BEST CONTENT DIRECTOR / CONTENT TEAM

CATEGORY OBJECTIVES
To recognise excellence in radio programming for a radio station or network in New Zealand and to reward Content Directors for outstanding performances against stated objectives.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to the individual or team who has shown evidence of outstanding performance over the period covered by the awards in the areas of station content direction. This includes Content Directors for talk and music. Entries will be accepted that include up to 3 key members of the content creation team if the brand is structured in that way.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BROADCAST OUTPUT REQUIREMENT
Demonstrating the broadcast output of your network or individual station with up to 15 minutes of audio that must specifically showcase the following content:

  • Breakfast show.
  • Daytime broadcast.
  • Afternoon drive show.
  • Selection of other broadcast material demonstrating your programming effectiveness that may include contesting, station promotions, station imaging, information programming, community activity etc.

Linking elements are allowed however special effects and other audio enhancements are not, music must be telescoped. In addition, a 10 second audio clip from the entry must be submitted separately with the entry to be used on awards night.

RATINGS TREND DATA
Impact with target audiences - please read notes of what ratings data is to be provided in the judging criteria below. For non-surveyed stations or markets no data is required, other scores will be pro-rated when judged.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION OF PROGRAMMING EFFECTIVENESS – no points
 

  • Network/station concept – 20 words
  • Target Audience – 10 words
  • Goals & Achievements – 200 words. Material may include impact in the areas of talent development, product creativity, station imaging, marketing & promotions, community involvement and information programming.

Optional additional letters, charts and branding material are allowed.

A video can be submitted for this category, but a link must be provided within your written submission. No uploads are accepted. Duration is to be no longer than 2 minutes. Edited highlights videos can be created for your radio award entry, but any filmed footage included in them must be from the original and not re-created.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 30 POINTS
Audio evidence of the network or radio station's effectiveness with its target audience. This could include entertainment, information and/or education values, personality strength, promotions and marketing, community involvement, news and current affairs.

B - 10 POINTS | RATINGS TREND DATA - Click here to complete the ratings trend data template for this award, if applicable. This must include the following;

  • Target audience data for the brand on which the broadcast is produced.
  • Each network must specify this prior to entries opening and all brand entries must comply with this. The span must be a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years and specified by gender if relevant.
  • If it is a network entry, the figures must be for Total NZ.
  • All results must be based in Cume & Share for the specified target, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn.
  • All trend results must include all survey results from the calendar year of the awards.
  • Data for music stations must include the performance of up to 10 other music stations in your demographic.
  • Total NZ RNZ database for talk entries must include RNZ National, Newstalk ZB and any other stations in your demographic. Please note this database is not released publicly so the data is only to be used for judging this category and not for any other use.

C - 10 POINTS
Overall originality, professionalism and excellence in programming.

BEST SHOW PRODUCER OR PRODUCING TEAM – TALK SHOW

CATEGORY OBJECTIVES

  • To recognise excellence in radio production of talk based radio shows in New Zealand.
  • To reward show producers & teams for outstanding performances against stated objectives.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to the individual or producing team who has shown evidence of outstanding performance over the period covered by the awards in the areas of show production.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BROADCAST OUTPUT REQUIREMENT
Demonstrating the broadcast output of your show with up to 10 minutes of audio that must specifically showcase:

  • Show content.
  • Selection of other broadcast material demonstrating your production effectiveness.

Linking elements are allowed however special effects and other audio enhancements are not, music must be telescoped.

RATINGS TREND DATA
Impact with target audiences - please read notes of what ratings data is to be provided in the judging criteria below. For non-surveyed stations or markets no data is required, other scores will be pro-rated when judged.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION OF SHOW PRODUCTION EFFECTIVENESS – no points
 

  • Show concept – 20 words
  • Target Audience – 10 words
  • Goals & Achievements – 200 words. Material may include impact in the areas of talent management, product creativity, promotions, community involvement and information programming.
JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 30 POINTS
Audio evidence of the show's effectiveness with its target audience. This could include entertainment, information and/or education values, personality strength, promotions and marketing, community involvement, news and current affairs.

