Awards Categories

Advertising & Marketing

For Advertising & Marketing programs, all entries must include the following supporting documentation:

• Marketing strategy
• Materials that demonstrate an integrated marketing program clearly stating specific, measurable goals and quantified results

• Tear sheets, samples or photos of the printed advertisement
• Photos of posters, billboards or other supporting materials
• Advertising script (if script unavailable, submit full outline or description)
• CD or VHS videotape cassette/DVD

1. Radio Commercial
   Submit a produced radio advertisement with script. Entry must be 15-60 seconds. Excludes station promos; includes Internet radio.
2. Television Commercial
   Submit a produced television advertisement with script. Entry must be 60 seconds or less.
3. Multimedia Advertising Campaign
   Submit a short- or long-term advertising campaign with stated goal using two or more media with the following:
   • Samples or photos of any printed material
   • Script (if script unavailable, submit full outline or description)
   • VHS videotape cassette or DVD of television spots
   • CDs of radio spots
   • website address and hard copy of Web pages
   • Photos of posters, billboards or other supporting materials
4. Print Advertising
   Submit a single advertisement that appeared in one or more print media outlet including newspapers, magazines, posters, billboards, direct-response pieces and point-of-sale displays. Materials may include:
   • Samples of print and broadcast materials used in the effort to communicate with relevant publics
   • News releases, photos, internal communication items, speeches
5. Marketing Communications Campaign
   Submit materials used in a program designed to market, position, publicize and promote a new or established product or service.
   1. Budget of $50,000 or less
   2. Budget of more than $50,000
6. Direct Mail Campaign
   Submit a short or long-term direct-mail campaign. Entry must include:
   • Sample envelopes, letters, brochures, postcards, catalogs and/or other supporting materials
7. Online Marketing Campaign
   Submit a short or long-term online marketing campaign. Entry must include:
   • Sample Web pages, emails, and/or other supporting Web materials
8. Buzz Marketing/Word of Mouth Campaign
   Submit a short or long-term buzz marketing/word of mouth marketing campaign. Materials may include:
   • Marketing strategy
   • Outcome of campaign
9. Promotional Video Production
   Submit a promotional video produced by either a corporate/for profit or nonprofit organization. Materials may include:
   • Program script (if not available, submit full outline or description)
   • Synopsis indicating length and describing rationale and suitability for topic, medium and audience.

Books & CD-ROM

10. Nonfiction, Non-technical Book
    Submit a nonfiction book, not to exceed 500 pages, on any subject. Entry must include:
    • A summary or review of the book
    • Supplemental materials included with the sale of the book (e.g., disks, CD-ROM, DVD)
    • Research methodology
    • Marketing strategy
    • Photocopy of a representative chapter of the book
11. CD-ROM Title, Educational/Reference
    Submit an educational or references tool on a CD-ROM or DVD.

Brochures, Custom & Special Publications

For brochures, custom, and special publication entries, submit:

• Original, copy, or reprint of brochure, article, custom, or special publication

• A one-time communications product published for an internal or external audience by either a corporate/for profit or nonprofit organization
• Budget including costs for outside services and size of press run
• Additional materials may include: posters, promotional fliers, Christmas cards, calendars, invitations, etc.

12. Special Print Communication
    Submit special print communications directed toward constituents, clients or the general public.
    1. Brochure
    2. Pamphlet
    3. Guide
13. Internal Print Communications
    Submit material published for internal audiences by a corporate/for profit or nonprofit organization to include brochures, employee handbooks, benefits booklets, training manuals, etc.
14. Custom Publications: Magazine, Best Overall
    Submit a client-sponsored magazine intended as a marketing tool and directed toward a target audience.
15. Custom Publications
    Submit a nonfiction publication, published for a client, not to exceed 500 pages. Entries must include:
    • A summary or review
    • Photocopy of representative segment
    • Marketing Strategy

Education

16. Educational, Informational or Training Video Production
    Entries must include:
    • Complete presentation transferred to DVD or VHS videotape cassette
    • Program script (if script unavailable, submit full outline or description)
    • Synopsis, indicating length and describing rationale and suitability for topic, medium and audience
      1. 15 minutes or less
      2. Longer than 15 minutes
17. Curriculum Design
    Submit a curriculum outline and relevant supporting materials developed for and used in a college or graduate program of study in any communications discipline. Include a publication or website showing curriculum.

