UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A combination of newscasts, feature stories and overall quality helped Penn State Student Media earn the top overall award, Video Outlet of the Year, in a nationwide competition conducted by the College Media Association.
Penn State was competing in the top division of the competition that annually honors the best student work in collegiate journalism, media production and organizational excellence. More than 3,300 entries in eight categories were judged by a panel of experienced media professionals and educators.
“We’re proud to see our students competing, and winning, on the national stage. In particular, we’re grateful for the honor of being named Video Outlet of the Year,” said Steve Kraycik, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Journalism and director of student television in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. “It shows the quality and depth of student media work in the Bellisario College.”
Penn State Student Media serves as the overarching home for the “Centre County Report” newscast and specials, as well as for the “After the Whistle” sports highlight show, and other content produced by students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Penn State was named Video Outlet of the Year ahead of other finalists from Baylor, Appalachian State, Auburn and Oregon State.
In addition, Penn State’s first-place finishes were for:
- Video Sportscast, “After the Whistle” (Nov. 1, 2024)
- Breaking News (Video/Audio), “Centre County Storm Damage” (Hannah Neurohr)
- General News Photo, Alexandra Antoniono/The Daily Collegian
Penn State also claimed two second-place finishes, four third-place finishes and one honorable mention recognition.
The College Media Association, founded in 1954, has more than 600 members from coast to coast. The association supports student media professionals, staffs and programs by providing educational resources, research and advocacy. CMA collaborates with professional media organizations and educational associations at local, state and national levels to strengthen the future of student journalism and education.