Michigan Student Broadcast Awards
2026 Michigan Student Broadcast Awards Finalists
Congratulations to all finalists! Judging is complete, and we’re proud to recognize the outstanding student work selected for this year’s Michigan Student Broadcast Awards. Final award placements will be announced at the Student Broadcast Awards Luncheon on March 26 at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing.
Michigan Student Broadcast Awards Lunch, Awards Presentation, & Career Fair
Thursday, March 26 | Crowne Plaza Lansing West | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
925 S Creyts Rd, Lansing, MI 48917
11:00 am - Keynote Conversation
11:45 am - Lunch
12:15 pm - Awards Presentation
1:45 pm - Career Fair
All award finalists receive complimentary registration to this event. Guests may purchase a ticket for $25. Registration is required for both award finalists and guests.
High School Visual
Cedar Springs High School
Davison High School
East Kentwood High School
McBain High School
Montrose High School
Northwest High School
Rockford High School
Troy Athens High School
Troy School District Creative Guild
West Bloomfield High School
High School Audio
Bloomfield Hills High School
East Kentwood High School
McBain High School
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
Star International Academy
Troy Athens High School
Troy School District Creative Guild
Wexford ISD
College Visual
Central Michigan University
Delta College
Ferris State University
Michigan State University
Northern Michigan University
University of Olivet
WOLV at the University of Michigan
College Audio
Henry Ford College, WHFR
Hillsdale College, WRFH
Lansing Community College
Michigan State University, WDBM
Northern Michigan University, WUPX
Oakland University, WXOU
University of Michigan, WCBN
University of Olivet, WOCR
Western Michigan University, WIDR
Let’s celebrate together 
If you or your students are named as finalists, we’d love to celebrate with you on social media!
Here are a few fun ways to join in:
- Take a photo or selfie with your team, class, or advisor - bonus points if you’re holding a printed finalist graphic.
- Capture a quick reaction video or reel when you see your name on the finalist list and share the moment.
Capture a quick reaction video or reel when you see your name on the finalist list and share the moment.Either email Annie@michmab.com with your pics/video or tag @mibroadcasters on social media so we can celebrate and share your posts with the broader broadcast community!
High School Visual Finalists
Division: High School Visual
Current Events Story
- AI in Art and Music
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Mariah Wright - Cesar Chavez Day
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Diarra Gangazha - It Was Something Worth Losing
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Chloe Elizondo, Regan Cooper, Emma Gjurkovic
Documentary
- Just Like Everyone Else
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Kyndra Raska, Regan Cooper, Emma Lombard - StoryBridge: Beyond the Diagnosis
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Angelina Matti - Why Native Plants?
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Samantha Sanday, Olivia Lee, Cecelia Gould
Hard News
- I Love U Guys
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Anika Lake, Delaney DenOuden, Trinity VanderWoude - Surviving Sexual Assault- Bella Perez Story
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Brooke Laine - Trigger and Response
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Owen Tiedt, Regan Cooper, Kalena Jakubiak, Lana Moore
Live Sports Coverage
- Davison vs De la Salle Football 9-5-25
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Tyler Uptegraff, Brooke Laine, Montana Armes, Trent Uptegraff - McBain v Lake City boys basketball
Organization: McBain High School, Rambler Review
Credits: Landen Eisenga, Grant Tripp, Kalyx Austin - Wyatt Wixson: Live Sports Coverage
Organization: Montrose High School, MDM-TV
Credits: Wyatt Wixson, Logan Coxon, Karson Vancura, Jack Hillard
News Feature
- First-Gen College Students
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Mariah Wright - Jostens Brings the Energy to EK
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Owen Renwick - The Snow Day Guy
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Sam VerMerris, Asa Walker, Avery Weisman, Aliyah Patterson
Newscast
- April 2025 Newscast
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: CJ Moore, Rex Poff, Brooke Laine, Cooper Austin - Falcon News Report - 11/14/25
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Eliesa Kajolli, Trenton Belton, Reece Emeott - Silent Crisis
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Regan Cooper, Emerson Bires, Ben Rourk, Anika Lake, Lana Moore
Public Service Announcement
- Food Waste PSA - See
Organization: Cedar Springs High School, CSTV
Credits: Tristan See - Silent Danger
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Kalena Jakubiak, Armando Roque, Ainsley Phelps - Their Approval Isn't Worth Your Tomorrow
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Blake Hoogerhyde, Owen Tiedt, Chloe Elizondo, Reece Magrill
Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY
- I'm Fine
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Chloe Freas, Kalena Jakubiak - OK2SAY PSA C. Khon
Organization: Northwest High School, Mountie Nation Station
Credits: Chloe Khon - See Something, Say Something
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Shelay Hapner
Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by MASSP
- A Bad Idea
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Saanvi Rameswarapu - Dear Vape...