B - 10 POINTS | RATINGS TREND DATA - Click here to complete the ratings trend data template for this award, if applicable. This must include the following;

  • Target audience data for the brand on which the broadcast is produced.
  • Each network must specify this prior to entries opening and all brand entries must comply with this. The span must be a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years and may be specified by gender if relevant.
  • If it is a network entry, the figures must be for Total NZ.
  • All results must be in Cume & Share for the show being produced.
  • All trend results must include all survey results from the calendar year of the awards.
  • Total NZ RNZ database data must include RNZ National, Newstalk ZB and any other stations in your demographic. Please note this database is not released publicly so the data is only to be used for judging and not for any other use.

C - 10 POINTS
Overall originality, professionalism and excellence in producing.

BEST SHOW PRODUCER OR PRODUCING TEAM – MUSIC SHOW

CATEGORY OBJECTIVES

  • To recognise excellence in radio production of music based radio shows in New Zealand.
  • To reward show producers & teams for outstanding performances against stated objectives.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to the individual or producing team who has shown evidence of outstanding performance over the period covered by the awards in the areas of show production.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BROADCAST OUTPUT REQUIREMENT
Demonstrating the broadcast output of your show with up to 10 minutes of audio that must specifically showcase:

  • Show content.
  • Selection of other broadcast material demonstrating your production effectiveness.

Linking elements are allowed however special effects and other audio enhancements are not, music must be telescoped.

RATINGS TREND DATA
Impact with target audiences - please read notes of what ratings data is to be provided in the judging criteria below. For non-surveyed stations or markets no data is required, other scores will be pro-rated when judged.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION OF SHOW PRODUCTION EFFECTIVENESS – no points
 

  • Show concept – 20 words
  • Target Audience – 10 words
  • Goals & Achievements – 200 words. Material may include impact in the areas of talent management, product creativity, promotions, community involvement and information programming.
JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 30 POINTS
Audio evidence of the show's effectiveness with its target audience. This could include entertainment, information and/or education values, personality strength, promotions and marketing, community involvement, news and current affairs.

B - 10 POINTS | RATINGS TREND DATA - Click here to complete the ratings trend data template for this award, if applicable. This must include the following;

  • Target audience data for the brand on which the broadcast is produced.
  • Each network must specify this prior to entries opening and all brand entries must comply with this. The span must be a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years and may be specified by gender if relevant.
  • If it is a network entry, the figures must be for Total NZ.
  • All results must be in Cume & Share for the show being produced.
  • All trend results must include all survey results from the calendar year of the awards.
  • Data must include the performance of up to 10 other music stations in your demographic.

C - 10 POINTS
Overall originality, professionalism and excellence in producing.

BEST VIDEO - LONG FORM

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise excellence in a radio station produced video that delivers results for a station or client. Video duration must be 2 minutes and over.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an idea or concept that showcases creativity, originality and generates significant engagement across all channels including web, mobile, social media and on-air. The video must be content focussed and made exclusively for radio platforms.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION
Written material (200 words) must include details of the idea or campaign, including objectives, background and context of the concept. 

Videos must be provided via a link (included within your written submission), no uploads are accepted, and you should not submit your video using Google Drive. Duration of up to 10 minutes. Note if a digital entry is taken off its original site it can be transferred to an alternative site for viewing and must be accessible for judging through to 1 May 2025. It is not to be filmed specifically for your entry. An edited highlights video can be created for your entry but any filmed footage included must be from the original and not re-created.

It is also a requirement to complete a Video Engagement Template. Click here to download. Include evidence of reach and engagement statistics, including sourcing.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | CREATIVE CONCEPT
Originality of idea and imaginative use of video.

B - 15 POINTS | PRODUCTION / EXECUTION
Quality of execution.

C - 15 POINTS | ENGAGEMENT & ENTERTAINMENT
Video performance results. Please give evidence of reach, number of views, average watch time and any other engagement metrics such as comments, shares etc.

BEST VIDEO - SHORT FORM

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise excellence in a radio station produced video that delivers results for a station or client. Video duration must be under 2 minutes.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an idea or concept that showcases creativity, originality and generates significant engagement across all channels including web, mobile, social media and on-air. The video must be content focuses and made exclusively for radio platforms.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION
Written material (200 words) must include details of the idea or campaign, including objectives, background and context of the concept. 

