Tyler Junior College’s student media, The DrumBeat, was among the top in the nation earning three Pinnacle awards at this year’s College Media Association (CMA) Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
The DrumBeat Student Media placed second in Division III Periodic Newspaper of the Year, Two-Year Radio Station of the Year, and Two-Year TV Station of the Year.
Founded in 1954 as the National Council of College Publications Advisers, CMA now has more than 600 members from coast to coast, according to the CMA website. The organization supports both new and veteran advisers of collegiate media programs with conventions, workshops, publications and national networking.
The DrumBeat Student Media is an independent media organization run by TJC students and includes a printed newspaper, website, app, live broadcast, podcast and social media management. It is one of the oldest student organizations at TJC and is open to all majors.
The DrumBeat student newspaper is a bi-weekly production created by student journalists. Their award-winning coverage featured topics including campus construction, community involvement and student organizations, among others.
“We are honored to be recognized on the national level. Our students work hard every day to sharpen their skills and learn how to adapt to the ever-changing field of journalism,” said Kasi Dickerson, TJC mass communication professor and DrumBeat faculty adviser. “This recognition is proof of the talented student journalists we have in The DrumBeat.”
In the digital age of journalism, students showcase their skills by creating multimedia stories on thedrumbeat.com, where they combine various formats of storytelling including video packages, audio stories, photo slideshows and more. With the website and the accompanying app, students can keep the TJC campus informed with updated news and information.
The DrumBeat staff also excels in creating a live broadcast every other week. Award-winning coverage included campus events, breaking news and interviews with coaches, faculty and student leaders.
“The DrumBeat student media team is creating award-winning content that also serves to inform and educate their fellow students,” said Adrienne Hampton, TJC mass communication professor and The DrumBeat faculty adviser. “Earning national awards across three different media categories shows how talented and diversified the students are.”
To view the latest coverage, visit thedrumbeat.com.