The awards, founded by Wallace A. Ross in 1959, are named for the Greek goddess Clio, the mythological Muse known as "the proclaimer, glorifier and celebrator of history, great deeds and accomplishments.

[1] Over the next two decades the company's income grew to $2.5 million per year, derived primarily from Clio nomination fees, of $70 to $100 per entry.

In December 1983, Apple purchased time on KMVT in Twin Falls, Idaho, after the normal sign-off, and recorded the broadcast in order to qualify.

[5] In 1984, a nearly identical situation occurred when Doyle Dane Bernbach, the ad agency for Ziebart, purchased time on a Detroit channel carrying the inaugural Cherry Bowl college football game in December in order for Ziebart's "Friend of the Family (Rust in Peace)" commercial to be eligible for the awards the following year.

The caterer of the event announced that the master of ceremonies was considered a no-show, but that he would attempt to stand in as the host.

As each image appeared on screen, the owner of the work was asked to come to the stage, pick up their Clio, and identify themselves and their agency.

Evans had wanted $2 million, and trade publications reported a sale price of $10,000, which Ratny called low.

[9] Another major change with the "New" Clios was direct competition between U.S. and foreign firms, which resulted in Swiss agency Comsult/Advico Young & Rubicam being named the winner of the best Television campaign.

Another Chicagoan, former film editor James M. Smyth, put up the money and became sole owner of the Clio Awards.

[13] In 1997, the Clios were sold to Dutch-owned company VNU Media;[4] Andrew Jaffe at Adweek managed the acquisition.

In 2010, Nicole Purcell was appointed executive director of Clio and Brooke Levy was hired to run marketing for the organization.

Juries then determine whether a work deserves to be included on the Shortlist, or receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold medal.