Tuesday, April 4, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Students from Marshall University’s public radio station, WMUL-FM, received five (5) superior awards and six (6) merit awards in the non-metropolitan classification during the fourth annual “The Virginias” Associated Press Broadcasters awards ceremony Saturday, April 1, 2017, at The Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia.
Dr. Chuck G. Bailey, professor of radio-television production and management in the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Marshall and faculty manager of WMUL-FM, said the university competed with commercial and noncommercial radio stations from throughout the two states. He added, “Winning the 2016 Outstanding Sports Operation of the Virginias, Best Sports Anchor, Best Sports Feature Package, Best Sport Play-by-Play and Best Feature and Human Interest Story superior awards are an amazing accomplishment considering that the FM 88 Sports Staff, sports anchor Adam Rogers and news reporter Rebecca Turnbull did this while competing against broadcasting professionals working for all news/sports talk radio stations across both West Virginia and Virginia. WMUL-FM was named the Outstanding Sports Operation for the eighth time since 1985 (The last time in “The Virginias” was for 2014. The other years were for just West Virginia in 1990, 1991, 1994, 2000, 2005 and 2010). Overall, this eleven total award effort helps to build upon another successful year and demonstrates the value of this campus radio station to Marshall University, the College of Arts and Media and the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications.”
The five (5) superior (first place) station and individual award winning entries in the fourth annual “The Virginias” Associated Press Broadcasters awards contest were:
OUTSTANDING SPORTS OPERATION FOR THE VIRGINIAS
The FM 88 Sports Staff led by James Collier, a recent graduate from Worthington, Kentucky, the 2016 WMUL-FM Sports Director.
No comments were provided
BEST SPORTS ANCHOR
“A Compilation of Work” written and announced by sports anchor Adam Rogers, a graduate student from Milton, broadcast during the “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88” throughout 2016.
Judges’ Comments: “Adam’s montage was a great representation of his work. It’s a really strong, straight forward, even delivery. It makes him # 1 in the sports anchor of the year!”
BEST SPORTS FEATURE STORY
“McKenzie Akers Returns,” written and produced by Adam Rogers, a graduate student from Milton, broadcast during the “5:00 p.m. Edition of NewsCenter 88,” Friday, December 2, 2016, and also made available online.
Judges’ Comments:
“A compelling look at an athlete who had to overcome serious injury in order to return to the court. The entry featured good writing, interesting soundbites and appropriate play-by-play cuts.”
BEST SPORTS PLAY-BY-PLAY
WMUL-FM’s broadcast of Marshall football versus University of Pittsburgh played at the Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Saturday, October 7, 2016. The students calling the football game broadcast over FM 88.1 were:
Play-by-Play announcer — Adam Rogers, a graduate student from Milton; Color Commentator – James Collier, a recent graduate from Worthington, Kentucky; Statistician— Luke Creasy, a junior from Huntington; Spotter— Dylan Stone, a junior from Henderson; Engineer— Sage Shavers, a senior from Charleston. Judges’ Comments: “Nice energy mixed with stats and background information makes this a clear winner.”
BEST FEATURE OR HUMAN INTEREST STORY
“One Room Schoolhouse” written and produced by Rebecca Turnbull, a junior from Bridgeport, broadcast during the “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88,” Thursday, March 17, 2016.
Judges’ Comments: No comments were provided
The six (6) merit award winning entries were:
OUTSTANDING NEWS OPERATION FOR THE VIRGINIAS
The Newscenter 88 Team led by Rebecca Turnbull, a junior from Bridgeport, the WMUL-FM News Director for the Fall Semester 2016, and Adam Rogers, a graduate student from Milton, the WMUL-FM News Director for the Spring Semester 2016.
Judges’ Comments: No comments were provided
OUTSTANDING EFFORT BY AN INDIVIDUAL REPORTER
“A Compilation of Work” written and produced by Rebecca Turnbull, a junior from Bridgeport, broadcast during the 5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88 throughout 2016.
Judges’ Comments: No comments were provided
BEST FEATURE OR HUMAN INTEREST STORY
“West Virginia Makes Festival” written and produced by Rebecca Turnbull, a junior from Bridgeport, broadcast during the “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88,” Friday, October 7, 2016.
Judges’ Comments: No comments were provided
BEST NEWS ANCHOR
The “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88” with news anchor Amanda Reesman, a graduate student from Sarver, Pennsylvania, broadcast Friday, October 21, 2016.
Judges’ Comments: “Amanda has a nice delivery and anchor presence.”
BEST NEWS ANCHOR
The “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88” with news anchor Kyra Biscarner, a sophomore from Marysville, Michigan, broadcast Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
Judges’ Comments: “Kyra has a great sound and solid delivery.”
BEST SPORTS ANCHOR
“A Compilation of Work” written and announced by sports anchor Luke Creasy, a junior from Huntington, broadcast during the “5:00 p.m. Edition of Newscenter 88” throughout 2016.
Judges’ Comments: “Luke has a really nice sports anchor presentation. Luke has a solid performance in sports anchoring.”
