Awards Submission

The largest and most established recognition platform for video content and talents across Asia Pacific

30th ASIAN TELEVISION AWARDS

CATEGORY DEFINITIONS

The submitting company should represent a Broadcaster, VOD, OTT, Social Media Platform, Multi-Network Channel Operator, Mobile Content Provider, TV Production Company or UPGC.

Subject to specific requirements of a category:
There is generally no requirement that content submitted must premiere exclusively on terrestrial, cable or streaming. Joint airings via cable, satellite, streaming or terrestrial systems are permitted; and
Content submitted should conform to broadcast quality specifications and durations unless specified in the specific Category requirements.
Full details of Production Company and Crew should be provided.

Section I : Category Definitions – Programming

PR 20 – Best News Programme
News programme is defined as a programme presenting important recent events or developments, often presented “live”. Online news programmes are eligible.
PR 21 – Best Single News Story/Report (10mins or less)
A single broadcast or account presenting important recent events or developments, often a breaking news/ investigative report. Online news programmes are eligible
PR 22 – Best Current Affairs Programme
A programme offering analysis of important political and social events or issues of the present time, often presented as a packaged/ pre-edited programme. Programme may be on broadcast platform or online.
PR 23 – Best Talk Show
A programme made up mainly of interviews with a guest or guests.
PR 24 – Best Infotainment Programme
Infotainment is defined as a TV programme that deals with serious issues or current affairs in an entertaining way, usually in a magazine-style presentation.
PR 25 – Best Social Awareness Programme
A TV programme (usually non-fiction) that draws attention to an issue or cause of social importance.
PR 26 – Best Documentary Programme (one-off/ special)
Documentary is defined as a factual programme presenting facts and information, rather than telling a fictional story, especially about a political, historical, or social issue. (NB: Reality or Lifestyle shows are not eligible for this category)
PR 27 – Best Documentary Series
Documentary series is defined as a factual programme that continues over more than one episode or consists of a collection/ anthology of one-offs that constitute a central theme. Examples include a history series, modern civilisation, or a collection of programmes covering a certain event or social issues. Two (2) episodes must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
PR 28 – Best Natural History or Wildlife Programme
Natural History is defined as the study of the whole natural world. Wildlife is defined as wild animals, birds, and other living things.
PR 29 – Best Drama Series
Drama is defined as a TV programme portraying a fictional subject matter of a serious nature. Series is defined as a set of regularly broadcast consecutive programmes, with plot continuity from episode to episode. Two (2) episodes each of minimum 20 mins must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
PR 30 – Best Single Drama or Telemovie
A single, self-contained, TV programme or made-for-TV movie; fictional in nature
PR 31 – Best Entertainment (one-off/ annual)
A one-off or major annual televised entertainment or variety show.
PR 32 – Best General Entertainment Programme
A TV programme containing a variety of entertainment elements.
PR 33 – Best Comedy Programme
A TV programme that contains strong elements of humour.
(NB: Fictional drama with strong comedic elements are allowed)
PR 34 – Best Game or Quiz Programme
Defined as a television programme in which people compete for money, prizes, recognition or contracts.
PR 35 – Best Lifestyle Programme
A non-fiction programme focussing on lifestyle topics such as food, travel, health, beauty, fashion, interior design, parenting, leisure pursuits or interests.
PR 36 – Best Music Programme
A programme featuring live, televised or pre-recorded music performances.
(NB: Biographies of musicians/ artistes are allowed, but these should contain a substantial amount of actual musical performances)
PR 37 – Best Reality Show
Programmes in which the premise, circumstances or situations are manipulated for the purpose of creating the programme, unscripted reality, and docu-soaps. This includes all game shows or any program that gives a prize or is itself a contest and/or competition. (NB: Documentaries are not eligible for this category)
PR 38 – Best Adaptation of an Existing Format
Programme must be an Asian production, but format can have originated elsewhere.
PR 39 – Best Branded Content
Content that is funded or outright produced by an advertiser, designed to build awareness for a brand by associating with the content that shares its values. Advertisements and sales pitches are not eligible. Content must not be less than 1 min in duration.
PR 40 – Best Children’s Programme
A programme produced specifically for children or youth/teens
PR 41 – Best Preschool Programme
A programme or series produced specifically for preschool viewers.
PR 42 – Best 2D Animated Programme
A fictional or non-fiction programme that is predominantly 2D, either via computer or hand-made (2D animation must constitute at least 75 percent of the programme).
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off 2D specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or animated 2D feature films (long form) are eligible for this category.
PR 43 – Best 3D Animated Programme
A fictional or non-fictional programme that is predominantly CGI 3D (3D animation must constitute at least 75 percent of the programme). This category does not include Stop Motion, Clay animation, and Puppetry.
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off 3D specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or animated 3D feature films (long form) are eligible for this category.
PR 44 – Best Live Sports Coverage
Live sports coverage is defined as a TV broadcast of any sporting event as it is happening
PR 45 – Best Sports Programme
A programme focussing on sports related topic(s), usually presented in a magazine-style. (NB: Live Sports shows are not eligible for this category).

Section V : Category Definitions – Short Videos & Micro Dramas

Content submitted must first premiere on mobile on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitch, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Douyin, Weibo, Kuaishou or Xiaohongshu. Video submission formats in vertical mobile format is acceptable. All videos per episode must be more than 1 min and less than 15 mins. Trailers, Promotional videos and advertisements are not allowed.

1. DG 80 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Factual)

A video or programme series depicting facts and information, typically about political, social or historical issues

2. DG 81 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Social)

A video or programme series highlighting current social trends and issues.

3. DG 82 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Entertainment)

Short form comedies, impersonations, skits, game shows, talk shows and videos which generally provide entertainment.

4. DG 83 – Best Music Video

Content that integrates song with imagery, and is produced for promotional, commercial or artistic purposes. Music and songs may be original, licensed or royalty free.

5. DG 84 – Best Micro Drama

6. DG 85 – Best Micro Drama – Original

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Script may not be an adaptation or derivation of existing literature, books, comics, videos or movies.

7. DG 86 – Best Micro Drama – Contemporary

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Story is set in modern settings and need not be original.

8. DG 87 – Best Micro Drama – Period or Costume

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Story is set in a historical setting and need not be original.

Section II : Category Definitions – OTT

Content submitted must first premiere on the internet/mobile. Joint premiere with cable or terrestrial is accepted.

1. ST 50 – Best Documentary Programme (OTT)

A non-fictional single programme created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series. One-off specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or feature films (long form) are eligible for this category)

2. ST 51 – Best Documentary Series (OTT)

A non-fictional series created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series.

(NB: The submitted series should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes.

3. ST 52 – Best Drama Series (OTT)

A fictional programme or series created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series.
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or feature films (long form) are eligible for this category)

4. ST 53 – Best Original Drama Series (OTT)

A minimum of two episodes with a combined duration in excess of 40 mins. Each episode should be no less than 20 mins. There is no upper limit to the total duration. Drama Series must be a set of consecutive episodes with plot continuity from episode to episode. Plot must be original and not an adaptation from any published content whether it is film, book, comic or video.

5. ST 54 – Best Original Entertainment Programme (OTT)

Content containing a variety of entertainment elements. May be standalone or a series. Programme concept must be original and not an adaptation from any published content whether it is film, book, comic or video.

Section IV : Category Definitions – Technical & Creative

1. TC 70 – Best Cinematography (Documentary)

The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

2. TC 71 – Best Direction (Documentary)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

3. TC 72 – Best Editing (Documentary)
The preparation of the final version of a programme, determining length and order of shots and scenes for inclusion.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

4. TC 73 – Best Cinematography (Drama)
The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

5. TC 74 – Best Direction (Drama)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

6. TC 75 – Best Editing (Drama)
The preparation of the final version of a programme, determining length and order of shots and scenes for inclusion.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

7. TC 76 – Best Production Design (Drama)

The designing of sets to create the visualisation of the content for effects, authenticity, accuracy and consistency.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

8. TC 77 – Best Original Screenplay
The development and writing of an original fictional screenplay for a drama, comedy, sitcom, or sci-fi programme (one-off) or series.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

9. TC 78 – Best Scriptwriting

The development and writing of a fictional or non-fictional programme or series. Adaptations are accepted.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

10. TC 79 – Best Theme Song

A theme song written specifically or commissioned for a drama or telemovie
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

11. TC 80 – Best Extended Reality Project

These are projects that make use of Augmented Reality (leveraging and integrating real world attributes), Virtual Reality (creating completely virtual elements) or both AR and VR to create impact. Project Demo Video of max 2 mins required.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

12. TC 81 – Best AI Application

These are projects that make use of Artificial Intelligence in editing, scriptwriting, voice-overs, translations and sub-titling or video effects during production. A description of how AI is applied is required including the names of any AI software deployed.

