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Broadcasters compile impressive win record during spring semester

By Eli Hermann
J-School Web reporter

University of Montana broadcast news students put together an impressive string of wins at major journalism contests spring semester, including best documentary in the country in the Broadcast Education Association awards.

“Beyond the Myths: Growing Up in Montana,” was named the best long-form student documentary in the country by the BEA. The documentary profiles six teenagers and explored challenges such as teen pregnancy, racism and drug use while also celebrating the opportunities of rural life, Native culture and sports.

The hour-long film premiered on Montana PBS in 2007. It was produced by seniors and graduate students in the documentary course taught by Assistant Prof. Denise Dowling and Adjunct Prof. Gita Saedi.

“They did in 15 weeks what takes people a decade to do,” Dowling said.

“Beyond the Myths” and “Montana Journal: Alternative Fuels” were both nominated for the Northwest Regional Emmy Awards for Long Form. Two “Made in Montana” shows, a student produced profile on Montana owned and operated businesses, were also nominated in the Entertainment category. Regional Emmys will be awarded in Seattle on June 7th.

In Montana, Nicole Todd, a graduate student who finished last year, is a finalist for the Montana Broadcasters Association/Greater Montana Foundation E.B. Craney Awards for non-commercial radio program of the year. Todd’s professional project, “The Race,” featured the people behind some electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cars.

The Race aired on KUFM Radio.  The “EB’s” will be presented on June 28 at the Montana Broadcasters Association awards banquet in Whitefish.

The depth of broadcast talent at UM was underscored by a string of successes in the Society of Professional Journalists Northwest regional contest this spring.

 “Beyond the Myths” won for  “Television In-Depth Reporting,” followed in second place by UM’s “Montana Journal: Alternative Fuels.” In all, UM won 10 first places and a slew of second and thirds to sweep many categories.

The winners of the regional contests compete nationally and winners will be announced in September. Those broadcast efforts under consideration for national awards include:

• Badria Al-Abdullah, second place, Radio News Reporting, “LIEAP.”

• Rob Ashley and Brandon McDonald, second place, TV Sports Reporting, “Missoula Maulers”; McDonald also won first place, TV Sports Photography, “Missoula Maulers.”

• Jackie Bartz, second place, TV General News Reporting, “Open Air.” She and Cristin Rennick also won first place, Television Feature, “Grape Harvest.” Rennick also captured first place, TV Feature Photography, “Grape Harvest.”

• Dan Boyce, first place, Radio Sports Reporting, “Table Tennis Club”; second place, Radio Feature, “Holiday Program”; and third place, Radio Feature, “Randy.”

• Class of 2007, first place, TV In-Depth Reporting, “Beyond the Myths, Growing Up in Montana.”

• Class of 2008, second place, TV In-Depth Reporting, “Montana Journal: Where Are the Alternative Fuels?”

• Ryan Corwin and Ashleigh Ebert, first place, TV General News Reporting, “Interpretive Dance Concert.”

• Kim Cosgrove and Jason Hendrickson, third place, TV General News Reporting, “Bees and Terrorism.”

• Brandon Gondiero and Alex Krigsvold, first place, TV Sports Reporting, “Ping Pong.”

• Kelly Hanson, first place, Radio News Reporting, “Court Appointed Advocates.”

• Eddie Haver, first place, Radio Feature, “Tana’s Transition.”

• Jannette Hoerner, second place, Radio Sports Reporting, “Hunters Safety.”

• Jamie Anne Leary, third place, TV Feature Photography, “PEAS Farm.”

• Marianne McCormack, third place, Radio News Reporting, “Athletes’ Arrest Reaction”; third place, Radio Sports Reporting, “The Hills.”

• Melanie Overcast, second place, Television Feature, “Skydiving.”

• Nicole Todd, first place, Radio In-Depth Reporting, “The Race.”

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