Wednesday, February 20, 2008

TBABJ Multimedia Workshop March 8 in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is pleased to announce its second annual seminar on blogs and multimedia reporting.

Scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday March 8 at the Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St. Tampa, the seminar will feature contributions from Ken Knight, TBABJ Treasurer and multimedia editor for the Tampa Tribune/WFLA-Ch. 8/TBO.com; Demorris Lee, reporter for the St. Petersburg Times; Eric Deggans, TBABJ president and creator of The Feed media blog; and Steve Echevarria, feature writer for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and developer of a national panel on blogging for the National Association of Black Journalists.

During the panel discussion, we will talk about ways to think about expanding traditional journalism work to multimedia platforms, the advantages and challenges of blogging for journalists, the resources available for those who hope to learn more about this kind of work and more...

Though this is a professional development seminar organized by the TBABJ, this seminar is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. Our first session last year was well attended, and we hope to do better in 2008.

In particular, journalists of all ethnicities and experience levels are most welcome. Feel free to email back at this address or call my office at the number below for more information...

Eric Deggans
President, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists
TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times
http://www.tbabj.com/
(727) 893-8521

TBABJ Welcomes Gwen Ifill to the Tampa Bay Area


Here's a photo from the reception TBABJ co-sponsored with the Poynter Institute for Washington Week host Gwen Ifill. (That's me with the egg shaped head and delirious expression)


Ifill, an NABJ member who regularly attends the national conventions, appeared in a fundraiser at the Poynter Institute Feb. 15 after taping two editions of her show at the MahaffeyTheater in St. Petersburg.


About 50 people showed for the Poynter event, in which Ifill answered questions about media politics and why she regrets ever singing on the NPR show Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me. (because everybody now asks her to sing).
Thanks to everyone from TBABJ who attened the event and approved of the group lending its name and pocketbook to a worthy event.
Eric Deggans
TBABJ President
TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg Times

Monday, February 4, 2008

Membership Meeting 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb.9


Our next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Golden Corrall restaurant, 6942 WEST HILLSBOROUGH AVENUE 33634 (813)882-9805.

It's an important meeting, because we have lots of important events developing.


1) We will actively begin planning the kick off party for the national NABJ convention coming to Tampa in 2009. NABJ executive director Kareen Freeman is coming to Tampa Feb. 12 and 13, and we hope to have a promising plan and list of potential sponsors for her to consider. The party goes down July 26 in Chicago, so we don't have much time. Please come with fresh ideas and as much information as you can assemble.


2) We have tentative plans for our second annual multimedia workshop, to be held on the day of our March membership meeting, March 1. So far, we're hoping the roster of speakers will include Sarasota Herald-Tribune features writer Steve Echevarria, Media General multimedia reporter Ken Knight, St. Petersburg Times reporter Demorris Lee (fresh from a fellowship on multimedia reporting) and yours truly. We'll firm up plans and figure out the where and when Saturday.


3) TBABJ is co-sponsoring a reception honoring PBS host Gwen Ifill when she comes to St. Petersburg to tape her Washington Week show on Feb. 15. The reception is at 7:15 p.m. in the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, and is free to TBABJ members and friends; just email or contact us to let us know you're coming, though walk-ups are fine,too. WEDU-Ch. 3 also encourages any TBABJ members to come to Gwen's taping at 3 p.m. in the Mahaffey Theater. Admission is also free there, though you have to contact WEDU for tickets.


4) We are accepting applications for this year's Griot Drum Awards. We decided to put out our call for entries now to make it easier for news organizations which are already entering Pulitzers and other big competitions to include us. If you're on our mailing list, you sould have already gotten an email about the contest -- please pass it along to co-workers and enter yourself!


I'm hoping you'll join us Saturday and lend your sweat equity to our effort.

Here's directions: Obviously, in Tampa, you can just get on 580/Hillsborough Ave. from any major artery and drive west to Town N' Country.Take I-275 to Route 60 north to ext. 4: Hillsborough Ave. turn left (west) on hillsborough and look for the restaurant.


As always, call or email if you need to discuss anything beforehand.

Eric Deggans

President, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists

Chair, NABJ Media Monitoring Committee

TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times

(727) 893-8521

Sunday, February 3, 2008

TBABJ Now Accepting Entries for 2008 Griot Drum Awards


GET OUT THOSE MEDIA AWARD SUBMISSIONS!

Because the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists (TBABJ) is accepting entries for the 2008 Griot Drum Awards, which honors the best coverage of people of color. Winners will be announced in November at the 2008 Griot Drum Awards ceremony, held at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg.

Who is eligible?
Any individual or news organization in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Polk or Sarasota counties can enter materials published, broadcast or presented between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007. The contest is open to journalists of all ethnicities. Entrants do not have to belong to TBABJ.

How can I enter my work?
All entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 14, 2008. Any entry postmarked after that date will be disqualified. Entries should be mailed to:

Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists
c/o Camille C. Spencer, Griot Drum Awards Coordinator
11321 U.S. Highway 19
Port Richey, FL, 34668

Faxed or electronic entries will not be accepted. See following post for information on entry categories.

Is there a fee?
The cost per entry is $25 for non-TBABJ members and $10 for members. Checks or money orders should be made out to the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists and should be attached to each entry form. Checks covering more than one entry from an organization should be made out for the total amount, and a separate note should be attached detailing the exact entries covered by the fee. Cash will not be accepted.

What can I submit?
Entries must focus on subjects concerning people or communities of color and have been broadcast, presented or published within the Tampa Bay area. Individuals and news organizations may submit as many entries as desired. However, only one category is allowed per entry. Entering the same work in more than one category is permitted, for a fee. For example, the cost to enter an entry in two categories is $50 for non-members/$20 for members; three, $75/$30; and so on. Entries will not be returned.

How can I submit my work?
Newspaper. Entries with loose clippings, poster boards or ringed binders will be disqualified. Entries are best delivered on 8.5” x 11” sheets, either photocopied into this form (preferred) or cut up and taped down. Entries also may be mounted on pressboards. If submission is a series, it must be limited to no more than seven stories. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number (See attached rules and categories).


Television. Entries can be submitted on VHS TAPES or standard DVDs only. A series should be entered on one tape and be limited to no more than five stories. Do not use color bars. A five-second slate is permitted. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

Radio. Entries must be on a cassette tape or CD. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

New Media. Entries must be submitted on CD, DVD, flash drive or by providing Internet links, with no more than one entry per storage unit. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

Photo/Graphics. Entries may include original copies of work, in color. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.
Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Judging and Winners
Entries will be judged by National Association of Black Journalists chapters in other parts of the country, so the contest is open to chapter members and officers of TBABJ, except those serving on the awards committee. Broadcast entries will be judged based on content, production value and impact. Print entries will be judged on content, readability and impact.


The top three entries in each category selected by judges will be recognized at the awards ceremony in November. The top winner will receive a plaque. Awards will be presented to individuals, groups or organizations. Judges may elect to choose less than three entries in a category or none at all.

More Questions?
Call me at 727-992-5203, or send an email to me.

Best,

Camille C. Spencer
Coordinator, Griot Drum Awards
General assignment reporter, The St. Petersburg Times
Member, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Griot Drum Awards Rules

The Griot Drum Awards – Rules and Categories

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is calling for entries to its Griot Drum Awards – an awards ceremony designed to honor the best journalism on issues related to people of color in the Tampa Bay area.

Rules and Eligibility
Entries must have been published within the Tampa Bay area, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.
Submissions will be grouped by media and circulation numbers. Entries must have been published between January 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007. Entries must be postmarked and sent to TBABJ by Friday, March 14, 2008.

Only one category is allowed per entry. But numerous entries [each with its own entry fee] are permitted.

Each entry must be accompanied by an entry fee of $25 for non-chapter members and $10 for chapter members.

Entries must involve issues or concerns related to people of color, especially African Americans.

Entries will be judged by other National Association of Black Journalists chapters in other parts of the country, so the contest is open to chapter members and officers of TBABJ, except those serving on the awards committee.

The contest is open to journalists of all ethnicities. Entrants do not have to belong to TBABJ; awards will be presented to individuals, groups or organizations.

Instructions for submitting in each category must be followed; each entry must have its own separate entry fee, though entrants can write a single check for all fees.

Judges have the right to choose not to present an award in any category.

Finalists will be announced before the awards ceremony, but winners will not be announced until the awards ceremony. Entries will not be returned.

Judging: Entries will be judged by an affiliate chapter of the NABJ. Broadcast entries will be judged based on content, production value and impact. Print entries will be judged on content, readability and impact.

Television
Instructions: Entries can be submitted on VHS TAPES or standard DVDs only. A series should be entered on one tape and be limited to no more than five stories. Do not use color bars. A five-second slate is permitted. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.

TV-1 Spot news: Live and/or packaged coverage of a story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.TV-2 Non-Deadline Reporting: News story or feature, non-deadline.

TV-3 Investigative/Series: Investigative story or series of no more than five non-deadline stories on a single subject.

TV-4 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.

