If your newscast is in need of a quick, noticeable fix, the Radio-Television News Directors Association has just the answer: Extreme Makeover: Newsroom Edition.
As part of its preparations for the annual RTNDA convention held concurrently with the National Association of Broadcasters Convention, April 16 to 21, 2005, in Las Vegas, the news directors association is soliciting entrants for its first-ever newsroom makeover contest.
The winner will find a television news Extreme Makeover team showing up at its studio with new graphics packages, music and the talent, desire and ability to re-invigorate the existing news set.
According to RTNDA vice president Rick Osmanski, the process of making over the winner’s on-air look will be documented on video and presented during the association’s annual convention.
While there may be contractual obligations between stations and set designers or music and graphics houses, the association is prepared to work with all parties involved to pull off the makeover, Omanski said.
Contest judges will review applications and VHS tapes of newscasts submitted. The winner of the makeover will be the station that the design team believes it can help the most.
During the RTNDA convention, before and after newscast videos will be reviewed with presenters pointing out useful tips attendees can use at their own stations. The session will also examine how the station’s audience reacted to the extreme makeover.
Contestants must submit a completed application and two VHS cassettes of at least one recent newscast. The submission deadline is Dec. 31.
Contest rules and an application can be found at www.rtnda.org/makeover/.
