Contest Overview

Broadcast Excellence honors middle and high school programs that consistently produce high-quality, student-led broadcast shows. This contest recognizes regularly scheduled, student-produced programming that meets STN’s standards of excellence.

Schools may submit one episode of their choice that originally aired during the 2025–2026 school year. Entries must reflect original work as it was broadcast. Re-editing for submission is not allowed. STN contests are program-based and are intended to evaluate the work students complete during the school year.

Award Distinctions

  • Broadcast Excellence (Gold): 90 to 100 percent

  • Outstanding Achievement (Silver): 80 to 89 percent

  • Distinguished Merit (Bronze): 70 to 79 percent

Key Dates

  • Registration & Submission Deadline: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5PM PT

  • Winners Announced: At the 2026 STN Convention Excellence Awards (Livestream will be available)

Entry Guidelines

  • $25 per entry

  • High schools are allowed to enter more than one category

  • Middle schools may enter more than one entry in its division, as long as the shows are different formats (daily, weekly, newsmagazine, etc.)

  • Shows may be up to 30 minutes in length, but the judges are not required to view more than 10 minutes

  • Schools are not required to attend the convention to enter this contest

  • Refunds will not be granted after your registration has been submitted

Judging & Awards

  • Each entry will be scored and receive professional feedback from an industry judge

  • Winners will be announced at the 2026 Convention and featured on STN website

    • Gold level winners will be invited on stage to receive their trophy during the Exellence Awards show

    • Silver and Bronze level honorees will be announced and pick up their medallion after the show

    • Awards not picked up in person will be mailed within 3-4 weeks after the event

Need Help?

Contact shonda@studenttelevision.com with any questions.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SHOW

Cover the plays, the players, and the passion. This category features a live or edited show focused exclusively on sports. Content must include school sports but may also cover athletics at the local, state, national, or international level. Segments can include highlights, analysis, interviews, features, and editorials. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL DAILY LIVE NEWS SHOW

Deliver the day’s news live and unfiltered. This category is for daily news shows that are broadcast live with no post-production editing. Shows should demonstrate strong live reporting, pacing, and on-air presence. If your show is not produced daily, it should be entered in the Weekly category. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY LIVE NEWS SHOW

Broadcast your school’s top stories with a weekly live format. This category is for shows produced and aired live on a consistent weekly schedule, highlighting timely stories, campus events, and student voices. Shows should demonstrate strong live production skills, pacing, and on-air delivery. If your show airs less frequently or is pre-recorded with a focus on in-depth storytelling, consider entering the Newsmagazine category instead. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL PODCAST

Create an engaging audio show that informs and connects. This category features a general interest podcast episode that includes a host, soundbites, and creative elements such as intro music, transitions, and segments like news, interviews, or commentary. Submissions must be uploaded as a .MP4 file and include original podcast cover artwork. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL DAILY TAPED NEWS SHOW

Tell the day’s stories with polish. This category is for daily news shows that are pre-recorded and edited before airing. Shows should reflect timely content, clear storytelling, and solid technical execution. If your show is not produced daily, it should be entered in the Weekly category. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL WEEKLY TAPED NEWS SHOW

Keep your audience up to date with a polished weekly broadcast. This category is for shows that air on a weekly basis and are edited before being broadcast to your audience. These programs should showcase strong storytelling, editing, and production value while covering timely news and events relevant to your school community. If your show airs less frequently or takes a deeper storytelling approach, consider entering the Newsmagazine category instead. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL NEWSMAGAZINE

Take your time to go in-depth. This category is designed for monthly or occasional news/feature shows that dive deeper into storytelling beyond the daily headlines. These shows should showcase thoughtful reporting and a strong editorial voice and may include in-depth features, profiles, explainers, or thematic stories. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL SHOW

Go vertical for your audience. This category celebrates shows created in 9:16 vertical format, made for mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. Content should be fast-paced, creative, and engaging, connecting with audiences where they already are. Entries must showcase original, student-produced work and reflect platform trends and storytelling techniques. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS SHOW

Share your school’s voice. This category is for middle school programs that produce live or edited news shows, regardless of length or frequency. Whether your show runs daily, weekly, or occasionally, it should reflect your school community through student reporting and production. Content may include news, features, interviews, or special segments. Entries must be submitted exactly as they originally aired.