Following the written and video instructions below, create an “open call login” for the Better BNC contest website. This is the contest management service we use to collect submissions and judge entries. As a reminder, only digital submissions are accepted.

All entries, including yearbooks and newspapers, will be submitted online using the Better BNC platform. To create an entry, use the “Submit Entry” button on the “Manage Entries” page. From that page, you can upload files and fill out the necessary information.

After you have submitted all of your entries via the Better BNC contest site, you can pay for them using the “Calculate Entry Fees” link on the “Manage Entries” page. From there, you will be redirected to Ball State’s payment portal. All contest entries are $6 PER ENTRY.

A series of three consecutive print publications or a link to an online news site showcasing the overall writing, editing, design and photography of the student news publication. Only one entry per publication.

Upload eight different spreads, the book cover and end sheets that demonstrates the overall writing, editing, design, theme development and photography of the student yearbook. Only one entry per publication.

A series of three consecutive broadcasts showcasing the overall production, graphics, content and delivery of the student news broadcast. Only one entry per student news show.

An online or print story highlighting key facts about an event or happening that would be of interest to your general audience.

An online or print human interest story about a person, place, thing or event.

An online or print story about a sport, sporting event, team, coach or player.

An online or print story that uses multiple forms of media such as photos, illustrations, audio, video and the written word to tell the story.

An online or print non-bylined story written on behalf of the entire editorial board which draws attention to an issue and offers persuasive reasoning or solutions.

An online or print story offering the writer’s opinion or critical analysis of a place, product, policy, or event, such as a book, recital, play, restaurant, movie, legislation, etc.

An online or print illustration or cartoon made to illustrate a story, event or noteworthy topic.

The full front page design of a printed publication.

A single-page or spread of a printed publication used for feature or entertainment stories.

A single-page or spread of a printed publication used for sports stories.

A single information graphic in an online or printed publication used to tell a story through the use of charts, graphs, illustration, or other type of alternative story form.

A link to a regularly produced audio file hosted by staff members that entertains and/or informs your audience about a topic or issue.

Upload four different spreads and the book cover showcasing how the theme is incorporated throughout the book by way of color, graphics, wording of titles, typefaces, and more. Only one entry per publication.

A human interest story about a person, place, thing or event.

A single graphic used to tell a story through the use of charts, graphs, illustration, or other type of alternative story form.

A completed senior ad design displaying pictures and text.

The endsheets and/or opening pages or spreads explaining the book theme and setting the premise for the book. Only one entry per publication.

A single spread highlighting the student life of the school through pictures, captions, headlines and more.

A single spread highlighting the school's athletic prowess through pictures, captions, headlines and more.

A single spread highlighting the school's academics through pictures, captions, headlines and more.

A collection of photos with captions that tell a cohesive story primarily through visuals.

A single photo and caption that captures the visual essence of the news story.

A single photo and caption that captures the visual essence of the feature story.

A single photo and caption that captures the visual essence of a school event such as homecoming, a school play, concert performance, etc.

A single photo and caption that captures the visual essence of the sports story.

A photo that has been staged (e.g. studio shoot) or manipulated (e.g. photoshopped) in some way to illustrate an otherwise difficult topic to photograph.

A link to a video broadcast segment providing news and announcements for the school audience.

A link to the short edited sequence that plays before the main broadcast identifying the broadcast station name or program. Only one entry per publication.

A link to a human interest story package that may include voice-over, b-roll, graphics, transitions and music.

A link to an informative story package that may include voice-over, b-roll, graphics, transitions and music to tell an important community story.

A link to an informative story package that may include voice-over, b-roll, graphics, transitions and music to tell a school sports story.

A link to a segment that includes the audio and/or video play-by-play storytelling of a school sporting event.

A story written for personal pleasure or in an academic class outside of journalism showcasing the student’s creative writing skills, e.g. fiction, poetry, narrative non-fiction, etc.

An illustration, graphic or drawing created for personal pleasure or in an academic class outside of journalism showcasing the student’s creative illustration/graphic skills through painting, drawing, digital imagery, photo manipulation, etc.

Any nature photo taken for personal pleasure or in an academic class outside of journalism showcasing the student’s creative nature photography skills, e.g. landscape, animals and plants.

Any personality photo taken for personal pleasure or in an academic class outside of journalism showcasing the student’s ability to capture the essence of a person's personality, e.g. emotion, expression, hobby, etc.

A link to a persuasive speech (topic of your choice) demonstrating persuasive speech fundamentals such as establishing credibility, providing thorough research and offering counterarguements to differing viewpoints.

A link to an original creative piece (fiction or non-fiction) created for personal pleasure or in an academic class outside of journalism that is written, directed and produced.

A link to or upload of at least five examples of social media posts used to market/promote the student media platform as an information, entertainment, nostalgia or news resource for the school community. Only one entry per publication.

A link to or upload of at least five examples of social media posts used to report news, events, and happenings within the school community. Only one entry per publication.