Entry Categories, Significant Community Program and Subject Categories

Programs must have premiered as either a Cable TV Program or an LPFM Radio Show or Podcast UNLESS they have either an asterisk (*) or a “V” by the category. If they do, other distribution/recording methods are acceptable.

If there is an “*” it means this program may have also debuted on a website, a social media platform, or an OTT site.

If there is a “V” it means you are also invited to submit a “virtual” program — a Zoom-type or Webinar format program in this category. Virtual programs are judged on a different set of criteria.

Fest Entry Categories

 1. Short-Form Documentary/Feature.* Non-fiction documentary or feature short. Programs in this category must be fifteen minutes or less.

2. Public Service Announcement.* Programs promoting a non-profit organization, government function, PEG access facility/channel, LPFM opportunity, community media, community event, or positive social behavior in 5 minutes or less. There is a 20 point score deduction for videos exceeding 5 minutes in length.

3. Local Events. V Programs covering local events and activities happening in the community such as parades, civic events, church services, etc.  Enter “Performing Arts” if the subject is music or another type of performance; “Meeting Coverage” if it is a meeting.  See #13 and #15.

4. Series. * V Your program has been produced and distributed on a weekly or monthly basis. Any format. Any distribution outlet. To enter, submit three shows. IMPORTANT NOTE: On Film Freeway you will enter the three episodes separately and be charged 1/3rd the cost of entry for each episode.

5. Talk Show. V Programs with discussions and/or interviews between two or more people, designed to inform or educate.

6. LIVE. * V  Programs that originally aired “live” with no post-production. Entrants must submit a continuous, non-edited excerpt as originally cablecast or broadcast. This category excludes meeting coverage and sporting events. See #15 for details on submitting meetings and #14 for submitting game coverage.

7. Station ID or Promo, Community Media Promo, Program Promo, Paid Sponsorship Spot.*  An up to 1-minute promo that promotes a specific program, a PEG access center, an LPFM radio station, community media generally, or an underwriter/advertiser.

8. Computer-generated/Animation.* Programs, a segment of a program, or an “intro” or “outro” to a program in which original computer generated images and/or sound are presented with artistic intention. Submit ONLY the animation.

9.   Documentary/Feature.  Non-fiction documentary or feature program about a person, place, event, organization, or subject; these entries are more heavily edited. 

10.   Entertainment. Programs designed to amuse or entertain. (Enter “Performing Arts” if the program documents a performance in front of an audience. See #13.)

11. How to/Instructional Programming.  Programs that instruct or demonstrate a craft, skill, or hobby.

12. Magazine Format/News. V Programs with segments that include in-depth features or coverage of different topics.

13. Performing Arts. Programs presenting/documenting a play, concert, dance or other performance.

14. Sports. Programs covering sporting events, live or not.

15. Meeting Coverage. V Programs that are only comprised of meeting coverage footage. Entries in this category will not be judged on originality/creativity. (WCM encourages entries in this category!)

Significant Community Program Award

These programs do not go through the judging process but have the same entry fee.

Significant Community Programs are programs that have made a significant community contribution and are recognized by the Conference Committee upon the recommendation of a media center manager. This award generates broad recognition for important programs produced through community media centers or LPFM stations.

Either amateur or professionally-produced shows may be nominated for consideration.

Contact your community media center manager if you would like your center to submit a program for this award. The program must meet the following standards:

1. The program debuted in 2023.

2. A letter from a media center manager is emailed to exec@wisconsincommunitymedia.com with the subject line “Significant Community Program Nominee Letter.” The letter will state why this program was nominated and what kind of community impact it had such as increasing volunteerism, increasing understanding of an issue, elevating the profile of a local non-profit organization, or providing a much needed service to a segment of the community. A portion of the letter will be read during the Fest Show. (One nomination accepted per media center.)

3. The Significant Community Program is entered via Film Freeway and is accompanied by an entry fee.

During the show, a representative of the center will introduce the producer and a clip of the program. The producer may choose to talk about the program.

Each honoree receives a certificate. The media center may also choose to purchase a personalized plaque or statuette.

Significant Community Programs may be entered separately for judging.

BEST IN SHOW Subject Categories

A “Best in Show” is the top scoring entry in eaach of these Subject Categories. When you enter the Fest you pick one of these Subject Categories to enter your show in. There is a “Best in Show” winner in each Subject Category in both the Amateur Level and the Professional Level unless otherwise stated.

The winner in a Subject Category must score high enough to also receive an Excellence, Achievement or Merit Award. If no entry in a Subject Category scores high enough to receive one of our awards, no program will be awarded a Best in Show in that Subject Category.

Client: Government. Your program has been produced by and for a municipality, county or other government subdivision.

Client: Schools. Your program has been produced by and for a school district or higher education facility.

Public Access Program. Your program has been produced by a member of the community and distributed or produced through a community media center.

Produced by Seniors. Your program has been produced by seniors 62 and older. Amateurs only.

Produced by Youth. Your program has been produced by youth, 18 years old or younger.

Produced by College Student. Your program has been produced by a college student.

Cultural/Ethnic. Your program has been produced to celebrate our differences and enhance our understanding of diverse cultural or ethnic groups within communities.

Small Station. The program has been produced with the assistance of a station with a budget of $50,000 or less. (WCM can confirm. Enter if you think you may qualify. Amateurs are encouraged to enter in this category.)

LPFM Radio. All radio and podcasts will enter this Subject Category.