Videos must be provided via a link (contained within your written submission), no uploads are accepted and you should not submit your video using Google Drive. Duration up to 2 minutes. Note if a digital entry is taken off its original site it can be transferred to an alternative site for viewing and must be accessible for judging through to 1 May 2025. It is not to be filmed specifically for your entry. An edited highlights video can be created for your entry but any filmed footage included must be from the original and not re-created.

It is also a requirement to complete a Video Engagement Template. Click here to download. Include evidence of reach and engagement statistics, including sourcing.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | CREATIVE CONCEPT
Originality of idea and imaginative use of video.

B - 15 POINTS | PRODUCTION / EXECUTION
Quality of execution.

C - 15 POINTS | ENGAGEMENT & ENTERTAINMENT
Video performance results. Please give evidence of reach, number of views, average watch time and any other engagement metrics such as comments, shares etc.

BEST STATION IMAGING

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise creative excellence and technical production of individual tracks or a campaign for station identification audio branding and imaging material. Entry may be for a single station or network.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to technical operators who have made an outstanding contribution in recording station imaging material that differentiates and positions the station or network.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
AUDIO
Maximum 5 minutes
 
WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION – no points
Optional - written submission maximum 200 words. 
 
JUDGING CRITERIA
A - 20 POINTS | Creative and imaginative use of the radio medium to execute an idea.
B - 10 POINTS | Technical expertise.
C - 10 POINTS | Showcasing style consistent with format.
D - 10 POINTS | Voicing and quality of production.

BEST STATION TRAILER

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise creative excellence and technical production in the area of radio station promotions for individual trailers or promos for networks or stations and clients.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to the radio station or network that has shown outstanding levels of creativity and effectiveness in the area of radio promotions for a specific promo trailer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO
Must provide actual trailer for a station/client promotion. Only a single trailer is to be submitted, not a montage of trailers.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - no points
Written material (maximum 200 words) must include details of the idea or campaign, including objectives, background and context of the concept, and clear evidence of the effectiveness of the concept for the radio station. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 25 POINTS | CREATIVE CONCEPT
Originality of idea, script writing memorability and recall.

B - 25 POINTS | PRODUCTION / EXECUTION
Acting/voicing, skilful use of music, sound design and showcasing style consistent with network/station format.

BEST NETWORK STATION PROMOTION

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an idea or concept that generates significant audience engagement and delivers results. This promotion may utilise several media and the range of platforms that your radio brand uses. A promotion may be entered in Best Network Station Promotion or Best Client Promotion/Activation, but not both.

Note - This award is for network station self promotion, not client campaigns. A station led initiative, not a response to a client brief.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO
Maximum 5 minutes, which must contain audio elements of the promotion idea including trailers, adlibs, execution elements and audience participation and interaction.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION

Written material (maximum 200 words) must include details of the idea or campaign, including objectives, background and context of the concept. 

A video can be submitted for this category, but a link must be provided. No uploads are accepted. Duration is to be no longer than 5 minutes. Video needs to relate directly to the station promotion at the time it was aired. This could be in the form of any TV coverage, footage loaded on to You Tube, evidence of street activation etc. It is not to be filmed specifically for your radio awards entry. Edited highlights videos can be created for your radio award entry, but any filmed footage included in them must be from the original and not re-created.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | CREATIVE CONCEPT
Originality of idea and imaginative use of radio and your other mediums.

B - 15 POINTS | PRODUCTION / EXECUTION
Quality of delivery on air in advertisements, trailers, content/entertainment etc and digital delivery.

C - 15 POINTS | AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Degree and level of audience reaction, involvement and effectiveness.

BEST SINGLE MARKET STATION PROMOTION

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise excellence in radio station promotions at a local or regional level that make the most effective and creative use of radio and/or your other platforms.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an idea or concept that generates significant audience engagement and delivers results. This promotion may utilise several media and the range of platforms that your radio brand uses. If the promotion was also part of a national promotion, all elements of this entry must be for the local promotion. NOTE - This award is for station self promotion, not client campaigns.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO
Maximum 5 minutes, which must contain audio elements of the promotion idea including trailers, adlibs, execution elements and audience participation and interaction.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION
Written material (maximum 200 words) must include details of the idea or campaign, including objectives, background and context of the concept. 

A video can be submitted for this category, but as link must be provided. No uploads are accepted. Duration is to be no longer than 5 minutes. Video needs to relate directly to the station promotion at the time it was aired. This could be in the form of any TV coverage, footage loaded on to You Tube, evidence of street activation etc. It is not to be filmed specifically for your radio awards entry. Edited highlights videos can be created for your radio award entry, but any filmed footage included in them must be from the original and not re-created.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | CREATIVE CONCEPT
Originality of idea and imaginative use of radio and your other mediums.

B - 15 POINTS | PRODUCTION / EXECUTION
Quality of delivery on air in advertisements, trailers, content/entertainment etc and digital delivery.

C - 15 POINTS | AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Degree and level of audience reaction, involvement and effectiveness.

BEST DIGITAL CONTENT

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE
To recognise excellence in the creation of digital content supporting a NZ radio station or network brand.
 

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
This award is made to the entry which demonstrates consistently outstanding digital content that supports and enhances the core programming and services of a NZ radio station or network brand through the use of website and social media content. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION
A written submission of no more than 200 words outlining the strategic role and objectives of the entry in supporting the network or station. 

You are also required to complete a digital engagement template. Click here to download.

Entry details must include screen grabs of the nominated web and/or social content that form part of the entry.
Nielsen or comparable online statistics including unique browsers and page impressions achieved by the content. Additional statistics for other channels and social platforms must include reach and engagement on each post along with NZ follower’s data. For web, NZ site visit figures can be submitted with the entry.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 30 POINTS | CONTENT
Consistent, original and high quality content created specifically for a digital platform/s. The material will be varied, relevant and appropriate for the audience. It will reflect and enhance the brand it is associated with.

B - 10 POINTS | DESIGN
The content will be clear, attractive, simple to navigate and optimised for the platform it appears on. Creative flair, effective innovation and a coherent visual style will all be rewarded.

C - 10 POINTS | AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT & EFFECTIVENESS
Evidence that the content is finding an audience at or above the scale the pubisher should expect to achieve. This will be demonstrated with recognised metrics such as page views, social media followers and engagement times.

BEST DAILY OR WEEKLY FEATURE - FACTUAL

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in programming that is predominently talk based in feature, documentary & current affairs programming which explores issues of special interest and to recognise excellence in the production and presentation of a daily or weekly series. Daily day part shows are not eligible to enter this category. This category is only for features within a show.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

For a programme or show feature that is produced daily, weekly or for a short run feature or series.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO

Audio must be a maximum of 10 minutes duration. This may be a selection of highlights from a single show or a selection taken from a range of shows across the award year.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No points

Goals & achievements - 200 words

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 50 POINTS | BROADCAST OUTPUT

Likely audience impact of the concept and content broadcast in the feature. Structure and logical development and/or analysis. Technical production & programme quality. Listener education, information & entertainment. The writer, producer, host and/or adapter's skill and creative use of the medium.

BEST DOCUMENTARY OR FACTUAL TALK FEATURE

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in programming that is predominently talk based in feature, documentary & current affairs which explores issues of special interest and also recognises excellence in the production and presentation of a radio documentary. Daily day part shows are not eligible to enter this category - it is only for features within a show. 

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

A one-off documentary programme or series is defined as being wholly based on documentary evidence, contemporary interviews, written & on-line records, attributable sources and is produced with total regard for honest and balanced reporting. It need not be wholly factual - it might include music, poetry & fictional drama to help illustrate its theme. Emphasis might be on indefinable human qualities, atmosphere or mood. This category is not for a daily or weekly regular feature.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO

Audio must be a maximum of 10 minutes and may be a selection of highlights. A link to the entire programme is allowable within your written submission.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

Goals & achievements - 200 points.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 50 POINTS | BROADCAST OUTPUT

Clarity & validity. Structure and logical development and/or analysis. Technical production & programme quality. Listener education, information & entertainment. The writer, producer, host and/or adapter's skill and creative use of the medium. 

