Asbury Journalism Department Wins Three Broadcast Awards
October 6, 2023
Asbury students recently won three Kentucky Broadcasters Association (KBA) Impact Awards: Best Public Affairs, Best Newscast, and Best Sports Coverage. This year marks first wins for Asbury in these specific categories.
“We have dedicated and talented students who take their work very seriously,” said Journalism Professor Rich Manieri. “They are committed to service, and our program is blessed by the work they do.”
The “Best Public Affairs” award went to Asbury’s Gracie Turner ‘23, Madeline Heineman ’24, and Lucy Bryson ’23 for their feature-length documentary, “Don’t Forget Us.”
“Powerful. Impactful. Creative. Well done. The student’s first-person video reflecting on the experience was profound,” judges said.
“To be a part of something as special as this and to watch it grow over the past year and a half has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Bryson, who served as reporter and photographer on the documentary. “This is a project that changed my life, and I hope it changes others when they watch it.”
Heineman secured the “Best Newscast” for her coverage of the Outpouring in February. The KBA judges remarked: “The team understands their audience.”
“It means so much to win the award for the best college newscast,” said Heineman. “I believe this is the first award Newswatch has ever gotten, and that’s such an honor. I think it speaks to all the hard work and time my team and I put into this, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Communication and Bible-Theology major Chloe Stivers ‘25 received the award for “Best Sports Coverage” for “Soccer Is for the People.”
“I was very surprised about the award because I am not a journalism/broadcasting major, but I am happy that the video was enjoyed,” she said. “I had a really great time putting the project together!”
Judge comments included: “A well-told story about diversity in a way we may not have considered before. The story and use of historical/family video pulls in the viewer.”
The Asbury Journalism Department prepares students to be faith-filled journalists who negotiate life’s journey with insight, courage and joy. With this as their major, students have opportunities to tell important stories through print, broadcast and online media. The program, which has received multiple Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Ohio Valley Chapter), provides individuals with numerous high-profile national and international opportunities, including the chance to produce news packages at the Summer and Winter Olympics. Learn more: https://www.asbury.edu/academics/departments/media-journalism/.