Broadcast journalism Catagories
Academic Olympics

Rules and regulations

Review the Rules and Regulations, Contest Schedule, Contest Descriptions, and Code of Conduct prior to the 2025 Academic Olympics.

It is STRONGLY recommended to remain in groups when traveling in and around Miami. Never travel alone and always communicate your whereabouts with your adviser and chaperones.

All video footage used in the entry must have been recorded during the contest period. Pre-recorded b-roll, interviews, or any other footage is strictly prohibited. No previous contest, archival, or news wire footage can be used in contests. However, the use of personal still photography or video, with explicit permission from the original owner, is allowed as long as it contributes to the story and is less than 10% of the total footage.

Teams MAY use previously produced graphics, including opens, lower thirds, credits, and other visual effects. Graphics can be from their regularly produced program or created specifically for the 2025 Academic Olympics.

Only copyright-free music is allowed in contest entries. Due to restricted Wi-Fi access, schools must download all music they need for their contest entry prior to entering the Edit Room. Schools can use their own music library service and/or a music library service provided by Academic Olympics.

When the entry is completed, teams will upload their video to YouTube and then share it on www.ccnnlive.com
Entries must begin the upload process before the deadline to be considered.

Contests

Feature Story

Create a video package that tells a compelling, human-centered story highlighting a unique person, place, event, or issue within your school or community that follows the prompt below. Your feature should focus on emotion, storytelling, and character rather than breaking news. The package should include:

• Interviews

• B-roll

• Natural sound

• Voiceovers

• Optional reporter stand-ups

Be sure to capture not just the facts, but also the feeling behind them, the “why it matters.” The final piece should be engaging, creative, and meaningful, offering viewers a closer look at the people and moments that shape your community.

Prompt: To be announced...

Completed stories are due by 5 PM on 10/__/25.

Entry Time Limit: 2 minutes or less

Max Team Size: 4 students

Submit Here!

Anchor team

Teams will write a script and record an anchor segment based on provided newswire copy. We will provide multiple stories for teams to choose from—they can use all or some of them, but the final segment must fit within the 1-minute format. The team will rewrite the copy for broadcast, record an edited live take of the anchors, and submit it for judging. Graphics are not required for this contest and will not be part of the judging criteria. Anchor teams will be evaluated based on strong delivery, poise, and teamwork on camera.

Anchor Team Script:

Max TRT: 60 seconds

Team Size: Up to 4 students

Due: 10/__/26 at 8 PM