Cronkite Students Win Big in Regional AP Broadcast Contest

Arizona State University students at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication won more than half of the student categories at a regional Associated Press broadcast contest.ASU students reporting for Cronkite News, the student-produced news division of Arizona PBS, captured three of five student broadcast categories at the Associated Press Television and Radio Association Broadcast contest. Students won Best Newscast, Best General News and Best Feature.“In the past year, our students at Cronkite News have regularly produced award-winning work on important issues impacting, our community and state,” said Cronkite Assistant Dean Mark Lodato, who serves as associate general manager for innovation and design at Arizona PBS. “We are extremely proud of their accomplishments at APTRA and look forward to them receiving their awards.”Cronkite student Jake Gadon helped secure Best Newscast with his anchor reel that included reports on an interstate shooting and the growth of ASU hockey. Megan Thompson won Best General News for an in-depth look at the city of Phoenix’s revenue gains from an extension of parking meter hours. In the Best Feature category, Yahaira Jacquez won for a profile of a piano instructor, who has been teaching students for 40 years.The awards will be given during the APTRA Awards and Convention June 11-12 at the University City Hilton in California.The APTRA works to advance journalism through the media of radio and television and to serve as a liaison between representatives of the radio and television stations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming that are members of The Associated Press.APTRA Broadcast Contest Student Television WinnersBest NewscastCronkite NewsJake Gadon, anchor reel Best General NewsMegan Thompson“Phoenix Parking Meters”Cronkite News Best FeatureYahaira Jacquez“Music Teacher in West Phoenix Making a Difference”Cronkite News