Best of Photojournalism 2010: TV News Photography: Entry Rules

This year's Best of Photojournalism News Video contest is completely free to members and non-members alike.

Registering Yourself for the Contest

Everyone must obtain an identification code to enter Best of Photojournalism 2010. Please note that:

you must register even if you entered in a previous year
you cannot simply re-use last year's entry code

Obtaining the code is easy: simply complete the online Contest Registration Form, and you will be given your unique Contest Identification Code within minutes.

Your Contest Identification Code will serve as your ‘name’ for the contest: you must register before you can fill out the Entry Form (available once the contest launches).

Note that if you are entering more than one division of the Best of Photojournalism competition (for example, Video News Photography and Web Sites), you can use the same Contest Identification Code for all divisions.

General Rules (How to Enter)

Entries must have been originally broadcast or posted between January 1st and December 31st, 2009.
Entries will be accepted beginning January 4th, 2010, and must be received by January 29th, 2010.
Any entries received after the deadline will NOT be accepted.
There is to be no re-editing of any piece.
There is no penalty to the entrant if file or historical video is used. File video is defined as video that has previously aired in a newscast, video that originated from a network feed, and stock video that was shot previously that may or may not have already aired. File video includes surveillance video, amateur video, VNR’s, or any other video not originating with the entering photojournalist. Any questions about the use of file video will be left to the discretion of the judges. File video can not exceed more than 10% of total story run time.
Some stories might fit in more than one category, but you may only enter any story once. Failure to follow the rule will result in the disqualification of the entry.

Preparing Your Entry

DVD Entries

NPPA will accept entries on DVD only. Please try different players to make sure your entry plays everywhere. The chair will not be responsible for entries that won’t play.
Each entry must be on an individual DVD and must be submitted in its own container.
DVDs containing more than one entry will be disqualified.
Eliminate any slate or title showing your name, station or city at the beginning of each TV entry. There should be nothing on the DVD but the entry. Failure to do so will disqualify the entry. Station reference is only permitted in the Station of the Year air check and Deadline Photography entries that include live shots (including Deadline Photography stories submitted as part of an Ernie Crisp Television News Photographer of the Year or Station of the Year entry).
The online entry form (available once the contest launches) must be submitted for each entry. The confirmation page must be printed and signed, and the labels firmly attached to the outside of each entry's container and loosely attached to the DVD itself; if not, the entries will be disqualified. (Do not shrink the entry form!)
Individuals and/or stations submitting more than one entry may ship all entries in one box, provided each entry is separate within the shipment.
The audio channels must be mixed on each entry.
The chairperson will take every normal precaution in handling the entries but cannot be responsible for non-receipt, damage, or loss. Winners will be notified immediately after the judging in March.
Entries will not be returned.

Web Entries

Web entries are only accepted by a live URL that entrants must provide on their online entry form (available once the contest launches). Entrants should not submit a DVD of their entry. They must fill out the online entry form, print the confirmation page, and mail it to the contest chairperson. If the URL isn’t given, the link isn’t functioning properly at the time of the judging, or the printed entry form is not received before the deadline, the entry will be disqualified.

See the specific rules and categories for the News Video Photography and Editing divisions for additional details — including information about where to send your entries.