Ag Broadcasting

Overview

This event is intended to foster an understanding and create an interest in the field of broadcast journalism

Sub-District, District, State

5 minutes

Rules

• The broadcast must be five minutes in length, including commercial. A range of 15 seconds before or after the five minute mark is acceptable. One-half point per second overtime (5:15) or undertime (4:45) will be deducted from the score.

• The participant must introduce him or her self by their name and as being affiliated with the radio station KFFA. If the participant does not give their name, uses any other call letters, or no call letters in the presentation to identify the station, five points will be deducted from the score.

• A 28-30 second commercial will be presented in the course of the broadcast. A one-half point per second of overtime and undertime will be deducted from the score. See the resource information section for suggestions related to how to mention the sponsor name outside of the timed commercial.

• The commercial sponsor can be mentioned out of the actual commercial utilizing the "mentioning a sponsor" section under resource information located later in these rules.

• The commercial must not advertise any recognized comercial products. Fictitious products or services must be advertised. Any incidental duplication of existing products or services is up to the discretion of the judges. The commercial can be written prior to the event and may be taken into the event room and used in the competition. LIVE SOUND EFFECTS ARE ALLOWED, BUT NO TAPED SOUND EFFECTS MAY BE USED FOR THE COMMERCIAL BROADCAST. NO DRUGS, TOBACCO, OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE ADVERTISED. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN A PARTICIPATION RATING.

• The timekeeper in the broadcasting room will show cards to indicate time in minutes remaining such as; (after the first minute) 4, 3, 2, 1, 30 seconds, 15 seconds, OR timekeeper may use a digital time that is large enough for the participant to view. The timekeeper will announce time consumed at the conclusion of each presentation.

• Actual radio copy will be used as event material. The participant may cut, paste, or mark on the copy at his or her will. It is the responsibility of the participant to provide pens, paper, tape, highlighters, and scissors to prepare the copy. No other materials except radio commercial will be permitted.

• All participants will be given the same materials. (Participants will be given more materials than is necessary).

• Participants will be given 30 minutes to prepare for their broadcast in a designated preparation room. It is suggested that participants bring a watch or stop watch to use in the prep room.

• The participant will perform in a room alone with the exception of a timekeeper. Judges and audiences will be seated in another room and will listen to the participant via sound system. If necessary, a divider could be used to separate the participant from the judges. At the state level, the broadcast will be recorded strictly for the purpose of aiding the evaluation process of the judges.

• The Iowa FFA Association will provide news copy for Sub-District, Districts, and State Events.

• The judges in each Sub-District shall designate the top two individuals to compete in the District Event.

• The judges in each District shall designate the top two individuals to compete in the State Event. The judges shall aslo name an alternate.

• The judges at the State level shall designate the top three individuals.