Indiana State University Newsroom

Five Indiana State University students are finalists for the 2016 College Media Association Pinnacle Awards for radio production work at WZIS-FM, 90.7.

"WZIS has come a long way over the last few years; the students continue to put out quality work and it is great that they are being recognized nationally for their efforts," said Richard Green, FM radio station manager. "The students are passionate about media and it reflects in their projects. I couldn't be more proud of these students and they deserve it."

Matthew White of Indianapolis, a senior at majoring in communication; A.J. Patiag of Indianapolis, a recent graduate; and Araceli Juarez of South Bend, a senior majoring in automation and control engineering Technology, were nominated for Best Radio Public Service Announcement for a PSA created to increase awareness about the importance of freedom of speech and self-expression.

"I'm proud of the hard work that every student puts in for WZIS, and the ISU student media organization," said Patiag. "They continue to excel, and grow; even after graduating the work that each student creates will follow them into careers they want to pursue."

Christopher Adkins of Indianapolis, a junior majoring in communication, and Kylie Adkins of Indianapolis, a senior majoring in English and languages literature and linguistics, were nominated for Best Talk Radio Program for the "Shut-Ins" talk-radio show.

"Working in Student Media has been a fantastic experience," said Chris Adkins. "When I think about what I have accomplished there and where I started it gives me a lot of hope for my future; the classroom is great, but anyone will tell you that it's no substitute for experience."

The winners of the Pinnacle Awards will be announced in October during the 2016 Fall National College Media Convention. There are three colleges per category. Indiana State University students are finalists alongside students from Texas State University, Marshall University, New England School of Communications at Husson University, and West Virginia University.

The College Media Association received more than 2,800 individual entries in 12 categories from hundreds of colleges and universities.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photos are available upon request. The radio PSA is available online by clicking here. A clip of the talk show is available online by clicking here.

About ISU Student Media

Students at Indiana State University receive hands-on experience producing materials for a variety of media outlets, including a newspaper, yearbook, cable television channel, radio station, websites and a commercial video production unit. Student Media units include the Indiana Statesman, The Sycamore, WZIS, 90.7 FM, Sycamore Video and Syc Creations.

Writer and media contact: Rachel Eckerle, ISU Student Media, 812-237-3690