Nine broadcasting Huskers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications were awarded seven Pinnacle Awards during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s annual convention on Aug. 12, 2026, in La Vista.
In college student radio, May 2026 graduate Leah Bryan of Lincoln won Best Public Service Announcement for “Lincoln Parks & Rec Day Camp,” May 2026 graduate Elle Klanderman of Manhattan, Kansas, won Best News Story for “UNL Car Break-ins,” and May 2026 graduate Justice Rhody of Jennings, Oklahoma, and junior sports media and communication major Brady Alderson of Leawood, Kansas, won Best Live Sports Event for “USC vs. Nebraska Football.”
In the college student television division, senior Harmon Johnsen of Sutherland, Nebraska, won Best News Story for “The Future of Public Media in Nebraska,” and junior advertising and public relations and broadcasting double major Hudson Carrico of La Vista and May 2026 graduate Talon Strong of Columbus won Best News Feature with “Waffles with Dave.”
Also in college student television, May 2026 graduate Trey Marler of Jonesborough, Tennessee, won Best Sports Story for “Pius Junior Bolt Football,” and Justice Rhody and advertising and public relations, broadcasting and sports media and communication triple major Chase Ruch of Elkhorn won Best Live Sports Event for “Maryland vs. Nebraska soccer.”
The Pinnacle Awards program was established in 1958 to recognize and encourage excellence in broadcasting and service to the community by Nebraska radio and television stations.
To learn more about the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the Pinnacle Awards, visit https://ne-ba.org/pinnacle-awards/.
