WASHINGTON, DC -- The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) announced yesterday the winners of their annual Freedom of Speech public service announcement (PSA) competition for college communications students. The first-place winners in the radio and television categories were recognized during yesterday's Mark of Excellence Awards Luncheon at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) National Journalism Conference in Las Vegas.
More than 100 communications students from across the country competed in the Freedom of Speech PSA contest calling for 30-second spots that creatively address "What freedom of speech means to me." The winning entries are:
Television Category
1st Place: Nathan Firn, Emerson College
2nd Place: Christopher Bryant, Murray State University
3rd Place: Danielle Johnson, University of Utah
Radio Category
1st Place: Brent Wycinski, Central Michigan University
2nd Place: Rachel Stephens, University of Tennessee at Martin
3rd place: Michael Langdon, IsoThermal Community College
"We are pleased that students continue to submit entries with such creativity, enthusiasm and dedication," said NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "It is crucial that projects like these exist to educate students across the country about the instrumental role that free speech plays in broadcasting and the fundamentals of our society."
"Our benefactor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick, was a staunch defender of the First Amendment and its role in protecting press freedoms," said Clark Bell, the McCormick Foundation's journalism program director. "We are honored to work with NABEF and BEA in spotlighting the work of college students who have so creatively defined the meaning of Free Speech."
"We are honored to once again partner with NABEF and the McCormick Foundation to showcase these well-crafted student produced PSAs," said Heather Birks, executive director of BEA. "These students continue to amaze me with the quality of their work and their creativity regarding Freedom of Speech."
The Freedom of Speech PSA contest was presented by NABEF and BEA, with major funding from McCormick Foundation. Winning PSAs may be viewed at NABEF.org. The PSAs will be distributed via NAB satellite feed on October 15.
About NABEF
The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving broadcasters and the public interest by supporting and advocating community service, diversity, education and broadcasting issues and trends. Learn more at www.nabef.org.
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 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.