91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ graduate student wins national broadcasting award, campus newscast gains recognition

Contact: Sarah Nicholas

STARKVILLE, Miss.β€”91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ University graduate student Sydney Goldberg took first place in graduate-level broadcasting recently at the prestigious Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, and an 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ-led team of broadcasters also earned top honors for excellence in student newscasts.

The national competition hosted a total of 2,285 entries from more than 300 universities. Winners will receive their awards at the BEA national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April.

Goldberg placed first in graduate news for one of her November 2024 β€œCampus Connect Weather” reports. A second-year master’s student in broadcast meteorology, Goldberg plans to graduate this May. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she earned her bachelor’s degree in geography from Louisiana State University before her acceptance to 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ for graduate school.

β€œSydney is hardworking. She engages in every opportunity presented to her and does so with passion. That is what sets her apartβ€”passion to understand the science and to continue improving her craft. I had no doubt she would place nationally at BEA,” said Lindsey Poe, a broadcast meteorology instructor. β€œ91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ’s graduate program in broadcast meteorology attracts students from across the country seeking credentials and education to be on-air meteorologists.”

In addition to Goldberg’s win, 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ’s β€œTake 30 News” team received an Award of Excellence in television newscast for a November 2024 broadcast. The student-run newscast highlights campus and community news, providing hands-on experience for aspiring journalists.

β€œThe all-day Friday practicum for Take 30 evolved from our faculty and advisory board who advised it would be in the best interest of students to simulate a day-in-the-life of a newsroom and the live newscast experience. Take 30 is a four-credit-hour capstone experience where students arrive Friday morning at 9 a.m., have their assignment meeting, spend several hours writing, shooting and editing stories for the newscast and putting together production elements, to go live at 4 p.m.,” said Terry Likes, professor and head of 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ’s Department of Communication. β€œThis approach has been applauded by media professionals. Our students have benefited from understanding the real-world pace of a newsroom, resulting in many successful entrants into the job market.”

Students participating in this semester’s β€œTake 30 News” includes senior communication majors: Aubrey Carter, Alabaster, Alabama; Kalann Haymon, Drew; Breland Lucious, Tupelo; Sarah McGaughy, Brandon; and Brenan Ryan, Harvest, Alabama; as well as Teirraah Tidwell, a communication graduate student from Jackson.

December 2024 graduates who participated in the winning entry include: Brandon Bell, Mableton, Georgia; Michael Cassidy, Stafford, Virginia; Kaleb Green, Starkville; Anthony Jenkins, Columbus; and Raylen Ladner, Diamondhead.ΜύΜύ

The BEA Festival of Media Arts is one of the most prestigious national competitions for student and faculty media work and helps students build competitive portfolios. Founded in 1955, the BEA is the premier international academic media organization for educators, students, and professionals in electronic media. For more, visit .

ΜύFor more details about 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ’s College of Arts and Sciences, visit . The Department of Communication is online atΜύ.

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