Awards

Edward R. Murrow Awards - FAQ's and 7 Simple Steps for Submitting an Entry

Who can enter?

Entries may be submitted by stations, networks, syndication services, program services, websites and online news organizations. Entries without appropriate station, network or company authorization will not be accepted. You do not have to be a member of RTDNA to enter the competition or win an award. International entries are accepted.

What stories are eligible?

Entries (other than websites) must have appeared between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009.

May I enter a piece in more than one category?

In most cases, yes. (Click here for the chart)

May I enter more than one newscast in the Newscast category?

No. Please submit your best newscast of the year.

May I enter the Overall Excellence category more than once?

No. Also, Overall Excellence entries must be uploaded as one continuous file, not separate segments. If you are entering the Overall Excellence category as an Online News organization, you need to enter at least two other categories, one of which must be Broadcast Website or Non-Broadcast Affiliated Website.

Do you accept non-English-language entries?

Yes, but you must submit a written translation or subtitles in English in the description box during the entry process.

May I edit my entry?

In some categories, yes. See the chart. If editing is allowed, the material may be shortened but may not be altered in any other way, including chronological rearrangement.

What is the preferred format for uploading media for judging?

Audio files must be .mp3. The preferred format for video files is .flv.

If your media is not in flash video, it will automatically convert when uploading from the following formats: .avi, .mpeg, or .mpg. Due to technical issues with our upload process, .mov file types are not stable during the upload process and should be converted to another file type listed above

No video in any format other than .flv, .avi, .mpeg, or .mpg will be accepted. No audio files in any format other than .mp3 will be accepted for radio/audio entries.

Have video in a format not listed above? Visit our Technical Requirements Page to get some suggestions for converters.

Important Points to Keep in Mind When Uploading:

- Keep file sizes to less than 1gb, if possible.
- Keep the screen resolution to 480 x 600 or smaller (to help keep file size down).
- Do NOT use a dial-up connection - use at least a Cable modem or a Corporate connection where possible.
- An FLV file will be the most compressed file type - all video files will be converted to 320 px x 240 px.
-Name files as simply as possible with no special characters or spaces.

The quality of the original file is not important as all files will be converted to .flv upon upload. Judges are instructed to judge the quality of the story, not the video quality of the entry. Judges will watch all the entries on a computer and are expecting the quality of all the entries to be no better than that of a standard internet video.

What if I can't upload the audio/video for my entry because my Internet connection is too slow?

Please contact Tara Sheehan, 202.467.5203 or taras@rtnda.org.

What if I uploaded the wrong video or audio?

You will have a chance to view/hear the media you uploaded to make sure that it looks/sounds good. If you uploaded the wrong media, you can delete it and re-upload.

What is the best method for uploading?

There are three options for submitting your media--uploading online, uploading via an FTP client or submitting links to where the media lives online for judging. There are specifics for each option, please read the Technical Requirements Page first before proceeding to determine which will work best for you.

What if my media can be found on my website but it's longer than the time limit?

It will NOT be accepted. It need to adhere to the editing and time requirements of the category. Please see this PDF for the time/editing requirements of each category.

What is the deadline for submitting entries?

All entries must be submitted and uploaded by February 17, 2010. Entries received after February 17, 2010 will not be accepted. Entries must be paid for in full at the time of judging or they will not be judged.

In addition, if you entered at the RTDNA member rate, your membership must be active through March 2010. For example, if your membership is due to expire at the end of February and you do not renew it, you will be charged the difference in price between the member and non member rate for entries. Memberships must be active at the time of Murrow judging. Not sure when your membership expires? E-mail us at membership@rtdna.org.

I don't see a way for me to upload my audio/video - am I missing something?

Once you enter your entry into the RTDNA database, choose your category, give us your demographic info and choose your payment option, and your entry is complete, you will receive 2 e-mails. One will be a receipt (or, if you chose the 'Invoice Me' option, an invoice - you choose this if you want to pay by check), and one will be instructions for uploading your media, including your Entry ID number. You can then visit the Upload Site and start uploading your media.

I see my media in the Uploaded File Section of the Upload Site, am I done with my entry?

No! You need to make sure that you attach the Entry ID number to the media. Click on the media and choose 'Link to Entry' from the 'Actions' section of the entry. Then, enter in the Entry ID number from the e-mail you received from RTDNA.

I can't find my member number!

If you log into our system and enter your e-mail address and password (there is an option to have your password e-mailed to you), you will enter the system and your ID will be in the upper left hand corner of the screen. If you don't have access to the e-mail address you signed into our system with any longer, e-mail us at membership@rtdna.org or call 202.834.1270.

Never used the online system? Just enter your e-mail address and choose the 'Forgotten Password' option.

Aren't an RTDNA member and don't want to become one? Choose 'Non Member' Sign up and follow the steps above.

Questions?

Stacey Staniak
staceys@rtnda.org
202.467.5214

Tara Sheehan
taras@rtnda.org
202.834.1270

Follow these 7 Simple Steps to submit your Murrow Entries quickly and easily!

Start thinking about the categories and the work that you’ve done NOW and create a mental list of submissions that need to be gathered. Remember, only consider work that has appeared in the 2009 calendar year.
Check the entry details here for special requirements for the categories you want to enter (do I need to remove commercial breaks, do I need to edit, do I need a rundown or script as part of the submission?). If you have already created a submission, please log in here to access it. Do not create a new entry.
Start the online process here well before the February 17, 2010 deadline. You can save your submissions as you go along and return to it later, if you need to.
The online submission system will walk you through the process for creating an entry, and providing payment.
Once you complete your entry online, you’ll receive a confirmation that it has been received. This confirmation will contain your Entry ID number, which you need for uploading your media.
Check the technical requirements page to ensure you have the right formats for uploading.
Upload your audio/video by February 17, 2010!