MSU broadcast students earn regional nominations for excellence in journalism
By Kaitlyn Yeatman
STARKVILLE, Miss.— Mississippi State University broadcast students have been recognized this spring for their outstanding work, earning nominations in two categories of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Southeast Chapter Student Production Awards. The nominations include Newscast and News Report – Serious News, highlighting the students’ dedication to high-quality journalism.
Founded in 1955, NATAS promotes excellence in television arts and sciences, recognizing outstanding work at regional and national levels. MSU is part of the organization’s Southeast EMMY chapter, which honors exceptional contributions to broadcast journalism, production, and storytelling.
Head of MSU’s Department of Communication Terry Likes said that the department strives to make their students well-rounded and competitive. “I believe in providing ways for our students to achieve excellence in all fields related to communication, media and theater. We provide real-world, hands-on opportunities on campus and via internships,” said Likes. “With a highly competitive job market, employers want the best and brightest and we are proud to say that our students, in the last three years, have won nearly 400 awards in national, regional and state juried competitions. When students are taught by top-notch faculty like we have at MSU, these honors add to their educational experience by not only honoring students but showing them to strive for excellence every day, that hard work pays off, and that their investment in themselves from their MSU education has paid off.”
MSU’s Take 30 Newscast members nominated in the Newscast Category include:
Brandon Bell, a 2024 MSU graduate from Mableton, GA
Aubrey Carter, a senior communication major from Alabaster, AL
Michael Cassidy, a 2024 MSU graduate from Stafford, VA
Kaleb Green, a 2024 MSU graduate from Starkville, MS
Kalann Haymon, a senior communication major from Drew, MS
Anthony Jenkins, a 2024 MSU graduate from Columbus, MS
Raylen Ladner, a 2024 MSU graduate from Diamondhead, MS
Breland Lucious, a senior communication major from Tupelo, MS
Sarah McGaughy, a senior communication major from Brandon, MS
Brenan Ryan, a 2024 MSU graduate from Harvest, AL
Callie Simonton, a 2024 MSU graduate from Suwanee, GA
Teirraah Tidwell, a 2024 MSU graduate from Jackson, MS.
Aubrey Carter also was nominated for the category News Report–Serious Report.
For more details about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Communication, visit www.cas.msstate.edu or https://www.comm.msstate.edu/.
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