Fund Development

18. Fund Development Programs/Projects
    Submit outline of major aspects of campaign for a nonprofit organization, results and all relevant supporting materials.
    1. Annual Giving Campaign
    2. Capital Campaign

Magazines

For all magazine entries (a magazine is a scheduled periodical publication of more than 16 pages), submit:

• Original, copy or reprint of article or magazine
• Synopsis detailing purpose of the article, research methodology and target audience
• Description of magazine's editorial mission

19. Magazine Feature Article, External Publication
    Submit a feature article published in a magazine directed toward clients or to the general public.
    1. Circulation of 100,000 or less
       1. Lifestyle
       2. Current News
       3. Miscellaneous
    2. Circulation between 100,000 and 500,00
       1. Lifestyle
       2. Current News
       3. Miscellaneous
    3. Circulation of 500,000 or more
       1. Lifestyle
       2. Current News
       3. Miscellaneous
20. Magazine Feature Article, Internal Publication
    Submit a feature article published in an internal magazine directed toward employees, members or investors.
21. Magazine Regular Editorial/Opinion Column
    Includes columns designed to persuade, such as opinion columns, editorials, commentaries, reviews and critiques. Submit three to five pieces (entries with fewer than three columns will not be judged).
    1. Circulation of 100,000 or less
    2. Circulation between 100,000 and 500,00
    3. Circulation of 500,000 or more
22. Magazine Regular Informational/Nonopinion Column
    Includes columns designed to inform and entertain, but not to persuade, such as science, health, travel, sports, entertainment, humor, etc. Submit three columns, each not to exceed two magazine pages (entries with fewer than three columns will not be judged).
23. Magazine Series, Special Section or Group Project, External Publication
    Submit entries published in a magazine directed to clients or the general public
    1. Circulation of 100,000 or less
    2. Circulation between 100,000 and 500,00
    3. Circulation of 500,000 or more

• The magazine must be published at least twice per year
• Submit two consecutive issues published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008

24. Best Overall External Magazine
    Submit a magazine directed toward constituents, clients, or the general public.
    1. Start-up, First Issue
    2. Circulation of 100,000 or less
    3. Circulation between 100,000 and 500,00
    4. Circulation of 500,000 or more
25. Best Overall Internal Magazine
    Submit a magazine directed toward employees, members or investors.
26. Most Improved Magazine
    The magazine must be published at least twice a year and should exhibit significantly upgraded design and content. Submit one issue before and two consecutive issues after improvements. At least one improved issue must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    1. External Publication: The magazine must be directed toward constituents, clients or the general public
    2. Internal Publication: The magazine must be directed toward employees, members or investors

Major News Event

Entries in this category will have been of national or international significance, examples include election coverage and the War against Terrorism.

27. Major News Event
    The magazine must be published at least twice a year and should exhibit significantly upgraded design and content. Submit one issue before and two consecutive issues after improvements. At least one improved issue must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    1. Magazine:
         The first issue after or a special edition about the event
    2. Newspaper:
         The first issue after or a special edition or special section about the event
    3. Online:
         Submit website or hard copy of Web page from the first 24 hours following the event
    4. Photography:
         Published photograph taken during the first 24 hours following the event
    5. Radio:
         Radio broadcast, can be a compilation, from the first 24 hours following the event - entry not to exceed one hour
    6. Television Coverage:
         Cable or broadcast coverage (can be a compilation) from the first 24 hours following the event. Entry not to exceed   one hour
    7. Video Clip:
         Submit a stand-alone clip that was shot during the first 24 hours following the event and was subsequently made   available for viewing by the public (i.e. television, film, website or commercial videotape)

Newsletters

For all newsletter entries please submit:

• Three consecutive issues (entry must be published at least three times a year)
• Editorial strategy

28. Newsletter
    Submit a newsletter directed toward constituents, clients, employees, members, investors, or the general public.
    1. Print
    2. Online
29. Most Improved Newsletter
    The newsletter should exhibit significantly upgraded design and content. Submit one issue before and two issues after improvements.
    1. Print
    2. Online

Newspapers

For all newspaper entries submit:

• Original, copy or reprint of article(s) or columns of any length published in a general circulation newspaper
• Circulation

30. Newspaper Hard News Story
    
31. Newspaper Feature Story
    
32. Newspaper Regular Opinion/Editorial
    Includes columns designed to persuade, such as opinion columns, editorials, commentaries, reviews, and critiques. Submit three to five pieces (submissions with fewer than three columns will not be judged).
33. Newspaper Regular Nonopinion/Informative Column
    Includes columns designed to inform or entertain (not to persuade), such as science, health, travel, sports, humor, etc. Submit three to five pieces (submissions with fewer than three columns will not be judged).
34. Newspaper Feature Series
    At least half of series' entries must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008. Submit three to five pieces (submissions with fewer than three will not be judged).
35. Newspaper Investigative Series
    At least half of series' entries must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008. Submit three to five pieces (submissions with fewer than three will not be judged).
36. Newspaper Special Section or Special Edition

