Two students, faculty member receive broadcasting awards

Two students and a faculty member in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications recently received awards in the Broadcasting Education Association’s Festival of Media Arts Competition. More than 1,600 entries from 80-plus colleges and universities were submitted, with 299 students and 60 faculty members named winners.

Hallie Gutzwiller, a senior broadcasting major from Elm Creek, placed third in the Radio Hard News Reporting category with “Up in Flames: Wildfires in Nebraska 2022.”

Gutzwiller also recently received first place in the Hearst audio competition for “Up in Flames” and “Water Preservation.” She has qualified for the Hearst National Audio Championship.

Emma Krab, a senior journalism and English major, received an Award of Excellence in the Specialty Programs and Podcasts category for “A Predator in an Ancient Sea: Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.”

Krab, who hails from Ogallala, took Assistant Professor of Practice Kaci Richter’s special topics podcasting class and created the In Our Nature podcast series.

“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.”

Barney McCoy, professor of broadcasting, won the Best of Competition in Radio Hard News Reporting for faculty with “Nebraska Drought at Harvest Time.” He first reported the story for Nebraska Public Media.

The winning works will be exhibited during the BEA’s annual convention.