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Chloe Freas, Lana Moore - Every Puff Counts
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Ava Baskovic, Trinity VanderWoude, Shelay Hapner
Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
- Don't Become a Statistic
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Camden Henderson, Savannah Dykstra - She Thought She was Meeting a Friend
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Zoe Jenkins, Natalie Gonzalez - Truth in My Eyes
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Chloe Elizondo
Sports Feature
- Crackman: What It Means To Be A Fan
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Ryan Stasinski, Elliot Booth, Mustafa Ali - Jaxson Dosh's Quarterback Dream
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Brooke Laine - Strength Beyond the Mat
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Camden Henderson, Ben Rourk, Chloe Elizondo, Sawyer Artz
Sports Public Service Announcement
- Cheer For Us, Not Against Them
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Katarina Tasich, Annie Lawson, Camille Cubitt, Jaya Jackson - Flash Forward
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Natalie Gonzalez, Ava Baskovic - I Want To Be Just Like Him
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Lana Moore, Regan Cooper, Lily Cutler, Zoe Jenkins
Sportscast
- Falcon Sports Report - 2/28/25
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Erica Large - Ram Center Fall
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Owen DeVries, Ava Baskovic, Teagan Venckus - Ram Rundown Winter
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Anna Austin, Emerson Bires, Owen DeVries, Graysen Williams
Talk Show/Scripted Show
- Breaking the Silence
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Emerson Bires, Delaney DenOuden, Teagan Venckus - Life Unfiltered: Mrs. Peterson's Passion
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Reman Alqabate, Lauryn Lewis - The Unseen - Scripted Show
Organization: Cedar Springs High School, CSTV
Credits: Seth Williams, Luke Egan, Keenan Hullinger, Seth Jaggers
Use of Social Media
- Connecting With Our Community
Organization: Rockford High School, Beyond the Rock
Credits: Trinity VanderWoude, Emerson Bires, Delaney DenOuden, Anika Lake - DTV Use of Social Media
Organization: Davison High School, DTV
Credits: Layla Bishop, Avery Ehrmantraut - Laker Update Social Media Use
Organization: West Bloomfield High School, Laker Update
Credits: Londyn Pitts, Luna Palise, Salisse Jones, Valiente Gillenwaters
High School Audio Finalists
Division: High School Audio
Commentary
- Brain Rot
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Fayez Baydoun - Playboi Carti
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom - The End Of The Universe
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Hannah Rosenstock
Current Events Story
- Canton Flooding
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Claudia Fisher - OU Grade Dispute
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Lama Charara - White House Ballroom
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Hannah Rosenstock
Daily Newscast/News Feature
- Newsfile at 5:30 - Brady, Jakob
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Brady Beauchamp, Jakob Muncy - Newsfile at 5:30 - Leia, Ellis, Jace
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leia Riley, Ellis Sparks, Jace Jamison - Newsfile at 5:30 - Myles, Claudia, Jace
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Myles Alcott, Claudia Fisher, Jace Jamison
Live Sports Coverage
- Canton vs Salem Boys Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Andrew Stamatakos - Canton vs Salem Girls Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Brady Beauchamp - McBain v. Pine River Boys Basketball Regional Semifinals
Organization: McBain High School, Rambler Review
Credits: Grant Tripp, Landen Eisenga
Music Feature or Special
- American Idiot
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison - Green Day
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison - Twenty One Pilots Spotlight
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Dahlia Berggren
On-Air Personality or Team
- Ben Trudell Aircheck on 88.1 the Park
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Ben Trudell - Jonah Kibin Aircheck 88.1 the Park
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Jonah Kibin - Myles Alcott Aircheck
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Myles Alcott
Promotional Announcement
- BHHS Sports
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Will Merchant - Collage Concert
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison - Warehouse FM
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Jonah Kibin
Public Service Announcement
- Echoes of Gun Violence PSA
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Lama Charara - Flu Prevention PSA 1 - Connor, Laila, Emma & Averi
