UATV News Wins National Award for Best Television Newscast

UATV News has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) with the prestigious Mark of Excellence Award for Best All-Around Television Newscast for 2023. This national award highlights UATV’s commitment to delivering high-quality television newscasts and showcases the exceptional work of its student journalists.

The SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards recognize outstanding collegiate journalism across the United States. UATV News competed against student work from 37 universities, ultimately securing the national title for their comprehensive coverage of a tornado that struck Little Rock, Arkansas, in March 2023. The winning television newscast featured live reporting from the scene, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver timely and impactful news to their audience.

UATV’s faculty advisor, Tiffany King, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment. King emphasized the dedication and quick thinking of the students, who dispatched three reporters for live coverage while the production team crafted a compelling newscast filled with crucial information for viewers. This rapid response and comprehensive coverage were key factors in earning the national recognition for their television newscast.

SPJ Recognizes Excellence in Television Newscast Production

The national award followed UATV’s initial victory in the SPJ Region 12 competition, encompassing universities in Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This regional win propelled them to the national level, where they ultimately triumphed. The competition highlighted the best in student journalism, showcasing exceptional skills in television newscast production.

Robyn Ledbetter, director of student media, praised King’s leadership and the program’s ability to provide real-time news broadcasting experience for students. This hands-on learning environment allows students to develop essential skills in journalism and hone their abilities in producing a professional television newscast.

UATV operates as part of Student Media, a collaborative initiative between the University of Arkansas’ Division of Student Affairs and the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SJSM). It is one of six student-run media outlets at the university, providing valuable practical experience for aspiring journalists.

UATV’s Award Underscores Importance of Quality Journalism Education

The national recognition of UATV News underscores the importance of quality journalism education and the dedication of student journalists to delivering impactful news. This award highlights the program’s success in fostering the next generation of media professionals. UATV’s commitment to excellence in television newscasting has been nationally recognized through their dedication to providing accurate, timely, and compelling news content.

The SPJ also recognized other U of A students and media outlets for outstanding work in various categories, including photo illustration, podcasting, editorial writing, sports writing, and art/graphics/multimedia. These accolades further demonstrate the strength of the journalism program at the University of Arkansas. Several finalists from the University of Arkansas were also recognized for their exceptional contributions to television news and other media platforms.

The achievement of UATV News serves as a testament to the power of student journalism and the dedication of aspiring journalists to deliver compelling and informative television newscasts that serve their communities. Their award-winning work demonstrates the future of broadcast journalism.