Pittsburgh Black Media Federation (PBMF)

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Robert L. Vann Media Awards

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About the Awards

In 1983, the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation established the Robert L. Vann Awards to honor excellence in journalism coverage of the African-American community.

click here to download this year's entry form. (PDF File 78k)

Eligibility

The contest is open to all communicators for newspapers, magazines, wire services, websites, radio and television stations in Western Pennsylvania.

Rules

  1. All entries must have been published in a newspaper/magazine/website or aired on radio or television between January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.
  2. Two copies of each entry must be received by the contest coordinators by March 15, 2008. Entries that miss the deadline will be disqualified.
  3. Contest fees are $30.00 per entry. An individual or organization may submit multiple entries in each category. One check may cover the entries. Entries without an accompanying fee will not be accepted.
  4. All entries become the property of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation. Do not send irreplaceable materials. Where possible, please include broadcast/audiotape or DVD.
  5. Each entry should be separately packaged, with the category and sub-category printed on the outside. Entry fee checks should be made payable to the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation (PBMF) and should be in a separate envelope with the completed entry form inside the mailed package.
  6. Send all entries and fees to:
    PBMF, Robert L. Vann Media Awards
    Ervin Dyer/ P.O. Box 22091
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222-0091

Disqualifications

Entries that do not meet the specifications outlined in this call-for-entry form will be disqualified. PBMF reserves the right to re-categorize entries. Entrants will be notified that a category correction has been made.

Judging

Materials submitted will be judged by a panel of recognized journalism professionals selected by PBMF. One award will be made in each sub-category where judges find merit. Decisions are final. The judges may elect not to give an award in a category.

All prize-winning entries become the property of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation. PBMF does not assume responsibility for receipt of entries or damage for loss in transit for judging.

Categories

Print and Illustration/Graphics

Newspapers, wire services, websites or magazines

All entries must be neatly posted on 8.5 inch x 11 inch white paper and enclosed in a protective folder. Copy should be a block typeset. If possible, send in tear sheets or other evidence of publication. Place entry in a folder with the completed entry form.

Broadcast

Television or radio

All entries should be made either in the name of the station or the individuals most responsible for the entry, e.g., writer or producer. ALL ENTRIES MUST HAVE BEEN BROADCAST. In the case of entries involving the work of more than one person, please indicate the name of the person(s) or the office or department to which an award should be presented. Please submit with each film, audiotape and videotape:

  • A summary of the program and its local significance
  • A complete script as broadcast, if possible
  • All videos must be on VHS videotape or DVD and should include names of writers. Radio entries can also be submitted on CD.

Sub-Categories

All entries for PRINT or BROADCAST must be in one of these sub-categories:

  • Editorial/Documentary
  • Column
  • Feature Story
  • Series
  • Investigative/Enterprise
  • Business News
  • News Feature
  • Public Affairs
  • Spot News Story
  • Sports/Sports Feature
  • Art/Illustration
  • Business Feature

Photography/Illustration

Photo entries must be an 8 inch x 11 inch glossy print that has been published. Illustration entries must be mounted on 8 inch x 11 inch board. Both must include cut line, if applicable, date of publication and the name and affiliations of the photographer or illustrator must be attached to the back of the print.

Sub-Categories

All entries for PHOTOGRAPHY must be in one of these sub-categories:

  • Feature Photo
  • Picture Story
  • Sports Photo
  • News Photo
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