Audio

Podcast

A digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. Typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.

Radio Programs

A segment of content intended for broadcast on radio. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series.

Commercials/Public Service Announcements (PSA) :30 & :60

A single audio PSA up to 60 seconds long.

Audio Documentary

Audio program that documents a person, place, event or thing, or places a topic in historical or cultural context. A majority of audio used must be original footage or verified archival footage.

Other Audio

Other audio production. (for example: messages on hold, audio tours, sound posts, soundtracks, music/songs)

Digital

Electronic Publication

Digital presentation, report or other type of electronic communications specifically designed for online distribution.

Mobile Application or Mobile Campaign

Campaign or product designed specifically for mobile reach using smartphone applications, App advertisements, or text messaging services.

E-Newsletter

Electronic newsletter distributed to an internal or external audience using a third party email marketing platform like MailChimp, Constant Contact, etc.

Social Media Campaign (Paid Advertising)

Paid advertising campaign on selected social media platforms that includes the goal, duration, budget, target audience, creative, and performance analytics.

Social Media Outreach (Nonpaid)

Social media post for outreach on selected platform(s) that includes the message, creative content, and organic performance analytics.

Website

Collection of related web pages designed for a particular organization, service, program or event.

Educational/Promotional

K-12 Educational Programs

Program designed to educate, inform or persuade K-12 students on a topic or series of topics. Program elements may include video, audio, web-based or printed elements.

Educational or Promotional Campaign (greater than $100,000)

Campaign more than $100k that educates the public or promotes a program, service, event or other government-related activity. Include samples of all materials created for the campaign.

Educational or Promotional Campaign (less than $100,000)

Campaign less than $100k that educates the public or promotes a program, service, event or other government-related activity. Include samples of all materials created for the campaign.

Event

Community Engagement Forum

Public forum held online or in person to inform and create a dialogue with stakeholders around an initiative, plan or policy. Include community engagement plan, promotional materials, documentation of the forum, and any metrics.

Special Event or Conference

Special event, open house, news or professional conference that raised the profile of a government agency, program, or service. Include all materials used to promote and support the event.

Graphic

Graphic Arts

Logo, theme art, or other graphic design product created or revised. Include former examples if redesigned.

Infographic

A visual representation of complex information, data, or knowledge, also known as data visualization or information design (internal or external audiences).

Internal

Internal Communications

Comprehensive campaign with supporting materials that present information to an organization’s internal audience including webinars, training series, or other branded content.

Crisis Communications Plan

A new or updated communications plan that serves as the blueprint for your crisis response.

Other

Grassroots Marketing Campaign

Limited funding, "shoestring budget" marketing campaign that demonstrates a creative use of resources and includes evaluation methods for reaching target audience and achieving goals.

Multicultural Communications Program

A program or event designed to advance an understanding of multicultural issues in communities and encourage collaboration and dialogue between diverse backgrounds.

Photography

Photographer's Portfolio

A collection of 3 to 5 photos that must have been shot and published within the contest year.

Print

Brochure

Brochure released during competition year.

Calendar

Internal or external calendar.

Piece

Documentation of bulletin boards or other graphic presentations used to convey information.

Magazine

Printed and distributed magazine containing pictures, stories and other articles of interest. Submit three different issues.

Public Affairs and Outreach

News Release

News release written in a factual style, intended to raise the profile or media coverage of an event, program, service, or other government-related information.

Public Affairs Outreach Campaign

A public outreach campaign that includes a combination of communication channels (audio, video, print, social media).

Reports

Technical or Statistical Report

Single publication to provide government, consumer, and other audiences with technical or statistical information about a government product, service or research. Entry should not be an annual report.

Annual Report

Single publication to communicate year-long activities of a government agency.

Video

Public Service Announcement Short (PSA) (up to 3 minutes)

A single video PSA up to 3 minutes long.

Promotional/Informational (Length > 3 minutes)

(Length >3:00) Video that promotes or provides information on a project or program. Examples could include: Videos or television segments about regional tourism opportunities, regrowth, recovery initiatives for storm-ravaged areas.

Educational/Instructional

A video or group of videos where the intent is to directly build knowledge by instruction. For example - how to fill out a government form.

News

News - Of or relating strictly to current events, incidents and activities impacting citizens, the normal flow of government and daily life. Examples include weather and natural disasters, flooding, disease. 

Written

Single Written Piece

A single written product published during the competition year for which the submitter was the primary writer.