Hussman School students honored with Broadcast Education Association awards

Five UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media students and the staff of Carolina Connection were recognized by the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts.

Susanna Black won first place with her story, "Bus Safety Cameras," in the Television Hard News Reporting category. Ben Smart finished in second place in the same category for "Solitary Confinement."

Stephanie Beckett and Jimmy Wylie won third place in the Radio Hard News Reporting category for their story, "Local Residents, Global Leaders Seek Answers About Student Deaths." Avery Hall received an honorable mention in the same category for her report, "Bar Crackdown Makes Some Students Rethink Fake IDs."

Carolina Connection finished second in the Radio Newscast category for its Oct. 24, 2015, episode.

"Every time one of our students wins one of these big national awards, it makes me think about the alumni who built such a strong base upon which the current students are able to grow, improve and hone their craft," said Charlie Tuggle, senior associate dean for undergraduate studies. "No award is the work of one single person. It's the work of a number of people who've come through a program and made it what it is."

Carolina Connection is the radio news magazine produced by students at the school. It airs on WCHL 97.9 FM or 1360 AM and is streamed live on Chapelboro.com Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Adjunct professor Adam Hochberg advises the students producing the show.

The Broadcast Education Association is an international academic media organization, which drives insights, excellence in media production and career advancement for educators, students and professionals. The BEA Festival of Media Arts is a national showcase for student work. Student news is the largest competition at the BEA Festival of Media Arts.

A complete list of winners can be found on the BEA Festival of Media Arts site.