Topic: College of Communication Information and Media

July 29, 2011

A public service announcement (PSA) created by senior telecommunications student Jenna James has won first place in the television category of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Education Foundation competition.

James produced, shot and edited her 30-second PSA, "Freedom of Speech," which uses creative content to express the theme. NAB is granting James a $3,000 scholarship award, and her PSA will be made available to TV stations across the nation for on-air distribution.

Timothy Pollard, telecommunications department chair, said that Ball State's program has a national reputation for involving talented students in projects like this. "Jenna's effort put into her PSA signifies the belief this university has in allowing creative people the outlet to stretch their abilities," Pollard said.

NAB is encouraging stations to run James' PSA during National Freedom of Speech Week, Oct. 17-23. The PSA will also be showcased at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) annual conference Sept. 26 in New Orleans.

By Mallory Sturgeon