Medium Types
Learn More About Our Award Programs and How to Enter
Medium Types
To learn about the different requirements for each medium, browse through each category for additional information.
Broadcast Radio
Entries in this category are for commercial audio (only) messages conveyed to the prospective/target consumer public by the seller of a product or service via mass media transmission. Commercial messages which appear on digital streaming or Satellite radio services such as Pandora, Spotify or SiriusXM should be entered in the Online Video and Firm Category. Within the Radio category, commercials aired on stations in more than one market or “metro” (even if placed on only one station in each of two “metros”) do not qualify as “local”. Any time a commercial extends past one “metro” it is defined as regional/national and must be entered accordingly. 2-47 commercials for the same client, with a common theme that are placed in one market only (no more than one “metro”) are considered a campaign. If placed in two different markets they do not qualify as a local campaign.
- Local Spot 30 seconds or less
- Local Spot 30 seconds or more
- Regional/National Spot 30 seconds or less
- Regional/National Spot 30 seconds or more
Broadcast TV
TV Commercial that is broadcast on the station(s) of one market (no more than one DMA.) TV Commercials which have aired on national broadcast, cable, or satellite network in more than one local market (DMA) up to 2 minutes.
- Local Spot 15 seconds
- Local Spot 30 seconds
- Local Spot 60 seconds
- Regional/National Spot
Digital Display Advertising
Advertising on Internet websites, apps or social media through banners or other advertising formats made of text, images, flash, video, and audio.
Direct Mail
Entries in this category are single or multiple pieces and the container and its contents. Dimensional also includes “pop-ups” that might mail flat, but take on dimension in their final forms. Entries typically include some element/item (other than paper) as part of the marketing message (premium item, baseball, ink pen, etc.) which is included as PART of the message. The method of shipment (box, envelope, etc.) MUST be evident and included with the entry. Entries in this category are any printed sheet or sheets, flat, folded or bound printed material that has been mailed as part of an advertising or promotional effort. Method of shipment (box, envelope, etc.), MUST be evident and included with the entry.
- 3D/Mixed
- Flat
Integrated Campaign
Entries in this category are campaigns or series of ads, commercials or executions that utilize more than one medium.
- B2B
- B2C
- Integrated Brand Identity Campaign
Newspaper
Advertising that is placed/run in publications whose primary purpose is to inform the public about current events or issues on a daily or weekly schedule.
Non-Traditional
Unconventional way of performing advertising and/or promotional activities; any type of advertising that doesn’t fit into any other category.
Online Video and Film
Entries in this medium include any commercial that is created to run on the Internet. Broadcast commercials that also receive internet runs are not eligible in this category, unless there is a change in content.
- Internet Radio
- Pre-roll 15 seconds or less
- Pre-roll 15 seconds or or more
Outdoor Advertising
Entries in this category are sheets, advertising or promotion piece(s) intended for mounting and display for a product, service or event. Does not include POP materials nor any outdoor signage. Entries in this category are outdoor displays of advertising messages, notices or events, commonly associated with standardized wooden or metal structures that are delivered to mass (outdoor) audiences on sidewalks, streets, roadways, etc. Also advertising placed inside/outside any vehicle, airport, mall etc.
- Display Signage
- Outdoor/Transit/Airlines
Public Service
Public Service Advertising can be understood as incorporation and channelization of a message in the public interest dispersed without any charge, with the target of bringing issues to light of common people. It is also intended to changing public perspectives and conduct towards any specific social issue.
Self-Promotion
Brand Elements - Advertising industry self-promotion stationery, logo, invitations, POS materials, newsletters, sales kits, brochures etc. Direct Marketing & Specialty Advertising (printed or digital) - Advertising industry self-promotion direct marketing, direct mail and specialty advertising. Special Events Materials (printed or digital) - Advertising industry self-promotion special event materials including cards, invitations or announcements.
- Creative Club/Non-Profit
- Design Agency
- Digital Agency
- Full Service Agency
- Print Studios
- Production Agency
- Public Relations Firm
Communication Design
Entries in this category are yearly communications piece, intended primarily for stockholders or members as a statement or record of a company’s or organization’s annual performance or status. Entries in this category are visual devices that an organization uses to communicate the brand, such as graphic imagery, a color system, fonts and yes, a logo. Entries in this category are printed editorial communications devices (single or multiple page) with distribution to a specific audience (usually internal) including news or updated information. Entries in this category are icons or symbols designed to represent a product, service, or organization.
Annual Reports
Entries in this category are yearly communications piece, intended primarily for stockholders or members as a statement or record of a company’s or organization’s annual performance or status.
Brand/Identity Systems
Entries in this category are visual devices that an organization uses to communicate the brand, such as graphic imagery, a color system, fonts and yes, a logo.
Brochures/Catalogs/Company Literature/Newsletters
Entries in this category are printed editorial communications devices (single or multiple page) with distribution to a specific audience (usually internal) including news or updated information.
Logos/Trademarks
Entries in this category are icons or symbols designed to represent a product, service, or organization.
Illustration
Flat, dimensional or animated illustration, any number of colors that visualizes a story, idea, or subject. Illustrations can be realistic or abstract, with a vast range of styles and subjects. In the simplest terms, an illustration is almost any form of visual representation that isn’t photography: if the artist creates it from their imagination, it’s an illustration.