Organization: Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center
Credits: Connor Hartoon, Laila Sparks, Emma Byrnes, Averi Verdi - Underage Drinking
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Evie Keough
Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY
- Be The Champion Of Safety With OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard - End Fights With OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom - It's OK2SAY
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Honor Hutchison
Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
- Human Trafficking
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Aiden Lindblom - Human Trafficking Warning Signs
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Hend Mohamed - Michigan Human Trafficking
Organization: Star International Academy, The Nest
Credits: Samira Jawad
Sports Feature
- Girls Basketball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Ben Trudell, Andrew Stamatakos - Runner Nate Linden Sets Several School Records
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Taryn Fritzsching - Softball
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Leo Popp, Brady Beauchamp, Jakob Muncy, Aiden Przeslawski
Sports Public Service Announcement
- Change Lives With High School Sports
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard - Recruiting Refs
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Maya Zendel - Sportsmanship
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Bayla Kaluzny
Sportscast
- F1 Season In Review
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard - NHL Season So Far
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Magdalena Leonard - Sports Daily - Ben
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Ben Trudell
Talk Show/Podcast
- Community Focus - World War II Vet
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Adithya Srivathsa - Keeping It Real: Let's CHAT About AI!
Organization: TSD Creative Guild
Credits: Akshita Sakthi, Anika Singh - STEM Stories: Science Olympiad
Organization: Troy Athens High School
Credits: Nikhil Rao, Saaya Shrikant
Use of Social Media
- 88.1 the Park Social Media
Organization: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, 88.1 The Park
Credits: Adithya Srivathsa, Nymisha Kondur - FNN Social Media
Organization: East Kentwood High School, Falcon News Network
Credits: Diarra Gangazha - WBFH Use of Social Media
Organization: Bloomfield Hills High School, WBFH The Biff
Credits: Evie Keough
College Visual Finalists
Division: College Visual
Current Events Story
- Big Rapids Life: Mecosta Recycles
Organization: Ferris State University Television & Digital Media Production
Credits: Zachary Wallace, Mason Barker - Clear Skies Ahead
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Sonja Krohn - How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki, Aaron Moore
Documentary
- Are You Kidding?
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Avery Taylor, Mya Legel, Jonus Cottrell - GARY: Sculpting a Legacy at Olivet
Organization: The University of Olivet
Credits: Shae Lampinen, Jack Webb, Joshua Moore, Gage McCrimmon, Brayden Craig - TDMP 50th Anniversary Film
Organization: Ferris State University Television & Digital Media Production
Credits: Tyler Hawley, Jaden Mein, Jackson Sonefeld
Hard News
- "Pot-holes"
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Anthony Brinson, Owen McCarthy, Jack David - Coleman, MI Barricaded Gunman
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki, Kate Jones - NEWSFEED | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEI CUTS
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Jackie Thorez, Carson Downer, Sarah Yousif
Live Sports Coverage
- Michigan State men's basketball vs Colgate 11.3.25
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Madison McCarter, Jack Stager, Joe Dez - Michigan State Volleyball vs Nebraska
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jack Stager, Jacob Maurer, Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Madison McCarter - NMU vs Davenport Football at the Superior Dome
Organization: Northern Michigan University
Credits: Emma Marotz, Nathan Phipps, Austin Graham, Tristen Harsila
News Feature
- Harvesting Memories
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jackie Graham - History of Daylight Savings Time
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Ella Pierzecki - Indigenous Peoples' Day
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Griffin Machrowicz
Newscast
- Focal Point News - 10/24/2025
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Ava Moschet, Madison McCarter, Jack David, Macy Rodriguez - News Central 11-10-2025
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Mike Gonzalez, Ayonna Hayes, Teagan Schultz - Newsfeed | MALALA VISITS UMICH, 'BEST OF ANN ARBOR' LIST, AND MORE!
