews offering key insights, and the story covering the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and how.
  • Engaging stand-ups, clear supers, and the use of emotion and excitement to make the sports segment compelling.

This category highlights the talent of an anchor team. The entry should showcase the best two to three minutes of a well-coordinated broadcast, demonstrating clear communication and interaction between co-anchors.

Criteria:

• • Anchors maintain a professional appearance, with smooth, engaging delivery and natural tone variation.
  • Interaction is comfortable, with balanced prompter use, appropriate ad-libbing, and a seamless flow.

This entry should demonstrate the best use of graphics in a broadcast, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and visual appeal.

Criteria:

• • Graphics stay within the safe title area and match the text on-screen.
  • Font selection is clean and easy to read, with good contrast for visibility.
  • Art or graphics enhance the story without overwhelming the content.
  • Spelling and content are accurate and professional.

This category focuses on the creation of a short promotional video, commercial, or public service announcement (PSA). The video should be concise, creative, and persuasive, clearly delivering its message in under a minute.

Criteria:

• • Clarity of Message: The video clearly communicates its intended message or call to action in a concise and impactful way, ensuring that the audience understands the purpose within the time limit.
  • Engagement and Creativity: The video uses creative visuals, sound, and editing techniques to capture attention and keep the viewer engaged throughout the duration of the promotion or PSA.

This category involves creating a student-produced sequence that introduces a broadcast. The intro can include a cold open, preview, or teaser and should set the tone for the show.

Criteria:

• • Professional, high-energy, and visually engaging.
  • Graphics, video, and music are coordinated to create a strong introduction.

This entry should feature a broadcast of the school’s daily announcements, using creative presentation techniques and engaging visuals. No video packages are included—only the announcements themselves.

Criteria:

• • Effective use of on-air talent, graphics, and other broadcast elements.
  • The presentation is clear, concise, and organized.

This category highlights the best presentation of a single anchor, demonstrating clear communication, confidence, and professionalism on camera.

Criteria:

• • On-air talent should have a professional appearance and clear voice.
  • The presentation should be engaging and well-paced.

This category involves creating a video that promotes a sports team, athlete, organization, or event. The goal is to build excitement and anticipation using high-energy visuals, music, and dynamic editing.

Criteria:

• • The video is high-energy, engaging, and visually exciting.
  • Use of music, action shots, and graphics to build hype.