WASHINGTON, DC - The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) announced today the winners of their Freedom of Speech public service announcement (PSA) competition for college communications students. The winners will be acknowledged during a Freedom of Speech luncheon held at the NAB on Thursday, October 15.
The student-produced PSAs are 30 seconds each and address "What freedom of speech means to me." The winners are:
Television Category
1st Place: Chris Newell, Biola University
2nd Place: Monique L. Pelletier, New England School of Communications
3rd Place: Michelle Wood, The Art Institute of Atlanta
Radio Category
1st Place: Stuart Mouritzen, USC
2nd Place: Theresa Rozwadowski, Central Michigan University
3rd place: Melodie Turori and Rob Croft, Biola University
"One only has to follow what is happening in Iran right now to appreciate the significance of our own right to free speech," said NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "The PSA contest reminds students in college communications schools across the country that free speech is fundamental to the very foundation of broadcasting."
"The McCormick Foundation is honored to support this spirited competition," said Journalism Program Director Clark Bell. "The results show that college broadcast students understand, value and defend their First Amendment freedoms."
"We are honored to partner with NABEF and the McCormick Foundation to highlight these quality student productions," said Heather Birks, executive director of BEA. "These students were selected from a talented pool of entries, and they all showcase their insight and creativity regarding Freedom of Speech."
During the luncheon, titled "Freedom of Speech in the Digital Media Arena," the winning students will receive scholarships in the amounts of $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. The luncheon will also feature a panel of broadcasters and journalists. Participants include:
Stations are encouraged to air these spots, available for download on the NAB Web site, leading up to the National Freedom of Speech Celebration, October 19 -25, and throughout the year. Funding for the program is made possible through the support of the McCormick Foundation.
About NABEF
The NAB Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in supporting and advocating: education and training programs, strategies to increase diversity, initiatives stressing the importance of the First Amendment, community service, philanthropy and timely broadcasting issues.
About BEA
The Broadcast Education Association is the professional association for professors, industry professionals and graduate students who are interested in teaching and research related to electronic media and multimedia enterprises. There are currently more than 1,500 individual and institutional members.
About the McCormick Foundation
The McCormick Foundation believes there is nothing more critical to the vitality of a democracy than a free, vigorous and diverse news media, providing citizens with information they need to make reasoned decisions. This furthers the Foundation’s overall mission to strengthen our democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its various programs the Foundation helps to build a more active and engaged citizenry. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charities, with more than $1 billion in assets. For more information, please visit www.McCormickFoundation.org.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.