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Carson Downer, Audrey Ash, Rosemary Kozura
Public Service Announcement
- Don't Drink and Drive
Organization: Delta College
Credits: Magdalena Turowska - If You're Sick, See the Doc Quick
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Max Watkins, Eli Howard, Martin Ivezaj - Look for the Warning Signs
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Alec Tran, Oscar Anderson, Gabrielle Hautea
Sports Feature
- Mando Gutierrez: A Fighter With No Plan B
Organization: Independent Project
Credits: Dominic Carroll - NEWSFEED | STUDENT-ATHLETE CAYLIE MCMAHON SPOTLIGHT
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Sean Henderson, Carson Downer, Jackie Thorez, Sarah Yousif - One-of-a-Kind Friendship
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Amy Cho
Sportscast
- Local 4 Sportscast
Organization: Independent Project
Credits: Dominic Carroll - Spartan Sports Report 12.02.25
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Jack Stager, Oliviah Klinski, Derrick Mitchell, Madison McCarter - SportsCenter Season 3: Episode 16 | Weekly Review 2/19/25
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Ryan Thomas, Alexander Marshall, Riley Maczik, Zach Warshaw
Talk Show/Scripted Show
- After Hours Season 4 EP 3
Organization: Central Michigan University School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
Credits: Adrian Castillo, Josie Hite, Hugh Service, Reiken Smith - Sit Down Interview w/ Fredrick Richard | Beyond The GaMe
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Ryan Thomas, Loui Gabaron, Gina Czochara - SODA KAZUHIRO - WOLV TV Spotlight Interview w/ Alexander Marshall
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Tianyi Zhai, Alexander Marshall, Alicia Clark
Use of Social Media
- Spartan Sports Report Socials
Organization: Michigan State University School of Journalism
Credits: Darius Snow, Erin Grady, Madilynn Warden, Audrey Dayton - WOLV-TV Social Media
Organization: WOLV-TV at the University of Michigan
Credits: Alicia Clark, Josie Rumsey
College Audio Finalists
Division: College Audio
Commentary
- Music Festivals
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Lilly Faye Kraemer - The Death of Charlie Kirk
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Quinn Delamater - Word to the Wise: Activism
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Ariel McDowell
Current Events Story
- American Sign Language club advocates for new ASL summer courses
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Lilly Williams - National Park Protocols During a Federal Government Shutdown
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Tessa Merritt - The Michigan Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Nathan Schweri
Daily Newscast/News Feature
- Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event, MSU community members share perspectives
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Maco Jeleniewski - History Off Script: Thanksgiving
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: James Joski - The Kirk Center
Organization: The University of Olivet, WOCR
Credits: Alisha Gahn
Live Sports Coverage
- Basketball: Hillsdale vs. Kentucky Wesleyan, 02/01/25
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gordie Lafontaine, Evan Mick - Football: Michigan State vs. Minnesota
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Jacob Maurer, Kyle Keegan - Hockey: Michigan State vs. Michigan
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Jackson Vohwinkle, Oscar Henderson
Music Feature or Special
- Playlist with the President
Organization: Northern Michigan University, WUPX
Credits: Radio X WUPX, Sam Colburn, Lauren Lahtinen - The Gospel Train presents "Sing, Sister, Sing"
Organization: University of Michigan , WCBN
Credits: Anja Sheppard - The Timbrel & the Lyre
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gwen Thompson
On-Air Personality or Team
- Anna Yarnal
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Anna Yarnal - Undetected
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Alessia Sandala, Megan Li - WIDR DJs Dan Hubble, Caity Ahearne & Lukas Filcek
Organization: Western Michigan University, WIDR
Credits: Dan Hubble, Caity Ahearne, Lukas Filcek
Promotional Announcement
- Afterglow: Hypnotist
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Caleb Jones, Martin Goleski, Maggie Heflin - Afternoon Jazz Promo 2025
Organization: Henry Ford College, WHFR
Credits: Alex Jagodzinsky - WRFH Station Promo
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller
Public Service Announcement
- Flu Virus Awareness
Organization: Oakland University, WXOU
Credits: Kalistiné Louca, Mathew Seidel - Hot People Know Their Status
Organization: Oakland University, WXOU
Credits: Kalistiné Louca, Maya Kirksey, Maryanne Sanford - Sneeze In Your Sleeve
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Emily Schutte
Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
- Human Trafficking
Organization: Lansing Community College
Credits: Ashton Perdue - Human Trafficking: Get Help
