What an honor.
I was invited to help judge this year’s National Headliner Awards. Now in its 90th year, these awards honor the best and the brightest in journalism and media. Including podcasts.
After reviewing countless entries, I came away with one overwhelming conclusion. There is truly amazing podcast content being conceived, produced and published in America today. Not just by major organizations at the national level. But smaller organizations at the local level too.
And that’s a good sign for our industry.
Just like gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson introduced “new journalism” a half-century ago, locally-produced podcasts are taking over an important function. They’re becoming a form of “new journalism” you could argue. They now disseminate important news to you, me and other citizens to discover and digest. They provide updates in audio form, just like traditional radio has done for so many decades.
All this talent at the local podcast level bodes well for the future of podcasting. I’m truly encouraged. It means the industry is building a farm system, developing talent, and bringing along the next generation of top-line hosts, producers and editors.
Is my local mayor a crook? Who knows? But I may hear about it first on my favorite local podcast.
Plan to submit for awards? Here are some tips that may help you leapfrog the competition and get you noticed by judges:
Think BEST.
BIG: Big moment. Big event. Big issue. What makes your content stick out? What makes it special and unique? Did you cover a major breaking news story? Did a major event happen in your city? Did you provide a unique, original or exclusive angle?
EXCELLENCE: Submit your most exemplary work. Period. Always lead with your strongest content. Make sure the storytelling hums. Make sure the edits are crisp and clean. Make sure your hard work rings out loud and strong. Is this something that would make your mom proud?
SUPPORT: Always include a letter explaining why your work is important and needs utmost consideration. Guide the judges to the hot spots. Include time codes where key moments, interviews, or moments happen. When you apply for a job you submit a cover letter, right? So do the same here.
TOTAL: As in total impact. How did your work have impact or influence? Did it move the needle in your town, state or industry? Did your local mayor go to jail as a result of your podcast?
All told, premium and rock-solid content is what will distinguish you in every contest. Quality content shines through – just like this sunrise I experienced in Atlantic City.
The sun rises over the beach in Atlantic City.