NewsCenter43 was recognized April 13 as the top student newscast at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Region 5 conference in Springfield, Ill. This is the second consecutive year the program has won this award over student-run newscasts at universities in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

In addition to the overall award, junior Scott Hums received a first and second place award in feature news photography.

SPJ is the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

"It feels really good to be recognized after all the hard work," said Amy Barnette, a Ball State junior from Noblesville and news director. "Putting 9 newscasts on the air is tough while still keeping up with our studies."

NewsCenter43 airs Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 9:30 p.m.

The student newscasts, staffed by volunteers from various academic majors, are broadcast locally on cable access channel 43 from the Ball Communications Building, home of the Department of Telecommunications.

Tim Pollard, a telecommunications professor and NewsCenter43 faculty adviser, said the hard work of Ball State student journalists is reflected in SPJ's recognition.

"This is what separates Ball State students from others in the region," he said. "The experience they gain here makes them successful professionals."

NewsCenter43 provides news and information from around the Midwest as a student bureau for CNN, the international cable news network.

The program will now go on to compete against winners from SPJ regions across the country. Judging is expected to take place in May, with the winners being announced in October at the organization's national convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Pollard at tpollard@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1481.)