How to Win an Emmy in News Reporting Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Budget)
How to Win an Emmy in News Reporting Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Budget)
So, you want to win an Emmy in news reporting? I feel you; I have elders and peers in my circle who've earned Emmys. Tapping into their wisdom, I've penned this letter for myself, our clients, and you. First off, bravo! But let’s be real, this isn’t like grabbing a participation trophy at your kid’s soccer game. Winning an Emmy requires skill, storytelling chops, and, yes, money. Let me break down the essentials (and costs) of what it takes to snag that golden statue without going broke or losing your sanity.
1. Understand the Membership Game
Before you even think about submitting your masterpiece, you must be a card-carrying NATAS member (National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences). No membership? No Emmy. It’s like trying to get into an exclusive club—you’ve got to be on the list.
Membership Costs: Around $100–$200 per year, depending on your regional chapter. Some chapters offer discounts for students or groups, so check out www.emmyonline.org for the specifics.
Pro Tip: Membership isn’t just about eligibility; it gives you access to Emmy events, networking, and resources to up your game.
2. Know Your Story Category
The Emmys have categories for everything Breaking News, Investigative Reporting, Feature News, Long-Form Documentaries you name it. Picking the right category is like picking the right dance partner; it's all about compatibility.
What They Want: Impactful stories, compelling visuals, and solid journalism. Your piece needs to inform, inspire, or shake people up (in a good way).
Where to Start: Regional Emmys are a great testing ground before you aim for the national level.
3. What’s the price tag on excellence?
Here’s the kicker: winning an Emmy isn’t cheap. You don’t just show up with your iPhone footage and call it a day. Let’s talk production costs for a story that could win:
Pre-Production:
Research, interviews, and planning: $1,000–$5,000 (depending on the complexity of your story).
Licensing footage or hiring experts: Add $500–$2,000 to the tab.
Production:
High-quality cameras and sound equipment: Renting gear could cost $500–$2,000 per day.
Travel for on-location shoots: Think $1,000–$5,000, depending on distance and crew size.
Crew costs (videographers, producers): Budget $2,000–$10,000, depending on the scale.
Post-Production:
Professional editing: Expect $2,000–$10,000 for top-notch work.
Graphics and animations: Add $1,000–$3,000, especially if you want that Emmy-worthy polish.
Music licensing: Can range from $100–$5,000 depending on whether you’re using royalty-free tracks or Beyoncé-level beats.
Submission Fees:
Emmy entry fees are $200–$400 per story (on top of your membership). Multiply that if you’re submitting in multiple categories.
Total Ballpark Cost: Anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000+ per story, depending on your ambition and resources. If that number makes your wallet cry, remember: great storytelling doesn’t always require a blockbuster budget—just creativity and hustle.
4. Create Stories That Slap (in a Good Way)
Here’s what the judges love:
Relevance: Does it matter to people right now?
Impact: Does it make viewers think, feel, or take action?
Visuals: Is it visually stunning, even if the subject isn’t glamorous?
Authenticity: Is the storytelling real and relatable?
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you do need to make it roll like a boss.
5. Submitting Like a Pro
So you’ve created a masterpiece. Now what? Submitting to the Emmys is a bit like applying to college—tedious but worth it.
Pick the Right Category: This is where strategy matters. Put your story where it fits best.
Follow the Rules: NATAS is strict about technical specs and deadlines. Miss one detail, and your hard work could end up in the “nope” pile.
Pay the Fee: Submission fees are non-refundable, so triple-check everything before hitting submit.
6. What’s Your ROI?
Let’s be honest: the Emmy itself won’t pay your bills. But winning boosts your credibility, opens doors, and brings in new clients or career opportunities. It’s an investment in your brand—and your future.
7. Don’t Forget to Network
Winning isn’t just about the story; it’s about the relationships you build. Attend Emmy events, connect with other journalists, and learn from past winners.
Final Thoughts
Winning an Emmy is a grind, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can achieve in your career. Whether you’re working with a shoestring budget or a full production team, it’s all about the story you tell and the impact you make.
So, start planning your Emmy-worthy masterpiece. And remember: success is expensive, but so is regret. Need a team to help you www.colemanprfirm.com Go for it—you’ve got this!
