Daily News wins national Pacemaker Award

                 

The Ball State Daily News was among five student newspapers in the country to win this year's national Pacemaker Award, sometimes referred to as the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism.

“The winners featured strong writing, excellent news judgment—tough stories and story selections that showed the editorial staff knew their audience,” judges wrote.

“A clean, easy-to-read layout and strong photography set the winners apart. Most importantly, these papers showed creativity and ingenuity.”

The Daily News was a finalist in 2014 and last won the Pacemaker in 2009.

American Collegiate Press began the awards in 1927 and has co-sponsored the competition since 1971 with the Newspaper Association of America Foundation.

This year's other winners were from Indiana University, the University of Alabama, the University of Minnesota and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

The awards were announced at the National College Media Convention this weekend in Austin, Texas.


Previously:  Daily News a finalist for Pacemaker Award
Sept. 9, 2015

The Ball State Daily News is among seven finalists for the Pacemaker Award, the top prize in college newspaper journalism from Associated Collegiate Press.

Other finalists are UCLA, Indiana University, Alabama, Minnesota, North Carolina and Oklahoma. ACP announced the finalists Tuesday and said winners will be named at the National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas, Oct. 28-Nov. 1.

ACP is the nation's oldest and largest national membership organization for college student journalists. The Pacemaker, sometimes called the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism, is based on "coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the opinion page, evidence of in-depth reporting, design, photography, art and graphics."

The Daily News has won or been a finalist for the Pacemaker 10 times in the past 21 years, including last year. Most recently it won in 2009.

The 2014-15 staff was led by editors Emma Kate Fittes and Daniel Brount, with Kathy Jesse, the newspaper's adviser last year.

The paper typically competes for the top awards in college journalism from ACP and the Collegiate Scholastic Press Association.

In 2014 it won a Gold Crown Award for general excellence, the highest recognition from CSPA. Its digital operation won a Gold Crown for online news in 2012.

- John Strauss, jcstrauss@bsu.edu

Writing and math resources for reporters

Check these out....

Math basics for journalists
http://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/foundations/math-for-journalists

NewsLab - Getting the numbers right
http://www.newslab.org/resources/math.htm

Six rules for writing a great news lead
http://drkblake.com/six-rules-for-writing-a-straight-news-lead/

SPJ - Journalists Toolbox
http://www.journaliststoolbox.org/archive/writing-with-numbers/

Daily News wins top Gold Circles

The Ball State Daily News has won 72 Gold Circle Awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, including 15 first-place honors for digital news in sports, news writing, photos and commentary.

The Daily News print edition took first place for informational graphics, sports page design and photo layout: full page.

The newspaper’s Gold Circle Awards for Digital Media included top honors for breaking news, in-depth/feature story, secondary coverage, editorial writing, general or humor commentary, sports commentary, sports news and entertainment reviews.

Another was for first-person experience given to former student Evie Lichtenwalter, for “Prognosis Unknown: I Have Cancer, but Don’t Get Weird.”

“Cancer is still a scary word to a lot of people, and many associate the diagnosis with death,” she wrote. “Just because I have cancer doesn’t mean I’m going to die.”

Anna Ortiz won first place in personal opinion: on-campus issues for her column, “Common Sense: How to Take Your Parents to a Bar.”

This year’s CSPA Gold Circle Awards attracted 11,110 entries from college and high school students across the country, the organization said. The print newspaper work was produced between June 11, 2014 through June 10, 2015. Digital media entries were published from Nov. 2, 2013 through Oct. 10, 2014.

Full list of Gold Circle Awards here.


Ball State winners:


Print Newspaper

N1. News writing
CM. Alan Hovorka, “Parking Permits Exceed Spaces,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N2. In-depth news/feature story
CM. Dakota Crawford, “Student Fees Fund Most of Athletic Budget,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N3. Editorial writing
CM. Daniel Brount, “Keeping Students Informed on Crime,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N7. Sports commentary
3. Dakota Crawford, “UAB Cuts Football Team, Takes Steps Forward,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N8. First person experience
CM. Jordan Huffer, “Don’t Rush Through Grief,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N9. Sports news
CM. Dakota Crawford, “UAB Cuts Football Team, Takes Steps Forward,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N10. Sports features
CM. Dakota Crawford, “More than Just a Number,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Dakota Crawford, “Grown-Man Decision,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N11. News feature
CM. Kara Berg, “Living with Trauma After Sexual Assualt,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N12. Personality profile
2. Ryan Howe, “Raised by Fire,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Kaitlin Lange, “Meer Algier,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N13. General feature
CM. Ryan Howe, “We’ll Be Waiting for You in the Darkness,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N14. Entertainment reviews
2. Anna Bowman, “Nolan Creates Groundbreaking Film,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N26. Photo story
CM. Jonathan Miksanek, “Drag Show,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N27. Single spot news photograph
CM. Breanna Daugherty, “President Barack Obama,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

N29. Single sports photograph
2. Breanna Daughert, “Calyn Hosea,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Breanna Daughert, “Renee Bennett,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N34. Informational graphics
1. Ashley Downing, “Comparing Indiana Seasonal Produce Prices,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Michael Boehnlein and Stephanie Redding, “High Price to Get High,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Staff, “Mixing Your Beats,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Tyson Bird, “Stross Fractures and Athletes,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Ross May, “2014 FIFA World Cup,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N42.|N43.|N44. Page One Design
2. Daniel Brount, “Atlas Wins,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N58.|N59.|N60. Feature Page Design
2. Michael Boehnlein, “Eddie Izzard,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Daniel Brount, “Byte,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N62.|N63.|N64. Sports Page Design
1. Breanna Daugherty, Ross May and David Polaski, “Rumble,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Tyson Bird, “Sports,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

