For many years, INBA conventions served as host for the annual Illinois Associated Press awards. These competitive categories allowed us to share in the recognition and celebration of the impressive work of broadcasters who serve Illinois markets. It has been one of the highlights of our conventions.  

The Illinois Associated Press notified the INBA board this past winter that it would be discontinuing its statewide awards.

One of my first tasks as incoming INBA President was to determine if and how we would continue to provide a space to celebrate the accomplishments of broadcasters through an awards ceremony. 

There was quick interest in forming a new awards contest. There was also caution of the time, energy, and financial considerations to conduct an awards program. 

INBA formed and ad-hoc (now permanent) awards committee. We discussed best practices in managing a competition with integrity that would be competitive, affordable, and financially viable for INBA. 

We named a contest administrator H Wayne Wilson to develop category descriptions and contest rules. We contracted with Rock Our Awards, an industry leader in managing submissions. Additionally, we arranged a “judge swap” with the Iowa Broadcast News Association. INBA membership also voted unanimously to name The INBA Crystal Mic award for Best TV Newscast in honor of two-time INBA Illinoisan of the Year Paul Davis. Davis is a former WGN-TV News Director and past president of INBA. Just before his death in April, Davis called the honor, “A remarkable present– a nice tip of the hat.” 

I appreciate the efforts of this committee to focus on a smaller scale initially with an eye on expanding our categories long-term. We feel this year’s categories will represent the “Best of the Best.” The Crystal Mics themselves are pretty impressive pieces of art too for you to share with your team and audience should you snag one this year! 

I may have buried the lead here, but what we need now are your entries. We have heard from many stations already, but feel there is room for more. Believe me, the daily deadlines make sitting down and reflecting on the past year and a half a tough task to schedule. But we believe it is essential for us all to look back at the work of our reporters and teams and submit them for consideration to be recognized for their impact on the audience. That’s why we are extending the entry deadline until August 7^th.  

CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST DETAILS AND TO ENTER

INBA Crystal Mic Categories: 

• Station of the Year
• Newscast of the Year
• Digital Presentation of the Year
• Reporter of the Year
• Weather Operation of the Year (TV Only)

There will be a first place “Crystal Mic” statue and second place plaque awarded in each category.

Important Deadlines:

For work completed January 1, 2020-June 30, 2021

Entries accepted starting July 1, 2021 at INBA.net

Entry Deadline: July 31, 2021                                      

Judging: August 1-20 (judging partners Iowa Broadcast News Association)

Finalists announced: early September

Awards presented: September 25, 2021 at the Illinois News Broadcasters Association Fall Convention in Rockford.

Price per entry:

Large Market TV               $45

Small Market TV               $30

Large Market Radio         $35

Small Market Radio         $20

Specific entry instructions and rules for each category will be available in coming months at INBA.net. Follow us on our social media platforms for future announcements.

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For questions, contact INBA Crystal Mic Contest Manager H Wayne Wilson at hwilson@mtco.com

H Wayne Wilson has been working in Illinois media for several years, mostly in Peoria. He talks about getting his start in radio at WIIT at the Illinois Institute of Technology, his experience in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War as a translator, and his career in radio and TV, including: working at WSIU radio when he was a student at Southern Illinois University (SIU), WMBD in Peoria, WCBU public radio, WRAU-TV (which became WHOI-TV), becoming freelance for WTVP in Peoria, and working again at WCBU radio as a correspondent.

He is well-known in Peoria for hosting the public affairs show “At Issue” on WTPV-TV and reporting on Peoria stories. He talks about how he does documentaries, why he loves Peoria, gives advice for working in the media, how the media has changed, discusses the significance of the INBA, and more. H was interviewed by Margaret Larkin after the INBA spring convention in Normal, Illinois.

Listen to this episode on Soundcloud.