Waverly, IA – Student journalists from Wartburg College have garnered widespread recognition, bringing home an impressive total of 20 awards from the recent Iowa Broadcast News Association (IBNA) and Iowa College Media Association (ICMA) competitions. The accolades, which span broadcast, print, and digital categories, underscore the exceptional talent and dedication within the college's student-run media organizations: KNWS-TV (Wartburg Television News), The Trumpet (student newspaper), and KWAR-FM (student radio station).
The annual awards ceremony, held last weekend in Des Moines, saw Wartburg students celebrated across a diverse spectrum of journalistic endeavors. KNWS-TV secured multiple top honors, including first place for "Best TV Newscast," lauded by judges for its comprehensive coverage and professional delivery. Individual broadcast achievements included awards for "Outstanding Sports Play-by-Play" and "Best Feature Story." The Trumpet also made a significant mark, earning recognition for "Investigative Reporting" for a series on local civic engagement, "Best Opinion Piece," and several awards for page design and photography. KWAR-FM, the college's radio station, was celebrated for "Best Radio Documentary" and "Public Service Announcement," demonstrating its strong commitment to community-focused content.
"This is a testament to the countless hours our students pour into their craft, often balancing demanding academic schedules with their media responsibilities," stated Professor Alistair Finch, Chair of Wartburg's Communications Department. "These awards validate their hard work and show they can compete with, and often surpass, their peers from larger institutions. It’s immensely gratifying to see their talent recognized by industry professionals."
Emily Rodriguez, a senior and editor-in-chief of The Trumpet, expressed immense pride in her peers. "The competition was incredibly tough this year, with submissions from colleges across the state. Every award we received, whether for a breaking news report or a deep-dive investigative piece, represents a collaborative effort and a shared passion for storytelling. It really prepares us for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of professional journalism."
The IBNA and ICMA awards are highly respected within the regional media landscape, judged by seasoned journalists and media professionals. They serve as a crucial benchmark for collegiate media programs, highlighting excellence in reporting, production, and ethical practice. Wartburg’s consistent success in these competitions reflects the hands-on, experience-driven approach embedded in its communication studies curriculum. Students are given direct control over their respective media outlets, from editorial decisions and content generation to broadcasting and publication.
This practical methodology ensures that graduates enter the workforce with portfolios brimming with real-world work and the confidence to contribute immediately. The emphasis on ethical reporting, critical thinking, and multimedia proficiency equips students not just to report the news, but to shape the future of media. As the media landscape continues its rapid evolution, Wartburg’s program remains dedicated to fostering innovative and adaptable journalists capable of navigating its complexities. The 20 awards serve as a powerful affirmation of this commitment, promising a bright future for these emerging media professionals.