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Quinn Delamater - Human Trafficking: Listen
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller
Sports Feature
- After the Combine with Isaac TeSlaa
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Evan Mick - Green and White Report: Calling Our Sources from Ole Miss
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Owen McCarthy, Oscar Henderson - New Rules: Magdalena Sularski
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Evan Mick
Sportscast
- 4 Man Front
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Lewis Thune, Paden Hughes, Mark Ayers, Patrick Hamilton - Green and White Report: Michigan State's President Guskiewicz talks Spartans and Concussion Research
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Jessica Kemnitz, Connor Gilley - Green and White Report: Real or Fake MLB Traditions
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Joseph DesVergnes-Christy, Jack David, Tim Marshall, Oscar Henderson
Talk Show/Podcast
- Alamo of the Pacific
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Luke Miller - The Undercurrent: Beauty With a Mission
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Kennedy DeMars - WRFH St. Patrick's Day Special
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Gavin Listro, Lilly Faye Kraemer, Gwen Thompson
Use of Social Media
- Impact 89FM Social Media
Organization: Michigan State University, WDBM
Credits: Impact 89FM Staff - WRFH Social Media
Organization: WRFH Radio/Hillsdale College
Credits: Mattie Grace Watson, Carissa Nisly - WXOU Use of Social Media
Organization: Oakland University, WXOU
Credits: Kalistiné Louca, Roman Contesi, Matthew Weed, Gavin Smilowski
2026 Categories & Contest Info
2026 Student Awards - Audio Categories
AUDIO CATEGORIES
All audio projects including over-the-air broadcasts, podcasts, Internet radio, etc.
- Commentary
A production 45 to 60 seconds in length which showcases the broadcaster’s opinion on a matter of interest to the audience. Opinions should be ethically resourced if confronting controversial topics.
Entries should include: 45 to 60 seconds of live or edited in post-production content. A disclaimer is optional and may allow the entry to extend beyond the 60 second limit.
Criteria to be judged on: Knowledge of topic, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery. - Current Events Story
Current events story that is no more than five minutes in length. Content may include significant current events of local or national interest.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute continuous story, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, presentation of facts, subject portrayal, and production value. - Daily Newscast/News Feature
A newscast or news feature that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: No more than ten minutes of a continuous selection newscast or news feature.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact. - Live Sports Coverage
Broadcast of an individual or team at a sporting event that is no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from one single sporting game or event.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation and production value. - Music Feature or Special
A music-focused special program, feature, interview, or feature story that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to 30 minutes of continuous musical programming that is not aired as part of a regular newscast or music programming block.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, entertainment value, creativity, and use of audio. - On-Air Personality or Team
Best on-air broadcast personality or broadcast team. The maximum length of entry is five minutes.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from multiple broadcasts.
Criteria to be judged on: production value, effectiveness, and creativity. - Promotional Announcement
A single spot promoting school, station, programs, or community event that is no more than three minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a three minute continuous announcement that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - Public Service Announcement
An announcement of general public interest that raises awareness to a cause or topic, not more than 60 seconds in length.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
An announcement raising awareness about labor and/or sex trafficking in Michigan and encouraging students and communities to recognize warning signs, share resources, and help prevent exploitation. The audio should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit these sites for resources:- Senior Policy Operating Group Public Awareness and Outreach Committee
- Human Trafficking Collaborative
- Myths, Facts, & Statistics
- A Shift in Framework Fact Sheet
- Juvenile Victims Fact Sheet
- Children and Youth Fact Sheet
- Hotlines
Entries should include: Up to a 60-second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program and this closing tag: “If you suspect or have been a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888. All calls are anonymous.”
