Broadcast radio-for-smartphone app developer NextRadio is working with College Broadcasters Inc. on a contest for college broadcasters to create the best 60-second spot promoting the NextRadio app.
Radio World quizzed CBI President Greg Weston on the details.
Radio World: What is this and what is it about?
Greg Weston: NextRadio is a smartphone app that allows its users to see and hear FM radio on their phones. The NextRadio initiative is heavily supported by major players in the radio industry, including the NAB, the RAB and many large ownership groups. A major part of getting the word out is the NextRadio National Awareness Campaign, through which 50,000–70,000 radio spots a year are run for NextRadio. NextRadio and CBI are teaming up to offer college students the chance to create a 60-second spot that will run in Flight Four of the campaign, which launches October.
Radio World: What’s required of the students?
Weston: To enter, students simply need to conceive, create, and submit a 60-second commercial radio spot for NextRadio. More information can be found at the contest page at the NextRadio website.
Radio World: What’s the benefit of this contest to college students?
Weston: There are many benefits to students: For the first place winner, it’s an amazing opportunity to have his or her work heard by millions of listeners from coast-to-coast. That’s big for a college student.
For all the winners, they will benefit by being able attend the National Student Electronic Media Convention in October to take advantage of the sessions, educational opportunities, and events available to convention attendees. Students consistently tell us that they learn a lot of practical information at the NSEMC.
For all who enter, there is a benefit that comes from competing in a national competition judged by industry professionals. The contest is designed to encourage skill-building, creativity and innovation, so just by entering there will be professional and personal growth for students.
The contest will also benefit all college radio students by highlighting the talent of the next generation of radio professionals and reminding the industry that the “farm system” of new talent is flourishing.
Radio World: Sixty seconds is on the long-side for a standard spot. How was that format arrived at?
Weston: The 60-second spot length is in line with NextRadio’s specs and goals for Flight Four of the NextRadio National Awareness Campaign. The length also provides students with a valuable educational opportunity — writing a compelling 60-second spot is very difficult. It’s something many of them may never have done, but it’s an essential skill for those considering careers in areas such as advertising and podcasting in addition to radio. The length should also encourage the creative use of sound and other production elements, again enhancing the educational aspect of the contest.
Radio World: Where are these spots going to be used?
Weston: The spots will be used in Flight Four of the NextRadio National Awareness Campaign for NextRadio/TagStation, which begins Oct. 1. The winning spot will be among those distributed to thousands of stations nationwide. More information on this campaign can be found here.
Radio World: What are the prizes?
Weston: First place features the winning spot included in Flight Four of the NAB National Awareness Campaign; one National Student Electronic Media Convention registration in Minneapolis, Oct. 22–24; two-night hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis Oct. 22 and Oct. 23; airfare travel to NSEMC (up to $500 value) and recognition during NSEMC. Second place offers one NSEMC registration; one-night hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis on Oct. 22. Third place provides one NSEMC registration.
