Cheat Mountain Speech and Debate Festival

2022 — Elkins, WV/US

• Invite
• Entries
• Judges
• Live Updates
• Judge Signup

Broadcasting

Event Description:

Round 1 (prepared TV news) No preparation time.

The students will bring to the tournament a prepared news script using up-to-date material. The contestants may find material in AP script (available at local television stations), newspapers, internet sites, etc. Each contestant must compose/prepare his/her own scripts. The three-minute time limit in the round must be observed (there is a 5 second grace period both above and below the time limit). Contestants must bring copies of the script for the judges. These scripts will be turned in to the tournament director. A brief commercial (15 seconds – suggested length) must be included in the broadcast. Contestants must present all of the copy as it appears in the script. Contestants should come into the room one at a time, give a copy of the script to the judge, and deliver their broadcast. An introduction and sign-off are required.

Round 2 (Radio news) 15 minutes of preparation time. No time limit. Tournament directors should aim for scripts in the three-minute range.

Contestants will be given a script created by the tournament directors. Contestants must present all of the copy as it appears in the script. Contestants are not allowed to alter the script in any way but may use transitions in the news program. An introduction and sign-off are required. Since the round is radio news, the contestant will be judged on vocal skills associated with radio communication, and not on physical communication skills such as eye contact, and facial expressions.

Round 3 (TV news) 15 minutes of preparation time. No time limit. Tournament directors should aim for scripts in the three-minute range.

Contestants will be given a script prepared by the tournament directors. Contestants must present all of the copy as it appears in the script. Contestants are not allowed to alter the script in any way but may use transitions in the news program. An introduction and sign-off are required. Since the round is TV news, the contestant will be judged on all communication skills associated with TV communication.

Round 4, Semi-Final, and Final Round (edited Radio news.)

Contestants must edit the copy and include an impromptu commercial to fit the five-minute time frame. During the round, contestants may use a stopwatch while performing as judges will not give time signals. There is no grace period. If time limit is exceeded; the student may not be ranked first in the round. The prep room monitor will handle the scripts and send contestants to the judges at five-minute intervals. Preparation time is 30 minutes. An introduction and sign-off are required. When the student is finished, the judge should collect the script and call in the next contestant. Contestants must remain outside the room until it is their time to perform. The type of broadcast varies from round to round and as noted above, rules vary according to the type of script being used for that round.

All Rounds: Contestants have the option of sitting or standing in any round without penalty.