KALA Radio and SAUtv Earn Top Broadcasting Awards

By Press release submission

May 9, 2022

With awards season in full swing for college radio and television broadcasting programs, both KALA Radio and SAUtv brought home multiple awards and student honors.

As part of the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association's Eric Sevareid Awards, St. Ambrose senior Logen Howell won first place in the "Student Market Radio Sportscast/Special" category for "Move the Chains: Week 2."

"It means a lot," Howell said. "To see the university compete against big schools such as the University of Iowa and be successful is awesome. The work being done here by students is great and it is nice to see several people recognized for that hard work."

KALA Radio also won first place honors in two other categories. The station won first place in the "Small Market Radio Documentary/Special" category for "Bix at 50" and in the "Small Market Radio Talk/Public Affairs" category for "Relevant or Irrelevant - #416 Long Grove Bank Robbery of 1921."

"The various awards we received this year are an affirmation of my goal of serving the public with quality programming, fulfilling public service, while providing a vocational hands-on, 'real-world' experience for SAU students," said David Baker, KALA general manager.

Students were also recognized by the Iowa Broadcast News Association. Howell earned first place for his football play-by-play compilation in student radio and junior David Meyer was elected as a student representative on the Iowa Broadcast News Association board. Meyer says he's looking forward to bringing a youthful perspective to the board and credits his experience at St. Ambrose for this opportunity. "[I]n the radio and TV program there is opportunity right away. When I was a freshman I was able to help with the TV broadcasts, and call football games on the radio from the get go."

Freshman Sierra Mari was awarded the $1,000 Grant Price Scholarship.

"This award means a lot to me because my hard work is finally paying off," Mari said. "Sometimes I feel like I do not see the effects of my hard work pay off instantly, but opportunities like this remind me of the patience and determination I need in order to see the true benefits of my work."

To continue this tradition of success in both KALA Radio and SAUtv, work has already begun to compile student submissions for next year's awards.

"I am proud of our students' honors," Baker said. "Competition in the media field is pretty tough, and for our student work to receive positive acknowledgment from our peers in the industry means a great deal."

MIDWEST BROADCAST JOURNALISM "ERIC SEVAREID AWARDS" - 2022

"The awards honor the best work done by student and professional journalists working for broadcast news operations in small, medium and large markets in our six-state region on radio, television and online."

Small Market Radio Documentary/Special

1st place, KALA - "Bix at 50"

Student Market Radio Sportscast/Program

1st place, KALA, Logen Howell - "Move the Chains: Week 2"

Small Market Radio Talk/Public Affairs

1st place, KALA - "Relevant or Irrelevant - #416 Long Grove Bank Robbery of 1921"

Student Market Television General Reporting

Award of Merit, SAUtv, Charles Hart - "Bee'ing the Difference in their Community"

Student Market Television Newscast

Award of Merit, SAUtv - "Dateline SAU: December 10, 2021"

IOWA BROADCAST NEWS ASSOCIATION - 2021

Student Radio - Play-by-Play