Online Media

37. Website
    Entry must include.
    • URL - Judges will visit the active website (not an archive) from May through June 2009.
    • Description of individual or company responsible for website if outsourced
      1. New website: Annual budget of $10,000 or less
      2. New website: Annual budget more than $10,000
      3. Existing website: Annual budget of $10,000 or less
      4. Existing website: Annual budget more than $10,000
38. Online Journalism
    Materials must have been produced specifically for the Web between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    • Technical requirements
    • Files may be located at a URL or submitted in html or PDF formats via a Zip disk, CD-ROM, or flash drive and must include any special plug-ins needed to view files
    • If submitting a URL, the site must be accessible from May through June 2009
      1. Special News Section: Submit a section of a website that uses the Web's unique features to present a news story.
      2. Special Feature Section: Submit a section of a website that uses the Web's unique features to present a feature or investigative story
      3. Regular Column (on a For Profit website): Submit three to five columns (submission with fewer than three columns will not be judged).
39. Online Publication
    Submit an online publication that is updated at least quarterly.
    • All publications must have been launched prior to Dec. 31, 2008
    • Files may be located at a URL or submitted in html or PDF formats via a Zip disk, CD-ROM, or flash drive and must include any special plug-ins needed to view files
    • Judges will view the current issue at the URL provided from May through June 2009
      1. Internal Publication
      2. External Publication
40. Online Reference
    Submit a website/URL or CD created for the purpose of facilitating research for a given topic;  health, academia, finance, design, the arts, everyday needs, etc.

Photography & Graphics

All photography entries must include:

• A copy of the original publication in which your black and white or color photo(s) was published; must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008. (Wire service photos should be accompanied by documentation of their availability for use.
• Exhibit-quality print, 5" x 7" or larger, or mounted slide

41. Corporate/Stock Photography, Feature Photo or Photo Illustration
    Submit photo(s) published for an internal or external audience.
42. Press Photography
    Submit photo(s) published in a general circulation newspaper or magazine.
    1. Spot News Photo
    2. Photo Series/Essay (Hard News)
    3. Photo Series/Essay (Feature)
    4. Sports Photo
    5. Entertainment & Lifestyle
43. Editorial Cartoon
    Submit three to five published editorial cartoons that comment on political or social issues. Please submit a synopsis explaining the issues and the cartoon's context. Submit materials in a folder or binder or mounted (submissions with fewer than three cartoons will not be judged).
44. Informational Graphics - Computer Graphics/Illustration
    Submit a computer graphic or a series of graphics that complements a news or feature story. Include any photos/stories or related materials that show context of use, including a synopsis detailing the purpose for the graphic. Illustrations should be used to bring clarity to and enhance the impact of important facts or ideas. Submit hard copy or files on a CD-ROM or flash drive and if your illustration was used as part of a broadcast, please submit on a VHS cassette tape or DVD.
45. Logo
    Submit the logo in printed form for each version used, if applicable (examples: grayscale; full color; with tag line and without; or a smaller, condensed version). Include additional information, such as description of client, project budget and intended use(s) of the logo. Indicate whether the logo is new or redesigned. A logo submitted must actually have been in use between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
46. CD/DVD Packaging & Labeling
    Submit CD/DVD (with label), CD/DVD packaging or both. Include with your synopsis a summary on success/response of this label or packaging.
    1. CD Label and/or Packaging
    2. DVD Label and/or Packaging
47. Special Design/Creation
    Submit printed piece and explanation of how the use of art/graphic design effectively enhanced communication of the message to the intended audience. Include a summary on the success/response of this piece.
    1. Single item
    2. Series of items
48. Web Design - Visual Aesthetics
    Submit screen captures of Web design home page and major subsections. Include Web address for judging. website must be active from May through June 2009, for judges to evaluate. Clarion will be awarded based on graphic and technical design, including art, graphics, and use of technology to promote use and enhance the user experience.

Public Relations

All entries in categories 49 - 54 may include:

• Samples or copies of any printed materials
• Samples or scripts of any broadcasts (CDs or VHS videotape cassettes/DVDs)
• Photos of posters, billboards or other supporting materials

49. Public Relations One-time Campaign
    Submit a campaign with a stated goal reflecting a single effort designed to accomplish a finite, one-time result. The campaign must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    1. Annual budget of $10,000 or less
    2. Annual budget of $10,000 or more
50. Public Relations Campaign, Ongoing
    Submit an ongoing, long-term campaign. The campaign must have begun between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    1. Annual budget of $50,000 or less
    2. Annual budget of $50,000 or more
51. Public ServiceCommunity Affairs Campaign, Ongoing
    Submit an ongoing public affairs campaign designed to accomplish stated objectives and goals with an explanation of the campaign's influence on intended publics. Entry must reflect intended results and progress toward achieving them. The campaign must have begun between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
52. Press Kit
    Submit materials used for a one-time or ongoing event, press tour, campaign or promotion. Kit and materials must have been produced and put to use between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
53. Special Promotion
    Submit a special promotion, contest, or program that was a part of a public relations campaign. More than half the entry must have been implemented between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
54. Annual Report
    Submit an annual report directed toward constituents, clients or the general public. The report must have been produced between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
    1. Annual budget of $20,000 or less
    2. Annual budget of more than $20,000

• The communications plan
• Samples of print and broadcast materials used in the effort to communicate with relevant publics and employees
• News releases, photos, internal communication items, speeches, radio or television broadcasts (submit CDs or VHS videotape cassettes/DVDs)

55. Community Relations Campaign
    Submit materials used in a program to establish, improve or maintain an organization's standing, image, or relationships in the community in which it operates.
56. Community Service Campaign
    Submit materials used in a program to promote societal good in which the motivation of the sponsoring organization is mainly altruistic or philanthropic.
57. Crisis Communications Campaign
    Submit materials reflecting a corporate or organizational response to an externally or internally generated problem of urgent concern. Detail proactive measures taken in preparation. The crisis and the response must have begun between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008.
58. Employee Relations Campaign
    Submit materials used in a program to improve or maintain an organization's relationship with its employees.

Radio

All radio entries must include:

• Program script, (if script is unavailable, submit a full outline or description)
• CD recording of broadcast
• Day, date, length and time of airing

59. Radio Regular Newscast
    Submit a regularly aired newscast for public or commercial radio.
60. Radio Regular Feature Program
    Submit a regularly aired radio feature program for public or commercial radio.
61. Radio Regular Talk or Interview Program
    Submit three to five ½ hour segments from different broadcasts of a regularly aired radio talk show or interview program (submissions with fewer than three programs will not be judged).
62. Radio Feature Story
    Submit a radio feature story for public or commercial radio.
63. Radio Documentary Series
    Submit three to five programs on a given topic or theme (rather than one program presented as part of a regularly broadcast series; submissions with fewer than three programs will not be judged).
64. Radio Documentary, One Time
    Submit a radio documentary for public or commercial radio.
65. Women's Issues Radio Program
    Submit a women's issues radio program for public or commercial radio.

Special Events

All special events entries must include:

• Outline of major aspects of event, including timeline
• Marketing materials (if available)
• Event program (if available)
• Other printed materials (if available)
• website (if available)
• More than half of the entry must have been implemented between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2008

66. Conference or Seminar
67. Special Event
    Submit a special event that was a part of a public relations campaign.
68. Fundraising Event
    Submit a special event designed to raise funds.
69. Special Promotion
    Submit a special promotion, contest, or program that was a part of a public relations campaign.

Television

All television entries must include:

• Story or program script (if script unavailable, submit a full outline or description)
• VHS videotape cassette or DVD with soundtrack of entire story, segment, or program
• Day, date, length, and time of airing (if entry is not a full program, note name of program on which it was broadcast).
• For programs: Synopsis with statement of objective, applicable research, audience, market, viewer response, budget/costs and evaluation

70. Television Spot News Story
    Submit a breaking news story aired within 24 hours of the event. Coverage (even live coverage) of a scheduled event is not spot news.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
71. Televison Feature Story/Segment (Comprehensive or ongoing)
    Submit feature segment(s) of any length.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
72. Television Investigative Feature or Series
    Submit a television investigative feature or series.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
73. Television News Magazine Program
    Submit a regularly scheduled news magazine program
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
74. Television Public Affairs Progam
    Submit a regular public affairs program of any length.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
75. Television Special Audience Program
    Submit a fiction or nonfiction program intended to enhance the knowledge base of a specific demographic (children, teens, seniors, immigrants, etc.).
76. Television Documentary Program
    Submit a television documentary program of any length.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
77. Television Documentary Series
    Submit multiple programs on a given topic or theme (rather than one program presented as part of a regularly broadcast series).
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
78. Television Public Service Announcement
    Submit an announcement of 30 seconds or less on a topic in the public interest.
79. Television Sports Programming
    Submit a sporting event or sports focused program, cable or broadcast. Identify the 5-15 minute segment which is most representative of the program's quality
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
80. Television Talk Show
    Submit a talk show format program, cable or broadcast. Program will be evaluated for professionalism, social responsibility, and educational value.
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National
81. Television Show - Informational
    Submit programming, cable or broadcast, designed to inform (i.e., cooking or home improvement).
    1. Local or Regional
    2. National