TV-5 Community/Public Affairs: Regularly scheduled program, which presents an issue of public interest.

TV-6 Documentary: In-depth coverage of a serious issue that cannot be thoroughly covered in a regularly scheduled newscast.TV-7 Sports News: Analysis or commentary on a news event or issue.

Print [Circulation 100,000 or more]
Instructions: Entries with loose clippings, poster boards or ringed binders will be disqualified. Entries are best delivered on 8.5” x 11” sheets, either photocopied into this form (preferred) or cut up and taped down. Entries also may be mounted on pressboards. If submission is a series, it must be limited to no more than seven stories. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number [See attached rules and categories].

Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.
P-1 Deadline/Spot news Reporting: Breaking news story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.

P-2 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.

P-3 Features: Any news feature, profile, review or analytical piece on a specific topic or issue, including arts and entertainment.

P-4 Community/Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest.

P-5 Sports News: Any news article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.

P-6 Sports Feature: Any feature article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.

P-7 Commentary: Any editorial, opinion column or commentary article, or cluster of related pieces on a specific topic or issue.

P-8 Criticism: Any arts criticism including analysis and reviews for fine arts, pop music, television movies and any other artistic areas.

Print [Circulation below 100,000]
Instructions: Same as print above 100,000.

PP-1 Deadline/Spot news Reporting: Breaking news story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.

PP-2 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.

PP-3 Features: Any news feature, profile, review or analytical piece on a specific topic or issue, including arts and entertainment.

PP-4 Community/Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest.

PP-5 Sports News: Any news article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.

PP-6 Sports Feature: Any feature article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.

PP-7 Commentary: Any editorial, opinion column or commentary article, or cluster of related pieces on a specific topic or issue.

PP-8 Criticism: Any arts criticism including analysis and reviews for fine arts, pop music, television movies and any other artistic areas.

Radio
Instructions: Entries must be on a cassette tape or CD. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.

R-1 Spot News Reporting: Live and/or packaged coverage of a news story on which the reporter has no more than a 24-hour deadline.

R-2 Features Reporting: Issue oriented story, that can also be a profile, human interest, slice-of-life or humorous story.

R-3 Documentary/News Series: In-depth coverage of a serious issue that cannot be thoroughly covered in a regularly scheduled newscast.

R-4 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.

R-5 Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest.

Photo/Graphics
Instructions: Entries may include original copies of work, in color. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

P-1 Deadline/Spot news: Breaking news story on which the photographer had no more than a 24-hour deadline.

P-2 Features: Any feature photo, either with a story or stand alone .

P-3 Sports News: Any news photo devoted to a sports topic or issue.

P-4 Sports Feature: Any feature photo devoted to a sports topic or issue.

P-5 Editorial Cartoon: Any cartoon published as an editorial commentary.

P-6 Graphic or Photo Illustration: raphic or photo illustration published to augment and/or tell a single story.

P-7 Photo Essay: Any series of photos used to tell a story without text, or with a minimum of text.

New Media
Instructions: Entries must be submitted on CD, DVD, USB flash drive or by providing Internet links, with no more than one entry per storage unit. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.

NM-1 Best Multimedia News story: Open to Web-only news stories and/or news projects that have companion elements in print or broadcast. Entries should demonstrate in detail how the online project differed from what was broadcast or published in print.

NM-2 Best Web site: Best site for news and information; variety, original material and frequency of updating all count.

NM-3 Best Blog: Open to all news and information Web logs which feature a significant amount of material relating to issues concerning people of color. This category is specifically for the diary-style, continually updated form of a blog, to be judged on information quality, immediacy, style and impact.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Griot Drum Awards Application

PRINT OUT ONE COPY PER ENTRY

Griot Drum Awards Entry Form

NAME___________________________________________________________

COMPANY/SCHOOL_______________________________________________

ADDRESS________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP___________________________________________________

PHONE________________________________

EMAIL_________________________________

TITLE OF ENTRY__________________________________________________

CATEGORY_____________________________

CATEGORY NUMBER_____________________

NAME TO APPEAR ON AWARD______________________________________

FEES: (Circle One)
TBABJ MEMBER - $10
NON-MEMBER - $25

Checks should be made payable to Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists. Organizations or individuals submitting more than one entry may combine entry fees into one check.

SEND EACH ENTRY TO:
Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, c/o Camille C. Spencer, Griot Drum Awards Coordinator, 11321 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey, FL, 34668. For more information, call the awards coordinator at 727-992-5203. For additional copies of the entry form go to: http://www.TBABJ.com.

*Entries must be postmarked and sent to TBABJ by Friday, March 14, 2008.