Magazine
Entries in this category are advertising that appears in periodic (annual, bi-annually, quarterly, monthly weekly, etc) publications. Circulation distribution can be intended for the general public (Consumer) or an industry target audience (Trade).
Local Publication
Entries in this category are advertising that appears in periodic (annual, bi-annually, quarterly, monthly weekly, etc) publications. Circulation distribution can be intended for the general public (Consumer) or an industry target audience (Trade).
National/Regional Publication
Entries in this category are advertising that appears in periodic (annual, bi-annually, quarterly, monthly weekly, etc) publications. Circulation distribution can be intended for the general public (Consumer) or an industry target audience (Trade).
Photography
Entries in this category are digital or film photography in black/white format. Entries in this category are digital or film photography in color format. Entries in this category are photographic images whose content has been digitally altered to create a new image (often creating an image not possible using traditional photo techniques). Utilitarian photo retouching, color correcting or photo editing alone does not qualify an image for this category.
Black/White
Entries in this category are digital or film photography in black/white format.
Color
Entries in this category are digital or film photography in color format.
Digital Enhanced
Entries in this category are photographic images whose content has been digitally altered to create a new image (often creating an image not possible using traditional photo techniques). Utilitarian photo retouching, color correcting or photo editing alone does not qualify an image for this category.
Promotional Design/Advertising
Entries in this category are printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Direct Mail/Newspaper/Magazine Advertiisng
Entries in this category are printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Other
Entries in this category are printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Packaging
Entries in this category are printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Posters
Entries in this category are printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Publication Design
Entries in this category are entire book design from cover-to-cover. Entries in this category are layout designs of the front exterior of a magazine or book. Entries in this category are one editorial spread or feature per entry. Not intended for submission of entire book or magazine. Entire publications should be entered into the Magazine Design or Book Design categories. Entries in this category are entire magazine design from cover-to-cover.
Book Design
Entries in this category are entire book design from cover-to-cover.
Cover
Entries in this category are layout designs of the front exterior of a magazine or book
Editorial Spread or Feature
Entries in this category are one editorial spread or feature per entry. Not intended for submission of entire book or magazine. Entire publications should be entered into the Magazine Design or Book Design categories.
Magazine Design
Entries in this category are entire magazine design from cover-to-cover.
Application Development
Entries in this category are for interactive mobile apps for tablets, smartphones and wearable devices. Entries in this category are for interactive apps for desktop and laptop-based web browsers.
Entry Categories
Marketing Automation or Non-Traditional
Mobile App
Entries in this category are for interactive mobile apps for tablets, smartphones and wearable devices.
Web App
Entries in this category are for interactive apps for desktop and laptop-based web browsers.
Social
Authentic recreations of social media posts configured to deliver in traditional banner placements. Creative executions of brand advertising, marketing and/or promotion across social media. The entry may have appeared on one or multiple platforms.
Entry Categories
Digital Display Advertising
Authentic recreations of social media posts configured to deliver in traditional banner placements.
Single/Multiple Platform
Creative executions of brand advertising, marketing and/or promotion across social media. The entry may have appeared on one or multiple platforms.
Syndicated Content
Blog content that supports a brand or advertises a product or service. Online publication in support of a brand, such as annual reports, magazines, newsletters or books.
Entry Categories
Blogs
Blog content that supports a brand or advertises a product or service.
Digital Publications
Online publication in support of a brand, such as annual reports, magazines, newsletters or books.
Websites
Whole website, whether created for consumer or B2B use. Any web page or series of pages that are a part of a larger website but intended to feature specialized information and supporting the overall website.
Entry Categories
Full Website $50,000 or greater
Whole website, whether created for consumer or B-to-B use, with a budget of $50,000 or greater.
Full Website $50,000 or less
Whole website, whether created for consumer or B-to-B use, with a budget of $50,000 or less.
Microsite/Landing Page
Any web page or series of pages that are a part of a larger website but intended to feature specialized information and supporting the overall website. URL must be included.
3D Animation
3D visual effects, regardless of the creative method for any motion picture project that qualifies as advertising may be considered eligible, regardless of the method of distribution.
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Editorial
Editorial content usually involves any topic with opinions, standpoints, and viewpoints. This type of article also includes event analysis using different pieces of evidence. Generally, these forms of content are part of the news content in magazines and newspapers. Editorials also aim to educate different types of audiences. Some brands use it for traditional marketing, while other organizations want to inform. No matter the goal, this content type never aims to sell.
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Motion Graphics Design/Effects
2D or 3D visual effects, regardless of the creative method for any motion picture project that qualifies as advertising may be considered eligible, regardless of the method of distribution.
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Original Score
Any original musical score which was recorded primarily for use in any advertising. Does not include music intended for purchase including music in music videos.
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Overall Production Quality
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Sound Design
Any combination of non-musical elements, sound effects, ambience and other sonic devices incorporated into a film or video presentation, television commercial or radio commercial to enhance the mood and/or message.
Campaigns
This medium type is eligible for campaign entries.
Campaigns consist of 2 or more pieces in the same medium and category.
Each piece within a campaign requires an individual entry form to be completed (including individual uploaded media).
Contact us
If you have any questions about media requirements, please email us.