KJHK 90.7 FM, the student-run radio station at the University of Kansas, has won five regional awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, an organization representing professional and student journalists in print, radio, television and online platforms.
The Mark of Excellence Awards, organized by Society of Professional Journalists, are designed to recognize outstanding student work in media across nearly 40 categories, with entries submitted by university radio stations, television facilities, print newspapers, online publications and other student media outlets across the region. KJHK competes in the large school division against other schools with student populations of 10,000 or more. Regional honorees were announced via email on Tuesday, March 11. Full results, including the place of each regional honoree – students compete for first, second or third – will be announced at the SPJ Region 7 Spring Conference, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26 in Overland Park, Kan. SPJ’s Region 7 includes media outlets from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
KJHK students were recognized for regional honors in five categories, including:
In-Depth Reporting for “Vinyl Revival,” a radio story by KJHK News Director Scott Ross; the story was part of Ad Astra Radio’s Feb. 7, 2013 episode “Revival”
In-Depth Reporting for “Backpacks: Tools, Fashion Accessories, Personal Statements,” by news staff reporter Justin Wilson; the story was part of Ad Astra Radio’s Sept. 24, 2013 episode “Back to School/Back in Time”
Features Reporting for “Max Brooks: Zombies, Vampires and Cultural Anxieties,” by Assistant News Director Christine Noriega; the story was part of Ad Astra Radio’s Oct. 31, 2013 episode “Fear of Change”
Features Reporting for “‘War of the Worlds’ in Context,” by news staff reporter Kalen Stockton; the story was part of Ad Astra Radio’s Oct. 31, 2013 episode “Fear of Change”
Best Affiliated Website for www.kjhk.org; the station website is competing in a combined media category that included entries from student newspapers, magazines and broadcast organizations. KU students recognized both by SPJ and KJHK for the success of www.kjhk.org include Sarah Brennan, Marc Schroeder, Taylor Umbrell and all KJHK student staff members.
KJHK, a 2600-watt FM station serving the University of Kansas and the surrounding area since 1975, focuses on showcasing new independent music as well as providing innovative news, sports, and local music coverage, programmed entirely by KU students. The station is staffed by nearly 150 student volunteers and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It enjoys a broad and loyal listenership, but also delivers on an important mission. KJHK also provides content on its website at www.kjhk.org, and through its iPhone app.
KJHK is a student organization administered through the Union Programs Office of the KU Memorial Unions, a not-for-profit affiliate of the University of Kansas. The station provides KU students with a unique and personal development experience centered in the communication of culture and the cultivation of leadership. More information about KJHK can be found at www.kjhk.org.