The document discusses the history and issues of broadcast search competitions, also known as challenge prizes. It provides examples like the Longitude Act that offered a prize for determining longitude, and the Orteig Prize that inspired Charles Lindbergh's first solo transatlantic flight. Key issues discussed include intellectual property ownership, ensuring solvers are properly motivated, and making sure criteria and rewards are clearly defined. The document also examines current challenge prizes like those from Netflix and X Prize, and issues around user generated content and ensuring its quality.