1998 Thirtieth Annual National Council on Family Relations Media Awards Competition

Abstract

Thirtieth Annual National Council on Family Relations Media Awards Competition* The 1998 annual National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Media Competition was hosted by the Department of Family and Child Ecology and the College of Human Ecology, Michigan State University, during June and July of 1998. The purpose of the annual competition is to evaluate the quality and conceptual content of videos, to endorse excellence in the production of films with themes relevant to family issues, to promote the effective use of these resources, to encourage high standards in the development of creative learning opportunities, and to disseminate media competition results. Entries solicited were placed in one of the following fourteen categories: Addiction/Substance Abuse; Aging; Contemporary Social Issues; Families with Special Needs; Family Violence/Abuse; Human Development Across the Life Span; Marital & Family Issues & Communications; Mental Health, Stress, Transitions & Crisis Management; Diverse Family Systems; Parenting Issues; Sexuality and Sex Role Development; Teenage Pregnancy & Sexuality; STD/AIDS; and other Public Service Announcements. Guidelines for submission required that all videos be firsttime entries to the competition, carry a release date of no earlier than January 1, 1996, and be available for purchase, rental, or loan on a nation-wide distribution basis. Multiple entries for producer/ distributor within categories were permissible. All entries were to be 1/2 videocassette recordings and were to be received by May 15, 1998. Entries could also be submitted on CD-ROM if available. A total of 122 entries (videotapes) were received. All categories except the Public Service Announcements (PSA) received multiple entries. Upon review of this category, the panel of reviewers deemed that no videos were meritorious of recognition. However, the reviewers of the Parenting Issues category deemed that one video-The first years last forever-although entered in the appropriate category and given its exceptional quality was deserving of special recognition. As such, this video was awarded special recognition within the category of PSA. The judging panels included university faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students from several academic departments at Michigan State University (e.g., Family and Child Ecology, Journalism, Psychology, and Communication) and Michigan State University Extension, East Carolina University, and Georgia Southern University. Individuals from various community-based organizations in East Lansing, MI also participated in this year's review panels. Following the viewing of each entry, judges were asked to independently make both quantitative (79 possible points) and qualitative assessments. The evaluation form consisted of four major quantitative categories designed to measure the entries based on: (1) content (30 possible points); (2) general issues (9 possible points), which included length, pacing, and flow; (3) artistic quality (20 possible points); and (4) ability to meet stated goals (20 possible points). This was followed by an overall rating that was the sum of the four categories and a qualitative section that asked judges for comments on the major strengths and weaknesses, as well as suggestions for improvement. Each video was reviewed by at least two judges. In the event of a tie, the videos were evaluated by a third independent reviewer. If a duplicate score was awarded, the videos were honored with a duplicate award. The following list identifies the Winner, Runner Up, and Honorable Mention recipients for each of the fourteen categories. The synopsis, goals, and objectives of each entry were provided by the producer/director and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of NCFR, the competition coordinators, or the judges. Purchase and rental prices are provided courtesy of the producer. Intended audiences were noted by the entrant. …