Judging

Judges for the IMRO Radio Awards have been selected on the basis of their relevant experience and expertise in the radio industry. They are required to judge each entry in its entirety. There are three judges for each category of the Awards. The mp3 entries are allocated to each judge for consideration over a six week period following which they meet as a group to decide the short list and winner. No judge is aware of the other judges of their category and each judging session is chaired by an independent Chair.

Judging will be based solely on the entry submitted, in an independent and objective manner and NOT on the programmes aired throughout the year.

Judging Criteria

The judges will be looking at the following criteria, to the extent that they are relevant, when listening to entries. The weighting of the criteria will vary from category to category.

Creativity

Marks are awarded for innovation, originality and novelty. Is the entry based on a new idea? Or does it follow the old ‘tried and trusted’ formulae?

Presentation

Marks are awarded for the way in which the piece is presented. If a presenter is used, is he/she comfortable with the subject matter? Does he/she appear knowledgeable and well-versed/well-rehearsed on the subject? For pieces without presenters (e.g. drama entries), does the entry run smoothly? Is it well scripted? Is it ‘polished and professional’?

Value

Does the entry achieve its objective? Does it entertain? Does it raise awareness? Does it prick the conscience? Does it hold the attention of the target audience?

Production

This relates to the technical side of the entry, the production process itself. Is the piece well produced? Is quality evident in the production? Are sound effects used appropriately? Is incidental music well placed and appropriate to the mood/atmosphere being conveyed?

Hint

In all categories judges will be seeking to reward the contribution made by radio practitioners, rather than the input of those whose contribution would have been equally as impressive on another medium.

For example, the relay of an outstanding musical performance will merit less attention than the added value an imaginative radio practitioner might have brought to such a performance.

Rules and Requirements of Judging

• You are required to keep a copy of the master tape from which your programme or extracts are taken as the judges may ask for it. Failure to supply this information on request may result in disqualification, as will any evidence of editing (beyond that which is permitted). Spot checks will take place and stations will be called upon, at random, to provide original log tapes.
• A category will not be judged if insufficient entries are received. In these circumstances, entry fees will be returned.
• The sponsors, organising committee and judging panel will not be held accountable for the failure of any judge or judges to follow the judging instructions issued to them.
• All ‘ties’ will be decided by the casting vote of the chairperson of the judging panel.
• The organising committee may, at its sole discretion, decide to use any entry or entries in the public domain (broadcasting for example), for the purpose of promoting the PPI Radio Awards. Entrants agree to the use of their entries – or any part of them – for this purpose and waive any claim they may have to remuneration.
• The decision of the judges is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
• Submitting an entry to the PPI Radio Awards is deemed to confirm your acceptance of all the terms and conditions that apply.