University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC)   student journalists are the recipients of two 2023 National Student Edward R. Murrow Awards in the Audio Hard News and Video Hard News categories.

“Sunken Homes” by Jack Prator, B.S. Journalism 2023, was the winner in the Audio Hard News category. The story, broadcast on public radio station WUFT-FM, focused on how the owners of boats that were submerged during Hurricane Ian were coping with the tragedy. Innovation News Center (INC) News Manager Ryan Vasquez served as the adviser.

The winner in the Video Hard News category was “Hurricane Ian: The Aftermath” broadcast on public television station WUFT-TV. Alexus Cleavenger, B.S. Journalism 2022, Amy Galo, B.S. Journalism 2022, Journalism senior Chris Will, Emily Palazzotto, B.S. Journalism 2023, Kendall Brandt, B.S. Journalism 2022, Macie Goldfarb, B.S. Journalism 2023, and Ophelie Jacobson, B.S. Journalism 2023, created the 30-minute package of stories on destruction, resilience and hope in Southwest Florida after the powerful storm. INC Interim Director Harrison Hove was the adviser.

This is the College’s fifth National Student Murrow Award. UFCJC students have received more National Student Murrow Awards than any other college or university during the last three years. Additionally, the WUFT radio platform earned a national student Murrow for the first time ever.

Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has been honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards. Among the most prestigious in the news industry, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.

The winners will be celebrated at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on Oct. 9 in New York City.

Posted: August 17, 2023
Category: Alumni News, College News, Student News
Tagged as: Harrison Hove, Hurricane Ian, National Student Edward R. Murrow Awards, RTDNA, Ryan Vasquez