N66. Photo layout: Full page
1. Stephanie Redding, “A Nation in Protest,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Staff, “Drag Show,” Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;


Digital Media

DM1. Breaking news
1. Emma Kate Fittes and Aric Khokey, “SGA Vice President Resigns,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Ashley Dye, “Trustees Announce Paul W. Ferguson as Ball State’s 15th President,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Staff, “Victim in Purdue Shooting Identified,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM2. Secondary coverage
1. Anna Ortiz, and Jeremy Ervin, “Behind the Tape,” “Miles Away” and “Across the Street,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Rachel Podnar, “ Immersive Learning Hallmark of Gora’s Presidency, Faculty Says,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM3. News writing
1. Lauren Chapman, “Students Turns to Crowdfunding,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Lauren Chapman, “University Approach to Emergencies in Step with National Security Procedures,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Kaitlin Lange, “One Third of Students Drop Honors by Graduation,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Lauren Chapman, “Students Host Performance Art Demonstration,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Kara Berg, “Student Makes Petition to Get ASL Counted as Foreign Language,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM4. News feature
CM. Kaitlin Lange, “Study Abroad Can Lead to Openness,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM5. In-depth news/feature story
1. Rachel Podnar, “Researcher Calls Rise of Campus Crime ‘Hype’” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Rachel Podnar, “Sexual Offenses Often Go Unreported,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Kaitlin Lange, “Socialization Instrumental in Gender Gays Among Students, Professors,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Rachel Podnar, “Studies Point to Learning in Efficiency in Etextbooks,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM6. Editorial writing
1. Staff, “Our View: SGA Does Matter,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Staff, “Our View: Gora’s Successor has Much to Prove,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM7. Personal opinion: On-campus issues
1. Anna Ortiz, “Have Common Sense: How to Take Your Parents to a Bar,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM9. General or humor commentary
1. Anna Ortiz, “Common Sense: How to Take Your Parents to a Bar,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Kourtney Cooper, “Fashion Fix: Bundle Up, Don’t Bulk Up,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM10. First person experience
1. Evie Lichtenwalter, “Prognosis Unknown: I Have Cancer, but Don’t Get Weird,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Jordan Huffer, “Born in a Ball Jar: Living Through Grief,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM11. Sports commentary
1. Matt McKinney, “Killer Crossover: Wenning’s Performance Shouldn’t Affect His Legacy,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Matt McKinney, “NFL Must Prepare for Gay Athetes,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM12. Sports news
1. Matt McKinney, “Majok, McCrae Battle in Ball State Victory Over Buffalo,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Dakota Crawford, “Wide Receiver Leaves School for NFL Drafts, The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Matt McKinney, “Jahwan Edwards Carries Offense in GoDaddy Bowl Loss,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Matt McKinney, “Tough, but Not Enough,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM13. Sports features
3. Mat Mikesell, “Money Game,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Anthony Lombardi, “Not for Long,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM14. Personality profile
2. Danielle Grady, “Knightly Ritual,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Ryan Howe, “A Message of Hope,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM15. General feature
CM. Ryan Howe, “Looking for Acceptance,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM16. Entertainment reviews
1. Matt McKinney, “Binge Watcher: ‘Gotham’ Shows Promise in Series Premiere, but has Room to Grow,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Ryan Howe, “Testing Her Metal,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Jeremy Ervin, “No Sleep Till Muncie: Rayman Legends Provides New Challenges with Familiarity for Fans” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM21. Non-fiction interview
1. Ashley Dye and Evie Lichtenwalter, “Eddie Izzard’s ‘Force Majeure’ to Stop in Indianapolis,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM26. Single spot news photograph
1. Taylor Irby, “‘Gunman’ on Campus,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Jonathan Miksanek, “Tony Proudfoot and the Media,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM27. Single feature photograph
1. Breanna Daugherty, “REO Speedwagon,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
3. Jordan Huffer, “Pendergrass,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Jordan Huffer, “Twins,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM28. Single sports photograph
3. Jonathan Miksanik, “Tori Widrick,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

DM36. Informational graphics
1. Erika Espinoza, “Deadly Fever,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
2. Ryan Wiaranowski, “The Next Technological Revolution,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Aidan Feay, “What Time is Your Final,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;
CM. Stephanie Redding, “High Price to Get High,” The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN;

DM37. Typography: Overall look of the entire website
3. Aidan Feay, The Ball State Daily News, Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

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"Indiana Weekend," radio and TV

To stay current as a journalism instructor and because it's fun work, I do a show called "Indiana Weekend" on Indiana Public Radio each week:

http://indianapublicradio.org/indianaweekend/

Last year we also started a TV version. Above, Katie is shooting from our "chase canoe" for a story on White River, with Robbie Mixell of Canoe Country.

Here's a look at our first season on TV. Because we're learning as we go along, we like the most recent episodes (at the bottom) the best:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb294dtN1KEG9t3GnBR86xMOR2dhrWS40

Fall class for "Indiana Weekend"

Our highlight reel is above. Here's a look at what the class is about:

NEWS 397 Immersion: IN Weekend
 Students join a team of professional broadcasters at WIPB-TV and Indiana Public Radio to work on the show “Indiana Weekend,” winner of top awards for public affairs and documentary reporting. Students with an interest in video production and news features are encouraged to join the team. The show highlights interesting people and places in the area between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Students work together based on their interests and abilities to propose story ideas, shoot and record them for broadcast and the Web, edit segments in those formats, produce audio podcasts, shoot photos and write social media updates to help promote the show.

Contact: John Strauss, jcstrauss@bsu.edu