April 27, 2017
Broadcasting students earn honors
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Two students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Radio, Television, and Digital Media program earned individual honors at the Illinois News Broadcasters Association convention.
Collin Dorsey, a junior from Du Quoin, won first place for “Best TV News Reporting,” while Erin Frey, a senior from Harrisburg, won second place for “Best Radio News Reporting.” In statewide competition with all other college newscasts, WSIU-TV earned second place for “Best TV Newscast” and “Best TV Sports Program.”
In addition, Brad Palmer, a digital media news specialist with WSIU Radio and the SIU Broadcasting Service, received first place from the Associated Press for “Best Radio Sports Report.”
The award ceremony was April 22.
“Students who work on the live student newscast get a quality classroom education as well as the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a real-life newsroom,” Greg Todd, WSIU-TV news director and instructor, said. “This combination gives our students a competitive edge when they graduate and compete with others for a job.”
Student newscasts have aired on WSIU-TV since 1967. River Region Evening Edition airs Monday through Thursday during the spring and fall semesters. The newscasts are a cooperative effort of the Department of Radio, Television, and Digital Media, WSIU, and the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts.
“These honors are part of a tradition of excellence by students who work on River Region Evening Edition,” Todd said. “Student newscasts on WSIU have launched the successful careers of thousands of professionals over the decades. Many have remained strong supporters of our program through hiring, mentoring and financial support.”