WKU Students Earn Top Honors in Hearst Multimedia Competition

Western Kentucky University (WKU) students excelled in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program, with Brett Phelps winning first place and a $3,000 scholarship in the Innovative Multimedia Competition, and Madeline Powell securing third place with a $1,500 award. WKU is currently ranked second in the Intercollegiate Multimedia Competition and has a storied history in the Hearst program, having placed in the top eight for 31 consecutive years. Meanwhile, student journalists from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee also achieved significant recognition, winning awards for best multimedia and photography, particularly for their impactful reporting on immigration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. At the Wisconsin Newspaper Association's 2024 Better Newspaper Contest, the Green Bay Press-Gazette garnered 20 awards, including multiple first places, showcasing the quality of journalism produced in Wisconsin. Additionally, The Northwestern, Oshkosh's daily newspaper, received six awards in the same contest, highlighting the achievements of local journalism. These accolades reflect the ongoing commitment to quality reporting and the development of young journalists across various educational institutions.