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“Scripps Innovation Challenge” Unveiled Tuesday
By: Tom Hodson
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The “Scripps Innovation Challenge” was unveiled Tuesday as part of the seventh annual Scripps Day – a dialogue between Scripps media employees, Ohio University faculty and students.
The Challenge will award cash prizes to individual Ohio University students or groups of students who present the best innovative solutions to real business challenges and problems presented my media companies.
The announcement was made by Andy Alexander, long-time journalist and a visiting professional at the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism and Scripps College of Communication Interim Dean Scott Titsworth.
This competition is different from other competitions because the contestants will try to solve real and specific innovation needs submitted by media companies from Ohio and beyond, according to Alexander.
“The innovation problems submitted by companies need not come solely from a newsroom. For example, they might come from the advertising or marketing departments. The breathtaking pace of change in media requires that companies innovate across all departments if they are to survive and thrive,” Alexander said.
Any single student or group of students selected as finalists from across the Ohio University campus may present “solutions” to a judging team of media executives.
First prize will be $10,000. Second prize is $5,000 and there will be five $1,000 honorable mentions prizes awarded.
The contest will open January 17 and the specific challenges will be posted for viewing on an interactive website. Wednesday, March 13 will be the deadline for entries. Submission instructions will be available on the website.
Judging the finalists will occur during the Scripps College Communication Week March 18-22 and the winners will be announced immediately, according to Alexander.
“This ‘Innovation Challenge’ will provide Ohio University students with a transformative educational opportunity,” Alexander added.
The prize money comes from a grant to the Scripps College of Communication by the Scripps Howard Foundation.
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions – see the attached pdf.