Two College of Journalism and Mass Communications students and one faculty member took away prizes at the Broadcasting Education Association's Festival of Media Arts Competition. More than 80 colleges and universities from all over the U.S. and abroad entered the competition.
Hallie Gutzwiller, a senior broadcasting major from Elm Creek, Nebraska, placed third in radio hard news reporting with “Up in Flames: Wildfires in Nebraska 2022.”
The piece examines the devastating wildfires that swept through the state in 2022, providing insightful interviews and analysis on the impact of these natural disasters on local communities.
Gutzwiller was also recently awarded first place in the Hearst audio competition for the same Wildfires Nebraska piece and Water Preservation.
Senior journalism and English double major, Emma Krab was given an award of excellence in specialty program & podcasts for “A Predator in an Ancient Sea: Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.”
Krab, who hails from Ogallala, Nebraska, took assistant professor of practice Kaci Richter’s special topics podcasting class and created the In Our Nature podcast series.
The piece explores the fascinating story of a beetle that only exists in Lancaster County, Nebraska, in a habitat created millions of years ago by a prehistoric ocean. Krab's creative storytelling and attention to detail make for an engaging and informative listen.
“Kaci’s podcasting class was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had while in college,” Krab said. “If you’re a UNL student itching for the opportunity to make something creative, challenging and meaningful, you need to take Kaci’s podcasting class.”
CoJMC broadcasting professor Barney McCoy won best of competition in radio hard news reporting under faculty competitions for “Nebraska Drought at Harvest Time.”
McCoy first recorded “‘Some of the worst I've ever seen’ Nebraska ranchers, farmers struggle against 5th worst drought on record” for Nebraska Public Media.
The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international exhibition of award-winning faculty & student works chosen in the following competitions: Audio, Documentary, Film & Video, Interactive Media & Emerging Technologies, International News, Scriptwriting, Sports, and Two-year Colleges. Winners receive recognition and exhibition of their works during the BEA’s annual convention.
"We are thrilled to see our students and faculty recognized for their outstanding work in the BEA Festival of Media Arts," said Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. "These awards are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our students and faculty in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. We are proud to have them represent our university on the international stage."
For more information on the BEA Festival of Media Arts and a full list of winners, visit the BEA website at https://beaweb.org/festival/.