Section VI : Category Definitions – ASEAN

ASEAN refers to the definition of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries. Content submitted must fulfil the following requirements:

first premiered on a platform (could be terrestrial, digital or cable) available in ASEAN

commissioned and produced by ASEAN entities. Where there are co-productions, all co-production partners should be ASEAN entities

content submitted must be original, adaptations are not allowed

AS90 – Best Southeast Asian Drama Series
Series is defined as a set of regularly broadcast consecutive programmes, with plot continuity from episode to episode. Two (2) episodes must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
AS91 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Direction)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)
AS92 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Original Screenplay)The development and writing of an original fictional screenplay for a drama, comedy, sitcom, or sci-fi programme (one-off) or series.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)
AS93 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Cinematography)
The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

Download the PDF file of the Category with Definition

Rules and Regulations

30^th ASIAN TELEVISION AWARDS RULES & REGULATIONS

(Please read these rules and regulations carefully before submitting your entries)

ELIGIBILITY

Only programmes produced by content broadcasters (terrestrial, cable, satellite, OTT), content production companies, music production companies, accredited advertising agencies, digital agencies, UPGC Creators and MCN Operators whose PRIMARY BASE is in one of the following territories [see APPENDIX 1] will be eligible.

Programmes co-produced between companies whose primary base is not in one of the territories listed above will not be eligible.

To be eligible for entry, all programmes must be broadcast, cablecast, webcast or posted online for the first time in the Asia Pacific region during the period from July 1^st, 2024 through July 31^st, 2025. Proof in the form of a published schedule of the transmission time and date will be required, or a screenshot showing the posted timeframe.

There is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted. Each entry is a separate submission and requires its own entry form and entry fee.

SUBMISSIONS

Only duly completed entries using the Official Entry Form are accepted. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. In addition, each entry must include the following:

An English-language soundtrack or English subtitles or an accompanying script in English if submitted programme is in another language.

All required supporting documentation as indicated in the entry form.

Payment for each entry. Entries will not be included for judging if payment is not received together with the entry form.

With the exception of the Performance categories, composite entries may not be entered into the Awards. For all other categories, submitted programmes must be completed and entered as originally broadcast. The only permitted form of editing is to remove commercial breaks. Any composite programmes will automatically be disqualified.

For all Performance categories, namely: Best News Presenter/Anchor, Best Current Affairs Presenter, Best Entertainment Presenter/Host, Best Sports Presenter/Commentator, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the following are required:

A maximum 3-minute composite must be included. All selected items must be from the same programme of which is within the awards qualifying period.

All submissions using composite entries must also include, on the same file, a completed and unedited programme (within the qualifying period) featuring the submitted presenter/performer.

It is the decision of the entrant whether or not to enter as a lead or supporting performer, however, performers cannot submit for both leading and supporting categories for the same programme. Performers should be entered in accordance to their lead or supporting role in the eligible entered programme.

Non-Asian talent submitting under Performance and Technical & Creative categories must hold an Asian nationality, or valid residence / employment qualifications in Asia, or has done at least three TV productions in Asia over the last 3 years.

All entry forms must include the company stamp and must be signed by one of the following: President, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Head of Programming or Head of Department. The Organiser of Asian Television Awards (“the Organiser”) is not responsible for late, misdirected, missing, or damaged entries.

The Organiser does not undertake the legal responsibility including (but not limited) to the right of portrait, reputation, privacy, copyright, trademark and producing dispute and so on.

The entrant is responsible for the accuracy of any information submitted. The Organiser assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of those individuals or entities submitting entries pursuant to this notice. All submitting entities and/or individuals are advised to review submissions with respect to correct name credits and other information and that the entrant has credited all individuals or entities who contributed to the creation of the entry that is submitted.

Submission of any entry acknowledges and grants the unrestricted right and permission of the Organiser to use the material, replay/stream the entry or portion thereof in conjunction with the Asian Television Awards process and ceremony, promotion and publicity in any medium including all musical compositions and scores. All materials, presentations, images, video, audio, print, and any other form of materials submitted becomes the property of the Organiser, and may be used in marketing or promotional materials and the Organiser is granted a non-exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable (through multiple tiers) right to exercise the copyright, publicity and database rights including the right to use, reproduce, display, edit, copy, modify, transmit, publicly perform, extract and create derivative works thereof, in any media now known or not currently known.

Each entry submitted is represented and warranted by the entrant to be original and accurate and will not infringe upon the personal or proprietary rights of or give rise to any complaint or claim by any 3rd party, including but not limited to claims based on copyright, trademark, patent, defamation, physical injury, or invasion of privacy or publicity. In the event of any complaint or claim relating to any entry is made by any 3rd party at any time, the entrant will fully cooperate with the Organiser in responding to and defending against such complaint or claim and that the entrant will fully indemnify and hold harmless the Organiser from any such complaint or claim including but not limited to all losses, costs, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and any payment that may be due to any copyright owner or other party) arising from any claims, whether or not groundless, which may be brought based directly or indirectly upon the use of the entry. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify without refund of the entry fee any entry that is or may become the subject of any 3rd party complaint or claim.

The entrant has represented and warranted to the Organiser that the entrant has obtained the necessary releases from all persons depicted in the entry and that there are no restrictions, limitations or rights imposed by any persons on the entry.

The entry, hereby submitted, may be included in a compilation produced by the Organiser, which is distributed for marketing, promotional and commercial purposes in any medium throughout the world. It may also be displayed on the Organiser’s official websites and at other locations and through various medium for the purpose of promoting the Asian Television Awards.

The entrant will submit to the Organiser within 30 days of the award presentation all necessary clearances, consents and releases required, including, without limitation, the consent of the performers in the entry, clearances from the copyright owner(s) and performer(s) of music used in the entry, and, if the entry is based on a literary work or work from another medium, the consent of the owner of the underlying property.

In addition, for the “Best Theme Song” category, the entrant grants the Organiser the option to exercise the performance rights and adaptation rights to the nominated songs in this category should the Organiser choose to perform the song(s) “live” at the Asian Television Awards. The entrant also grants the Organiser the option to appoint either the original performing artiste or an artiste of the Organiser’s choice to perform the nominated song(s) and the option to adapt the instrumentation required for the “live” performance of the song(s).

The Organiser will show clips of nominated programmes at the Awards ceremony. In the event of your programme being nominated, you undertake to deliver to the Organiser, a clip of the submitted programme in line with the video specifications provided. The clips must be delivered to the Organiser within two weeks after the announcement of the nominees.

It is expected that all nominees will attend the Asian Television Awards ceremonies.

Submissions received after the closing date for the Awards will only be accepted at the discretion of the Organiser and judges.Deadline for entries is August 4^th, 2025.

In the event that both the broadcaster and the independent production company or webcaster enter the same programme, the broadcaster’s entry will take precedence over the entry submitted by the production company and webcaster.

Ineligible entries may be disqualified during any phase of the competition.

No entry fee will be refunded in the event of duplicate entries, cancellation of entries or disqualification of entries.

All submitted entry materials will only be kept for one month following the announcement of the winners. Materials can only be returned if the entrant arranges fully paid return delivery costs as otherwise the Organiser shall dispose of the entry materials in any manner it deems fit.

Only entries that receive nominations or awards may refer to such nomination or award in advertising and publicity materials. An entry that is selected for the shortlist may not identify itself as an “Asian Television Awards finalist”, “Asian Television Awards shortlist entry” or the like except when it appears in a program consisting entirely of such films.

The Asian Television Awards trophy is the intellectual property, including copyright, design rights and trade mark rights of the Organiser. The Organiser has the exclusive right to and not limited to, reproduce, manufacture, copy, and sell the Asian Television Awards trophy in any size or medium, and to distribute or exploit the design of the Asian Television Awards trophy or reproductions of the same by gift, sale, re-sale or licence. No reproduction, replica or other copy of the Asian Television Awards trophy may be made or used by any manufacturer, advertiser, organization or individual except with the express written consent of the Organiser. An entrant who has received an Asian Television Awards trophy shall not be permitted to reproduce a replica of the Asian Television Awards trophy or sell or otherwise dispose of it without first offering in writing to sell it to the Organiser for the sum of S$1.00. The Organiser shall have 30 days to accept the offer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Submitted videos will ONLY be accepted in the following output formats:

Video Format:	MOV or MPEG 4
Codec:	H.264 (recommended)
Optimal Aspect Ratio:	16:9 or 4:3
Optimal Bitrate:	8 mbps
Optimal File Size:	No more than 5GB for videos 40 min and under, no more than 8GB for videos over 40 min
Audio Bitrate:	128 kbps
Final Resolution:	HD 1920×1080

APPENDIX 1

Only programmes produced by television broadcasters (terrestrial, cable and satellite), video on-demand platforms, television production companies, music production companies, accredited advertising agencies, digital agencies, UPGC creators and Influencers whose PRIMARY BASE is in one of the following territories will be eligible:

• Afghanistan

• Australia

• Azerbaijan

• Bangladesh

• Bhutan

• Brunei Darussalam

• Cambodia

• China, People’s Republic Of

• Egypt, Arab Republic Of

• Fiji

• Hong Kong

• India

• Indonesia

• Iran, Islamic Republic Of

• Japan

• Jordan

• Kazakhstan

• Kiribati

• Korea, Democratic People’s

Republic of (North)

• Korea, Republic Of (South)

• Kyrgyzstan

• Laos

• Macau

• Malaysia

• Maldives

• Marshall Islands

• Mongolia

• Myanmar

• Nauru Islands

• Nepal

• New Zealand

• Norfolk Island

• Pakistan

• Palestine

• Papua New Guinea

• Philippines

• Qatar

• Samoa

• Saudi Arabia

• Singapore, Republic Of

• Solomon Islands

• Sri Lanka

• Taiwan

• Thailand

• Timor-Leste

• Tonga

• Turkey

• Turkmenistan

• Uzbekistan

• Vanuatu

• Vietnam, Social Republic

Entry fee

Entry Form & summary form