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and correct tag.
- Sportscast
Best locally originated regularly scheduled sportscast or sports themed show, no more than 30 minutes in length. Pre-produced sports features, special segments, or syndicated reports should be entered in the Sports Feature category. In-game content should be submitted in the Live Sports Coverage category.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a continuous selection sportscast or sports programming. Program contents may include game recaps or excerpts from live broadcasts, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented and overall impact of the sportscast. - Sports Feature
A single report or story which may have aired in a newscast or sportscast that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute continuous selection which aired independently or as a part of a full newscast or sportscast. Content may include journalistic sports stories, athlete features, or sports human interest stories.
Criteria to be judged on: Writing, editing, knowledge of sport, delivery, and presentation. - Talk Show/Podcast
A talk show program that is no more than 30 minutes in length that can be a topic of choice.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 minute full show, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, and overall impact. - Use of Social Media
Showcase all the ways your program is using social media within a variety of platforms to enhance the listener’s experience. Demonstrate how you are connecting with your target audience and local community using social media to promote stories, programming, newscasts, sports, and/or events. Each school program will be limited to 1 entry.
Entries should include: Content such as video/audio clips, screen shots, pictures, and more, edited into one presentation file such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, or equivalent, with audio included.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity and effectiveness. - High School Only: Sports Public Service Announcement
A PSA that is 30 seconds in length promoting sportsmanship and officials recruitment.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - High School Only: Public Service Announcement - Sponsored by OK2SAY
An announcement encouraging students to utilize OK2SAY, Michigan’s Student Safety Program, if they have a concern about their safety or the safety of another. The audio should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit ok2say.com for topic suggestions.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value.
2026 Student Awards - Visual Categories
VISUAL CATEGORIES
All visual projects including on-air broadcasts, film projects, YouTube submissions, etc.
- Current Events Story
Current events story that is no more than five minutes in length. Content may include significant current events of local or national interest.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute continuous story, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, presentation of facts, subject portrayal, and production value. - Documentary
A program focused on a single topic up to 60 minutes in length. Judges may only watch portions of the entry.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 minute full documentary, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Significance, resourcefulness, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research, and production value. - Hard News
Coverage of a significant event affecting the community, no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or from a broadcast, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Significance, presentation of facts, thoroughness, and delivery. - Live Sports Coverage
Broadcast of an individual or team at a sporting event that is no more than five minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a five minute compilation of representative moments from one single sporting game or event.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation and production value. - News Feature
A single report which may have aired in a newscast as relief or contrast to serious reporting or a long form program that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or from a broadcast, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Human interest, subject portrayal, creative writing, entertainment value, and production value. - Newscast
Best locally originated newscast, no more than 30 minutes in length. Each school program will be limited to three entries.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a single newscast.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the newscast. - Public Service Announcement
An announcement of general public interest that raises awareness to a cause or topic, not more than 60 seconds in length.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
An announcement raising awareness about labor and/or sex trafficking in Michigan and encouraging students and communities to recognize warning signs, share resources, and help prevent exploitation. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit these sites for resources:- Senior Policy Operating Group Public Awareness and Outreach Committee
- Human Trafficking Collaborative
- Myths, Facts, & Statistics
- A Shift in Framework Fact Sheet
- Juvenile Victims Fact Sheet
- Children and Youth Fact Sheet
- Hotlines
Entries should include: Up to a 60-second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program and this closing tag: “If you suspect or have been a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888. All calls are anonymous.”
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and correct tag.
- Sportscast
Best locally originated sportscast or sports themed show, no more than 30 minutes in length. Pre-produced sports features or syndicated reports should be entered in the Sports Feature category. In-game content should be submitted in the Live Sports Coverage category.
Entries should include: No more than 30 minutes of a single sportscast or sports themed show. Program contents may include game recaps or excerpts from live broadcasts.
Criteria to be judged on: Presentation, production value, interest of stories presented, and overall impact of the sportscast. - Sports Feature
A single report or story which may have aired in a newscast or sportscast that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Entries should include: Up to a ten minute, unedited, continuous selection which aired independently or as a part of a full newscast or sportscast. Content may include journalistic sports stories, athlete features, or sports human interest stories.
