JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Cassandra Peterson of Holly Pond is one of seven student contributors to Jacksonville State University’s student-run news outlet, The Chanticleer, and the student-run radio station, WLJS 91.9 FM, who have been named finalists for Pinnacle Awards by the College Media Association. The Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence in student contributions in news and media production on college campuses.
This year, student members working with WLJS 91.9 FM are finalists for Best Audio Newscast (Tanner Kughn), Best Audio Sportscast (Hayden Coker) and Best Audio Promotion or PSA (Aidan Cathey, Katie Cushing, Cassie Peterson). On the print news side, The Chanticleer contributors are in consideration for Best Feature Story (Anna Barrett), Best Profile (Madeline Ricard), Best Feature Story (Maddie Reid), and the organization is up for Website of the Year (jsuchanticleer.com).
Professor of Public Relations and Advertising and The Ayers Family Endowed Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication at Jacksonville State University, Dr. Chris McCollough, commented on the growing body of accomplishments from the student contributors at both outlets: “Our student staffs have helped ensure that students who make the time to engage with student media on our campus are gaining industry-relevant experience and building an industry-ready portfolio.” He added, “Their hard work is leading to a growing body of award-winning accomplishments, which complement and elevate the value of their education here in the Department of Communication and at Jacksonville State University.”
The announcement of seven finalists reflects growth in accomplishment from both outlets since the 2023 award year, when student staff members with The Chanticleer had four finalists for recognition in the student news competitions, winning three awards. The College Media Association, founded in 1954, has long been dedicated to supporting and recognizing excellence in student media. Competing in the Division II category for news and audio, Jacksonville State University’s students are up against top media programs at institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Hofstra University and Loyola Marymount. In the PSA category, they are competing with submissions from programs like Michigan State, Syracuse University and the University of South Carolina.
Both WLJS 91.9 FM and The Chanticleer maintain editorial autonomy and are run by students, with faculty advisory support from the Department of Communication and its Student Media Advisor, Ben Cunningham. Students, regardless of major, are encouraged to engage with Jacksonville State University’s student media outlets as contributors or to work as part of the paid senior staff.
Becoming involved not only offers real-world experience, but also opens doors to national recognition, just like the students named as Pinnacle Award finalists this year. Interested students can stop by the Department of Communication or visit the student media offices to learn more about how to get involved.
