Ball State's converged news project was honored Nov. 16 with a Technology Connector Award in Education for making significant technological advances and having a positive impact on the community.

Presented during the Vision 2006 Technology Summit at the HorizonConvention Center, the award recognizes NewsLink Indianafor work during the year ending June 30.

To be considered for the award, an organization must have an innovative technology-based solution that is a product, process or service; demonstrate an application of existing technology that enhances productivity, efficiency, and bottom line performance or work environment; and have positive impact on business and on Delaware County.

NewsLink Indiana brings together the university's award-winning student print, radio, television and online news products. It also features regular daily news briefs on WIPB-TV for East Central Indiana. The news convergence program is funded through the Center for Media Design (CMD), the centerpiece of the $20 million iCommuncation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

"This type of award highlights the importance of NewsLink Indiana's place in the emerging technology market for East Central Indiana," said Terry Heifetz, a veteran television news producer and NewsLink's managing editor. "With this technology, NewsLink Indiana has produced a 'home grown' product geared specifically for the East Central Indiana audience."

Technology Connector Awards honor local organizations that have made important technology advances in the areas of education, government, health care, entrepreneurship, nonprofit and small business.

Center for Media Design 

The Center for Media Design is an R&D facility focused on the creation, testing and practical application of digital technologies and content for business, classroom, home and community. The center is part of Ball State's iCommunication initiative, funded by a $20 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Heifetz at tjheifetz@bsu.edu or (765) 285-9300. NewsLink Indiana's Web site is www.newslinkindiana.com. Information about the technology summit may be found at www.muncietechtoday.com.)