Here is a quick reminder about some of the parameters surrounding entries for the 2011 Granite Mikes.The new online entry system at www.bestinbroadcasting.com may have a small learning curve in year one but this method will make things FAR easier in years to come. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at the NHAB with any questions. Also know that there is a pretty comprehensive FAQ forum at www.bestinbroadcasting.com.

Remember the deadline for entries is AUGUST 12th!

Good luck with this year’s Granite Mikes!

Below is a comprehensive list of how to prepare for the awards entry system. The site has a lot more details on this, but for now, this is a great starting point.

Getting your entry production ready:

Video:

Upload File preparation: These are standards that apply to all web based video playback sites. We convert the files to the exact same CODEC and data rates as YouTube and Google. Failure to follow these standard practices could result in your entry not being viewable

1. Max file size: 500 meg

2. File format: All typical industry standards: .mov, .wmv, .flv, .swf, .mp4, .mpeg…etc

3. File CODEC: SD / 4.3 ratio video files work best at 640 x 480 HD / 16.9 ratio video files work best at 853 x 480 or 1280 x 720 Do not use specialty edit system CODEC’s within the video like AVID or Pinnacle CODEC Please use a standard compression CODEC, such as: H.264 for QuickTime files or, Windows Media Video 9 standard in WMV files.

4. Data Rates: Please ensure your files have data rates between 800kbits/s to 2,000kbits/s

5. Interlace: Output your files to non-interlace or “progressive” signals to eliminate the “venetian blind effect” that the web creates when streaming “interlaced” videos “Link” file preparation: Best in Broadcasting now allows you to link your production from two different sources: YouTube or Google. This option is available from the video upload module. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LINK FROM YOUR OWN SERVER. Typical firewalls will not allow our viewer to gain access.

Audio:

1. Max file size per form: 10meg. Per entry: 20meg. If your entry exceeds the 10 meg per form size, either reduce the kbps rate or split the file. If you have to split the file, make sure when you upload them, they have the SAME EXACT PRODUCTION TITLE as on the entry form, but followed by either a (1) or a (20 to indicate which file is the first half, and which is the second half

2. File format: mp3 only. Other file types may contain Apple copyright metadata which would make them un-playable on a judges computer. 3. Compression rate: 128kbps up to 192kbps. This ranges from CD quality to very high transparency. Industry standard is 128kbps / 16 bit / stereo / 44.1k

Document:

1. Typically documents are uploaded to support a more complex award category. Like “Station of the Year”, “Best Public Service Campaign”, etc. Check with your state association as to what categories require this type of entry.

2. File type: PDF

3. File size: 10 meg

URL:

1. Used for judging a website in Best website category.

2. Link type: http://www.mysite.com/ (example!)

3. The URL should not require log in

4. The URL should direct the judge to the front page. The same one viewed by the public

From left to right; Kat Howland, Erica Tomaszewski, Dylan Lovering, Jeff Bartlett, Nathan Fullerton and Julianne Walshaw. Not pictured is Elizabeth Faiella, the Al Sprague Scholarship winner.

MANCHESTER- The New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010-2011 Student Broadcaster Scholarship.  Awarded annually in the amount of $2,500, the scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and are enrolled in a broadcast program and a two or four-year accredited school. This year, five Granite State residents were selected from over 100 applicants.  Winners were chosen based on financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement and an essay about their interest in broadcasting.

The recipients and their families were part of a brief presentation at WMUR TV on July 12, 2010. NHAB Past Chairman and WMUR-TV General Manager, Jeff Bartlett handed out scholarships to Nathan Fullerton of Plymouth, attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Kat Howland from Dover, Miami University, Dylan Lovering of Wolfeboro, High Point University, two time scholarship recipient Erica Tomaszewski of Nashua, student at Franklin Pierce University and Julianne Walshaw of Franklin, attending Lyndon State College.

In its second year, an additional scholarship fund was awarded in memory of the late Al Sprague, former president of the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters. Awarded in the amount of $5,000, the scholarship was given to Elizabeth Faiella, three-time scholarship award winner from Northwood, who attends Dartmouth College.

Established in 1954, the New Hampshire Association (NHAB) of Broadcasters is the only voluntary, statewide trade organization serving the Granite State’s over-the-air radio and television stations. The Association’s key responsibilities include assisting its members with general and broadcast-specific business challenges and assisting in the networking of fellow broadcasters. The NHAB aims to promote broadcasting as a viable and exciting career choice by offering annual scholarships and maintaining an online database of available jobs for individuals searching for a career in radio or television, as well as the opportunity to post a resume online. Please visit www.nhab.org for more information.

Two workshops will be held on April 15 and April 23 at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications for print and broadcast reporters, editors, photographers and Interactive staff:  Adding Life to Your Online Reporting – Audio Slideshows for News Professionals and Covering the Public’s Business: A Primer on New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law.

 Adding Life to Your Online Reporting – Audio Slideshows for News Professionals

More than 20 ago, Saturday Night Live featured “reporter” Al Franken covering the New Hampshire Primary. He was decked out with camera and microphone and wore a helmet equipped with a huge satellite dish. We laughed at the thought that he could be the reporter, photographer, sound engineer and transmitter, all-in-one.

 We’re not laughing now.

 As more news organizations look to enhance Web sites, the all-in-one reporter is common, producing audio slideshows in addition to stories and photos that appear in print.

 To help news professionals stay abreast of this expanding and evolving medium, the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is offering a one-day workshop: Adding Life to Your Online Reporting – Audio Slideshows for News Professionals
Taught by new media veterans Don Himsel and Damon Kiesow of The Nashua Telegraph, the April 23 workshop is designed to provide an understanding of new media reporting from a business and boots-on-the-ground standpoint, complete with deadline production of a multimedia report.  Attendees will look at what works in building a successful multimedia strategy – and what doesn’t. They also learn why and how to combine compelling audio/visuals using free or inexpensive tools and leave the session ready to provide short, simple and effective reports.   

The class also will explore why multimedia is important (hint: mobile devices) and talk about industry and consumer trends driving multimedia news coverage. The session will share strategies, show examples and talk tips and best practices.
Attendees should bring a digital camera, audio recorder and laptop equipped with Audacity sound editing software and photo editing software such as Soundslides, Imovie or Windows Moviemaker. (Satellite helmets are optional.) 

 The workshop runs 9 am to 4 pm on Friday, April 23. The $40 fee includes lunch. Register at www.loebschool.org or by calling 627-0005.

 Instructors:

Don Himsel is an award-winning photographer, photo editor and a multimedia producer for The Telegraph’s newspaper and Web site. He’s a 24-year member of the National Press Photographers Association and is now serving as Region 1 director.  Don has presented photography or multimedia reporting programs at New England Press Association, New England Newspaper Association and New England Associated Press News Executives Association workshops.  He’s also presented on multimedia reporting at the University of New Hampshire and to newspaper managers at the American Press Institute in Reston, Virginia. 

Damon Kiesow is Managing Editor / Online of the Telegraph in Nashua and blogs about the use of mobile devices by media organizations for the Poynter Institute at www.poynter.org/mobilemedia. He has presented on new media and newsroom management topics regionally and nationally. Prior to joining the Telegraph, in 2005 he was the Principal Photo Editor for News & Sports at America Online in Dulles, VA. Kiesow also spent 10 years as a photojournalist at several papers including the Bangor Daily News, Biddeford Journal, Laconia Citizen and Nashua Telegraph.

More info:

David Tirrell-Wysocki, 340-3619

Covering the Public’s Business: A Primer on New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law

New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law is a powerful tool to help journalists cover the public’s business. But it only works if public officials abide by it and if reporters know how to assert their rights.

The New Hampshire Press Association and Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications are co-sponsoring a half-day workshop for journalists to explain the law and explore how to use it to obtain public information.

The workshop is being held Thursday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school in Manchester for college and professional newspaper and broadcast journalists. It features Right-to-Know experts and journalists who have successfully used the law in their reporting.

Deputy N.H. Attorney General Bud Fitch will offer an overview on the law’s goals and implementation and how it has been expanded to include electronic communications.

Attorney William Chapman joins New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein and Annmarie Timmins of the Concord Monitor for a discussion — “The Right-to-Know Law and Me.” They will outline cases in which the law allowed them to overcome official roadblocks to covering the news.

They also will lead a discussion — “The Right-to-Know Law and You” — for journalists in attendance to share Right-to-Know horror stories or successes.

The fee is $15, including lunch.  To register and for directions, go to www.loebschool.org or call 627-0005.

This is a free member service. View the intro here and email deanna@nhab.org for an access code to set up an account for you and your sales staff to start the training!

We’re really excited to add Espresso Dave to our list of sponsors for the NHAB Appreciation Night and Golden Mike Awards! Dave is a certified barista that caters to corporate events and will provide free specialty coffees, cappuccinos, espressos, lattés, and more. In keeping with our jazz club theme this year, we thought he’d add the perfect touch for a flair of flavor in our swanky atmosphere. To learn more about Espresso Dave and the fabulous beverages he’ll be providing that night, visit www.espressodave.com.

Our other sponsors include:
Arbitron
ASCAP
bGG Advertising
BMI
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Spectrum Investigative Services
That Event Company

And the list keeps growing? Want to be a sponsor? Email us here: deanna@nhab.org

Want to RSVP for the event? It’s only $10! Email: events@nhab.org

Get your submissions ready – deadline to enter for this year’s Golden Mic Awards is August 7! For more information about submitting entries, categories, guidelines, etc. click here.
For copies of the entry form click here.
And we’re looking for Broadcaster of the Year nominations! Learn more here and send your nominations to deanna@nhab.org.

Had a great meeting with the Department of Safety yesterday about improving communications between broadcasters and the State during emergencies.
EAS Coordinator Ed Brouder, NHAB Vice President Deanna Raymond, Director of Homeland Security Chris Pope, Department of Safety Communications Director Jim Van Dongen and Citadel Operations Manager Mark Ericson.

The NHAB Career Expo and Job fair will take place 9:00am – 1:00pm, Thursday, November 12 at the Grappone Conference Center at the Concord Courtyard Marriott.

Hiring staff from New Hampshire’s Radio and Television stations will be on hand to talk about job openings at their stations, help you learn more about the types of careers available in over-the-air broadcasting as well as internship programs at local stations. Students and Job Seekers are welcome to attend this FREE event. Don’t forget your resume!

Are you on Twitter? Follow us at http://twitter.com/NHBroadcasters. We’ll be posting updates about the biggest event of the year on November 12 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

We just returned from our annual trip to Washington DC and lucked out with some great spring weather and a glimpse of the cherry blossoms. We spent a beautiful day on the Hill and we met with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and legislative aides for Senator Judd Gregg and Congressman Paul Hodes. 

I was accompanied by Diane Sutter of WZMY TV, Ray Garon of Saga Communications (WZID, WMLL and WFEA) and Joe Graham from Clear Channel (WGIR AM/FM). On the agenda was Retransmission Consent, SHVERA (Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act), the DTV Transition, FM Chips in cell phones and the Performance Royalty Tax.  As usual, we received a great deal of support from our delegation on a number of these issues.  The members and their staffs were also interested in gaging the status of the broadcast industry and how Granite State stations are doing from a business standpoint. All in all, another successful trip to DC with continued great dialogue between your Association and our members of Congress.