Criteria to be judged on: Writing, editing, knowledge of sport, delivery, presentation. - Talk Show/Scripted Show
A program that is no more than 30 minutes in length that can be a topic of choice.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 minute full show, no edited compilations will be accepted.
Criteria to be judged on: Resourcefulness, creativity, comprehensiveness, thoroughness of research and production value. - Use of Social Media
Showcase all the ways your program is using social media within a variety of platforms to enhance the viewer’s experience. Demonstrate how you are connecting with your target audience and local community using social media to promote stories, programming, newscasts, sports, and/or events. Each school program will be limited to one entry.
Entries should include: Content such as video/audio clips, screen shots, pictures, and more, edited into one video submission that is no more than ten minutes in length.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity and effectiveness. - High School Only: Sports Public Service Announcement
A PSA that is 30 seconds in length promoting sportsmanship and officials recruitment.
Entries should include: Up to a 30 second continuous spot that is written, produced, and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - High School Only: Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by OK2SAY
An announcement encouraging students to utilize OK2SAY, Michigan’s Student Safety Program, if they have a concern about their safety or the safety of another. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program. Visit www.ok2say.com for topic suggestions.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, and production value. - High School Only: Public Service Announcement – Sponsored by MASSP
An announcement discouraging students and young people from using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes/vapes. The video should not be more than 60 seconds in length. Must be written, produced, and aired by your school program.
Entries should include: Up to a 60 second continuous spot that is written, produced and aired on your station or program and a line directing listeners to Michigan.gov/Tobacco or MyLifeMyQuit.com for more information.
Criteria to be judged on: Creativity, effectiveness, production value, and proper tag.
Contest Information
- No entry fees! All entries must be submitted via the online entry system and will be judged by Michigan broadcasters.
- The judges will be asked to judge each entry based on the criteria listed in each category and how well it follows the category description. The judges will also be encouraged to give feedback on each entry. The feedback, when given, will be made available to view after the competition.
- Awards may be given for 1st, 2nd, and Honorable Mention in each category. First place winners receive three points; second place winners receive two points; and Honorable Mentions receive one point for each winning entry towards Station/Program of the Year.
- Station/Program of the Year Award – The Station/Program of the Year award will be presented to the following: one high school audio station/program; one high school visual station/program; one college audio station/program; and one college visual station/program. To win the Station/Program of the Year award, the school must receive the most cumulative points in all categories entered.
- All entries become the property of the MAB Foundation. Entries may be used by the MAB Foundation and/or category sponsors for promotional purposes.
Contest Rules
- Each school’s station/program may submit up to five entries per category unless otherwise specified. If more than five are submitted in each category, only the first 5 submitted will be judged. All other submissions by that station/program in that category will not be judged.
- Independent projects produced by students currently in school may be submitted, however they will not count towards a school’s “Station of the Year” points.
- To submit an independent project, create an Open Call Contestant account, click “Submit Entry,” choose the appropriate division and category, then choose “Independent Project” in the dropdown menu under “Where Published or Performed.”
- Up to four different students may be credited on an entry, others may be added by contacting the MABF office if the entry is selected as a winner.
- All Michigan college, high school and trade school students are welcome to enter.
- Entries must have been created and produced from January 1, 2025 through December 16, 2025.
- All entries must be submitted via the online entry system. All entry links should be checked prior to submitting each entry.
- Supplemental attachments for entries are accepted and may not exceed 10MB in size. Accepted file types include: PDF, GIF, PNG, or JPG. No other file types will be accepted. Please have back-up copies and be certain all links work and remain live.
- Different categories must be on separate entries. Please complete a separate online submission for each entry.
- Entries must be completely created and produced by students. The creative concept of each entry must be original to the students submitting the entry.
- All entries must first be uploaded to an external hosting site before they can be submitted to the online entry system. Below are some suggested sites.
- YouTube
- Soundcloud
- Vimeo
- Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disqualification.
- All judges’ decisions are final.
- All entries must be received by 3:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Questions: mabf@michmab.com or 517.484.7444
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