BEST MUSIC FEATURE

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in a show feature or live music event predominently focused on a musical context or theme and to recognise innovation, creativity and technical excellence in the production of music focussed programming.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

This award is made to individuals or production teams to recognise excellence in the presentation of NZ produced music programmes, including live musical events. All styles of music. A music feature may be entered in Best Music Feature or Best Station or Client Promotion, but no more than one of these categories.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO

Audio must be a maximum of 10 minutes duration. This may be a selection of highlights from a single feature or a selection taken from a range of features across the award year.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

A brief statement about why you selected the subject and what you are trying to project through your programme - 200 words.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 50 POINTS | BROADCAST OUTPUT

Technical production & programme quality. Creative use of the medium. The writer, producer, host or adapter's skill. Listener education, information & entertainment value.

BEST ACCESS RADIO PROGRAMME

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

This award is to recognise the importance of broadcasting that serves broader community interests and to recognise excellence in broadcasting on Access radio stations.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

This award is made to a music or talk programme broadcast on Community Access licensed stations only and reflects the value of broadcasting to their communities of interest. These communities may include cultural, ethnic & social groups and special interest groups within the wider NZ society. Programmes should be by, for and about the target community.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BROADCAST OUTPUT

Audio must be a maximum of 10 minutes duration. Music may be shortened if necessary. Programmes not in English must be accompanied by the script in English translation. Instead of submitting a standard audio entry, we will also accept a YouTube link to the programme within your written submission. Judging will value technical quality and originality of presentation.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

A written statement (maximum 200 words) of how well the programme serves its community and evidence of this including direct involvement and participation.

JUDGING CRITERIA

50 POINTS | BROADCAST OUTPUT

Innovation and originality of content and form, quality of on-air presentation and quality of technical production.

BEST CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in the programming, presentation and production of radio programmes and podcasts made for children.

 CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

For programmes and podcasts which are made for children under 16 years that are produced daily, weekly or single feature programme, or for a short run feature series.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO

Audio must be a maximum of 10 minutes duration. This may be a selection of highlights from a single show or a selection taken from a range of shows across the award year.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

Maximum 200 words. Philosophy of programme, aims & objectives and what you hope to achieve.

JUDGING CRITERIA

50 POINTS | BROADCAST OUTPUT

Clarity & validity. Structure & logical development. Technical production & programme quality. Listener education, information & entertainemnt. The writer, producer or adapter's skill and creative use of the medium.

BEST PACIFIC LANGUAGE PROGRAMME

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in Pacific language programming and content broadcast in a Pacific language, or recognising bilingual Pacific content broadcast in a mix of Pacific language & English, that serves and reflects the needs and preferences of the target audience.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

This award covers radio shows, documentaries, features, news, music and a range of other programmes that recognise the value of broadcasting in a Pacific language.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

AUDIO

Audio must be maximum 10 minutes duration and must be accompanied by a script in English translation (if applicable). Instead of submitting a standard audio entry, we will also accept a YouTube link to the programme within your written submission.

WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

A written statement of no more than 200 words of how well the programme serves its audience, how you perceive your role as a broadcaster, what you are trying to achieve through your programme and evidence of this including direct involvement and participation.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | Quality of the linguistic character of the language, function, proficiency of speaking, pronounciation, grammatical structure, vocabulary, contextual use and appropriateness.

B - 20 POINTS | Innovation & originality of content, form and technical quality.

C - 10 POINTS | Quality of on-air presentation and delivery.

BEST ASIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAMME

CATEGORY OBJECTIVE

To recognise excellence in Asian language programming and content broadcast in an Asian language, or recognising bilingual Asian content broadcast in a mix of an Asian language and English, that serves and reflects the needs and preferences of the target audience.

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

This award covers radio shows, documentaries, features, news, music and a range of programmes that recognise the value of broadcasting in an Asian language.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

BROADCAST OUTPUT

Audio must be maximum of 10 minutes duration and must be accompanied by a script in English translation (if applicable). Instead of submitting a standard audio entry, we will also accept a YouTube link to the programe within your written submission.

 WRITTEN DEMONSTRATION - No Points

A written statement of no more than 200 words on how well the programme served its audience, how you perceive your role as a broadcaster, what you are trying to achieve through your programme and evidence of this including direct involvement and participation.

JUDGING CRITERIA

A - 20 POINTS | Quality of the linguistic character of the language, function, proficiency of speaking, pronounciation, grammatical structure, vocabulary, contextual use and appropriateness.

B - 20 POINTS | Innovation, originality of content & form and technical quality.

C - 10 POINTS | Effectiveness, quality of on-air presentation and delivery.