Frequently asked questions about the Third Coast Festival / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition:

• Why did you create the Best News Feature category?

Along with those who have the time, staff or other resources to commit to making in-depth documentary work, we also want to honor people and organizations working with creativity and journalistic integrity to create exemplary news and short form features.
 

• How will the Best News Feature category be judged?

Accomplished editors and reporters from Chicago Public Radio’s news/public affairs staff will judge the first round. (Chicago Public Radio staff will not be eligible to enter this category) The Best News Feature winner will be chosen by the competition finalist judges. The judge roster will be posted in July 2008.
 

• How do I know if I'm better off entering my work in the Best Documentary or Best News Feature category?

The TCF created the BNF category, in part, to recognize radio pieces that are driven by events and news. It's okay if their content becomes dated or if they have a very local feel. Documentaries, on the other hand, should be timless in nature, and should transcend geographic location. Also, keep in mind that BNF entries can be no longer than ten minutes, while BD entries can be up to 60 minutes in length.
 

• Is my Best News Feature eligible for the Best Documentary category?

No it’s not. On the entry form you must choose to submit your piece for either the Best Documentary or Best News Feature Category. The categories will be considered separately.
 

• Is my Best New feature eligible for the Best New Artist or Radio Impact Awards?
 
Sorry, no. Entries for the Best News Feature are only eligible for that award.
 

• Is there a limit to how many radio documentaries or features I can enter?

No there isn’t, enter to your heart’s content. But if you want our suggestion, we recommend that producers submit their top three stories of the year and that stations and networks enter a maximum of six entries per ongoing program.
 

• Can I enter a series?

Sorry, no. Each individual episode or piece from your series is a single entry. We recommend you enter the strongest episodes/pieces from the series (we suggest entering up to three) and if one wins an award, the entire series will be recognized.
 

• May I enter a program or show that includes a number of separate stories and interviews?

Each story within a program or show that presents multiple stories, such as All Things Considered or This American Life, is a separate entry. Enter the strongest story, and,  if it wins a prize, the program will be recognized as well.
 

• How can I enter my podcast?

Each episode from your podcast constitutes a separate entry. If a podcast episode wins an award, the entire podcast will be recognized.
 

• Should I include the host lead that was read before my story aired, as part of my entry?

Please include a written version of the host lead, along with your entry. The audio portion of your
entry should consist only of the actual story. If you don’t have a host lead, please include a brief intro with your form.
 

• How is the "Best New Artist" judged?

This prize is awarded to someone who has been working in the audio field for less than two years, and who demonstrates both considerable skill and potential in his/her work. To qualify a producer must have recorded, written, and mixed the entry submitted. Each producer must also include a statement - see sample - explaining her/his qualification as a Best New Artist candidate. If you're wondering if you qualify, please contact us directly.
 

• What if I have questions about securing international music rights?

This is a question you should address with the station or outlet that first presented the work, before you send in your entry.  
 

• Can co-producers submit an entry together?

Sure – just indicate this information on the entry form. Co-productions are not eligible for the Best New Artist award.
 

• Can I enter the same piece two years in a row?

Yes, as long as your entry fits in to our window of eligibility – meaning it was first presented publicly on the radio, Internet or in a gallery/museum setting between July 2006 and July 2008.
Note: repeat entries have won awards the second time around.
 

• Can I submit work produced for commercial radio and other commercial venues?

Yes, as long as the entries fit into our description of documentary.
 

• Can anybody nominate someone for the Audio Luminary Award?

Yes indeed! Please fill out the nomination form and encourage others to follow-up with letters of support. Send the form and supporting emails to info@thirdcoastfestival.org.
 

• When will you announce the names of the judges?

This information will be available on the Third Coast Festival website by July, 2008.
 

• When will winners be notified?

Winners will be notified in early September with the good news. They’ll learn which specific award they've won at the 2008 TCF Awards Ceremony on October 11, in Evanston Illinois.

If you have a question that's not answered here, please contact us.