Broadcast Video Standards

The below standards are integrated into the online critique so that you can easily reference them while you are scoring the student media outlet.

Overview of Critique

MIPA's Video Critique Standards are designed to provide a framework for the judge in evaluating the video production, to reward the staff for creativity and accomplishment and to provide suggestions for improvement for future issues. We have tried to make our judging guide guide as open-ended as possible to allow the judge to consider all aspects of the student production and its audience.

We want to allow staffs as much latitude as possible in creating productions that fit their school and community. All of this must, of course, be built around video industry standards. This evaluation is designed to provide meaningful feedback and to recognize and reward excellence.

With this in mind, we award the following ratings:

  • Spartan Award: 198-220 points (90-100 percent)
  • Gold Medal: 176-197 points (80-89 percent)
  • Silver Medal: 154-175 points (70-79 percent)
  • Bronze Medal: 0–153 points (below 70 percent)

General Instructions to Judge

Please view at least 20 minutes of each of the submitted newscasts. This critique booklet may be completed and returned to MIPA as a digital PDF or as a print document completed in pencil. If you have any questions, please contact the MIPA office at mipa@msu.edu or 517-353-6761. Thank you!

Rank the submission on a scale of 0–4 (described below) in each of the categories of the critique standards. Please use the space provided for suggestions and comments that will help the staff to understand concerns and problem areas and how they may be improved. (We generally encourage judges to find 1-3 positive things to say in each area, and provide at least 1-3 recommendations for improvement.)

4 — Almost always: 90–100 percent

3 — Usually evident: about 82–89 percent

2 — Some evidence: about 75–81 percent

1 — Minimum evidence: less than 75 percent

0 — Does not meet criterion: not evident

Broadcast Writing

28 points

  • Uses short, concise sentences
  • Uses a conversational tone
  • Includes all news elements: who, what, when, where, why and how
  • Uses active voice ("Firefighters work the blaze," not "the blaze is being worked by firefighters.")
  • Uses present tense
  • Script complements video (e.g. b-roll)
  • Leads-in and -outs are effective

Camera Work

28 points

  • Tripods are used consistently; shots are steady
  • Stories feature a variety of angles/shots (e.g. long shot, medium shot, close-up)
  • Camera shots are focused and white-balanced
  • Backgrounds of interviews are relevant to the story and/or aren't boring (e.g. avoids shooting straight in front of walls or lockers)
  • Work showcases proper lighting techniques (students are not expected to always have light kits, but it should be clear students are using the best available light and avoiding backlighting from positioning interviews in front of windows)
  • Camera moves are smooth when used (which should be sparingly)
  • Camera work regularly follows compositional rules (e.g. rule of thirds)

Audio

20 points

  • Music, when used, is appropriate to video
  • Voice-over is clear and not overshadowed by music or natural sound
  • Natural sound is used appropriately
  • Correct mic usage is evident
  • Audio levels are consistent

Graphics

24 points

  • Graphics enhance the audience's understanding of the story
  • Graphics avoid whole sentences; they avoid all caps; and they avoid misspellings
  • Text is easy to read (letters are bold, good contrast between text/edge and background)
  • Appropriate margins; all text is within the "safe area"
  • Lower thirds (aka "name graphics) are used regularly for names, websites, email addresses, etc.
  • Font choice/size/style is consistent, and serif fonts are avoided

Interviewing

32 points

  • Appropriate mic is used. If an external mic is not used, the camera is very close and the interview is shot in a quiet environment
  • Interview is framed correctly, using the rule of thirds
  • Interviewee does not hold the mic and does not stare at the camera
  • Camera shots are "elbows up" or tighter
  • Setting reflects the focus of the story
  • Reporter asks open-ended questions (questions don't need to be heard, but this should be evident by the answers given by interviewees)
  • B-roll is used when needed and jump cuts are avoided
  • Interviewees are identified with lower-thirds graphics

News Reporting

16 points

  • Clear news angles/elements dictate the content
  • Stories clearly convey the who, what, where, when and why
  • Appropriate for intended audience
  • Packages use an appropriate amount of b-roll, interviews and voiceovers to tell stories

Talent

24 points

  • Professional/appropriate appearance
  • Good eye contact and posture
  • Voice (volume, speed and clarity) are appropriate
  • Anchor seems knowledgeable/prepared
  • Good inflection of voice
  • Delivery and choice of words is professional

Editing

24 points

  • Transitions are primarily cuts and fades; other types of transitions, when used, are appropriate
  • Logical, intuitive sequence of shots
  • Shots/scenes are of appropriate length to convey information
  • Avoids jump cuts
  • Editing is fluid, no glitches
  • Pacing is appropriate and adds in delivery of the message

Overall Impression

24 points

  • Informative
  • Professional
  • Free of technical errors
  • Lighting, props, sets assist in delivering the message
  • Production reveals creativity and planning
  • Video leaves positive impact on the viewer