UATV News Named Best All-Round Television Newscast

Kaitlin Garza reporting live from Little Rock.

Lakyra Banks reporting live from Little Rock.

Kirstin Kite reporting live from Little Rock.

Beau Russell and Jenna Swope reporting live from the UATV studio.

Joshua Wisel reporting live from the UATV studio.

UATV News

UATV News staff and reporters live on site and in the studio.

The Society of Professional Journalists has named the staff of UATV News as the national winner of its 2023 Mark of Excellence Award for Best All-Around Television Newscast.

The national society announced the winners last week, recognizing collegiate work published or broadcast in 2023, which included 67 students and staffs from 37 universities across the United States. UATV's submission included coverage after a tornado hit Little Rock in March.

"I'm beyond proud of UATV News," said Tiffany King, advanced instructor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and UATV faculty adviser. "We sent three reporters to the aftermath for live coverage while the producer team worked with the executive staff to create a compelling rundown full of important information for viewers."

National contenders were previously recognized as first-place winners in one of the Society of Professional Journalists' 12 regional competitions. Each first-place regional winner advanced to the national competition.

"We are so fortunate to have faculty like Tiffany leading our students," said Robyn Ledbetter, SJSM advanced instructor and director of student media. "She brings the perfect combination of toughness and compassion to guide students who are broadcasting news in real time."

UATV is part of Student Media, a partnership between the university's Division of Student Affairs and SJSM. It is one of six U of A student media outlets.

The student-run program was recognized first by SPJ Region 12 before moving on to the national competition. Region 12 includes schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Other U of A students and student media outlets honored with regional awards include:

Winners

• Erika Fredericks — winner, Photo Illustration: "No Adderall, no answers" for Hill magazine
• Patrick Kelly — winner, Podcast (Narrative): "Hearts and Clubs" for UATV News
• Isabella LaRue — winner, Editorial/Opinion Writing: opinion columns for Arkansas Traveler; winner, General Column Writing: columns for Arkansas Traveler
• Reagan Netherland — winner, Sports Writing (Large): "Freshmen professional amputee soccer players kick expectations to the curb" for Arkansas Traveler
• Eli Stokes — winner, Art/Graphics/Multimedia: "Like scenes from a battlefield" for Hill magazine
• Staff, Hill magazine — winner, Best Ongoing Student Magazine

Finalists

• Lakyra Banks — finalist, Television Sports Reporting: "Cheer World Championship" for UATV News
• Patrick Hall — finalist, Television Sports Reporting: "Football diversity" for UATV News
• Alfonso Jaubert — finalist, Sports Photography: "Hogs fall after brutal brawl against BYU" for Arkansas Traveler
• Camryn Johnson — finalist, Television Feature Reporting: "Women's self defense" for UATV News
• Kyle Kocher — finalist, Television Feature Reporting: "Bass fishing" for UATV News
• Katherine Taylor — finalist, Feature Writing (Large): "No Adderall, no answers" for Hill magazine
• Erica Wilson — finalist, In-Depth Reporting (Large): "Community crushed by LGBTQ+ censorship" for Hill magazine
• Staff, Arkansas Traveler — finalist, Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Round Student Newspaper (Large); finalist, Best Affiliated Web Site

About the School of Journalism and Strategic Media: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas offers full-time and part-time degree programs for undergraduates as well as a graduate master's degree program. SJSM students major in journalism or advertising and public relations, and they receive instruction, guidance and access to hands-on experience from seasoned, award-winning faculty and staff. The school is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and media discourse. The journalism program was established at the University of Arkansas by Walter J. Lemke in 1930. Visit the school's website for more information.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.

About the Society of Professional Journalists: The Society of Professional Journalists has been one of the nation's most well respected journalism organizations since its initiation in 1909. The professional association is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior through many endeavors, which include working to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists.