Nine broadcasting Huskers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications were awarded eight Pinnacle Awards during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s annual convention on Aug. 13, 2025, in La Vista.
In college student radio, May 2025 graduate Macy Byars of Omaha won Best Public Service Announcement for “Play LCM,” senior sports media and broadcasting double major Blake Mace of Council Bluffs, Iowa, won Best News Story for “Severe WX Jumps in Midwest,” and junior journalism and sports media double major Teddy Ball of Alvo won Best News Feature for “Nebraska's Prison Overcrowding.”
Also in college student radio, May 2025 graduate Jacob Schrantz of Orchard Park, New York and junior broadcasting and sports media double major Harmon Johnsen of Sutherland were awarded Best Live Sports Event for “Men’s Basketball 11-17-24 UNL vs. St. Mary’s,” and junior sports media major Arden Louchheim of Park City, Utah won Best Sports Story for “Japan's Takahashi finds golf home at Nebraska.”
In the college student television division, May 2025 graduate Linda Kuku of Lincoln won Best Public Service Announcement for “5 things to remember if ICE shows up at your home,” a PSA created for ACLU of Nebraska.
Junior broadcasting major Jackson Ingvoldstad of Omaha was awarded Best News Feature in college student television for “Ukraine Protest in Lincoln,” and senior broadcasting and sports media double major Olivia Davenport of North Liberty, Iowa, won Best Sports Story for “Dani Busboom Kelly Returns.”
"The Nebraska Broadcasters Association plays an integral role in developing the next generation of media professionals and we’re grateful for their commitment to the future of broadcasting in Nebraska," Shari Veil, Jane T. Olson Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, said. "Thank you to the NBA for recognizing our students’ work and inspiring them to make an impact on their communities with the power of storytelling."
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/.
