University News

WIU Broadcasting and Journalism Students Named Finalists in IBS Awards

January 8, 2020

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism students were recently named as finalists for the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System's (IBS) awards competition.

Broadcasting and Journalism student Michael Dion was nominated for two radio sports play-by-play categories. His first nomination was for a call during the WIU football game against Illinois State. Dion's other nomination was for a call during a WIU volleyball game. Dion graduated in December and hopes to pursue a job in radio.

Senior broadcasting major Marcellus Angel, of Rock Island, IL, has been nominated for best video news report. Angel will graduate in May and plans to use his experience and degree to work on television and film productions for major networks and studios.

Angel was also nominated for his videography in a special investigative report of "Tyler Smith's parents claim dozens of issues." This story was produced, written and edited by junior broadcasting major Devin Brooks, of St. Louis, MO.

Brooks was nominated for four awards in the IBS competition for news report, best newscast, website and talk program. In last year's competition, Brooks was nominated for three awards and brought home two first place awards.

"It's truly an honor to be a finalist for these awards; but it was more than one person that made it possible," Brooks said. "I'm grateful to learn from teachers who have knowledge and experience to help all of us perform at our best. This recognition is thanks to WIU for providing me with the real-world opportunities to prepare myself for the future."

Alumni Emily Stieren and Terrance Black were also nominated for best website and best newscast. Both graduated from the department in 2019.

Two freshman-broadcasting students, Zac Lueder, of Limestone, IL, and Kelly Brown, Rolla, MO, were nominated for best talk program. Lueder and Brown both started with NEWS3, the student-run newscast, at the beginning of the school year and have quickly stepped up to the plate using their skills to help grow the news team.

Finally, three broadcasting students, MaKenzie Yearby, Kansas City, MO, Brendan Reidy, Chicago, IL and Michael Harms, Colorado Springs, CO, were nominated for best sports video play-by-play for their call during a WIU football game earlier this year.

This year, NEWS3 is under new management as WIU alumna Emily Manley returned to the department as news director.

WIU Department of Broadcasting and Journalism students received seven nominations in the national competition last month. The winners will be announced Saturday, March 7 at the IBS international conference in New York, NY.

For more information about WIU Department of Broadcasting and Journalism, visit wiu.edu/BCJ.

Posted By: Hayley Porter (hp-porter@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing