Programming Pitch (300 points)

 Due Monday, July 15^th by 11:59 p.m. EST (via CourseDen)

Description

As the final paper/project for the semester, students will be responsible for developing an original show/program pitch that could be realistically aimed at one of the individual outlets/platforms discussed throughout the semester. Overall, these papers will be graded on their persuasiveness, integration of course principles/content into the pitch itself, and other formatting details specified in the assignment directions. Full details on grading criteria are explained below and summarized in the attached grading rubric at the end of this document. 

Grading Rubric Criteria

1) Background/Context (100 points)

Near the start of your paper, you should provide enough background/context about your show/program idea, such that your reader will adequately understand the rest of your pitch. Some of this background/context will likely include (but is not limited to) the plot/premise behind the show, the proposed distribution platform, unique aspects related to the production of the show, audience targeting strategies, proposed daypart (if there is one at all), and so on.

2) Relevance (50 points)

In short, relevance comes down to pitching a program/show idea (for network TV, non-network/cable TV, radio, digital platforms, etc.) that is in-line with the kind of programming we have discussed thus far across all video lectures and course content this semester.  

As a general rule, I would recommend developing a TV, radio, satellite, cable, streaming, and/or digital program idea that gives you a chance to apply as many concepts from class or other material relevant to the media programming & management industry.

If you have any concerns about relevance or want to make sure your program idea fits these requirements, please contact your instructor via email or virtual office hours.

3) Application: (100 points)

Arguably the most crucial part of this paper, this is where you get the chance to demonstrate your knowledge of course concepts/principles learned so far. With very few exceptions, remember that the goal of any aspiring programmer is to select/schedule/develop shows that will result in the largest audience rating or share possible. In short, you should consider as many principles from course that will give your show the best chance of achieving this ultimate goal.

Beyond just covering course concepts/principles, going beyond what is simply covered in class or lecture is highly recommended. Whether it involves incorporating media programming-related concepts we have not yet covered or taking a deeper dive into topics covered so far, students who make the effort to extend their knowledge of media programming beyond material from assigned readings and lectures will be rewarded for their efforts. See the links below for a handful of relevant outside sources that include programming/management information:

• Broadcasting & Cable (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)  
• Jump the Shark (http://www.jumptheshark.com/)
• Lost Remote (http://www.lostremote.com)
• NATPE (https://www.natpe.com/natpeword)  
• Spoiler TV (www.spoilertv.com)  
• TubeFilter (http://www.tubefilter.com/)  
• TVSpy (http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/)  
• Variety (www.variety.com)  

4) Sources (25 points)

Papers must cite at least 10 credible sources of information, with at least half of those sources coming from outside of class.

Just to further clarify here, a single chapter or video lecture from class will count as a one source. Assuming your paper cited five lectures or chapters in the presentation/paper, you would just be responsible for including at least another five outside sources that were credible and supported some aspect of your pitch.

5) Paper Formatting (25 points)

Programming Pitch papers should be in 12-pt. font with 1” margins all around, and 6 – 8 pages (double-spaced) in length not including the title page, reference page, or any attached appendices. This paper should include a title page with an original title for your paper, your name, and the course number.

Furthermore, all sources used in this paper should be cited in APA format as in-text citations and included in a reference list. For those unfamiliar with APA formatting, I have included some helpful resources below:

In-text citation guide: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html

Reference list guide: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_author_authors.html

Submission Requirements

Final Programming Pitch Papers are due to CourseDen on Monday, July 15^th by 11:59 p.m. EST (WORD FILES ONLY). Make sure to attach your paper when submitting to the drop box provided to you on CourseDen. For any questions about submitting, please contact your instructor.

Programming Pitch Paper Grading Rubric

Paper is graded out of 300 points

Content
Background/Context Appropriate level of background information is provided to understand the specific program idea being pitched. (100 pts.)
Relevance Show idea is representative of the kind of programming discussed this semester. (50 pts.)
Application Overall pitch demonstrates knowledge and integration of media programming & management principles/terminology/concepts, both in and out of class. (100 pts.)
Sources Minimum of 10 credible sources met, with at least half coming from outside of class. (25 pts.)
Paper Formatting 6 – 18 pages (double-spaced); title page; in-text citations and reference list in APA format (25 pts.)