University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications student journalists from WUFT-TV/FM, Noticias WUFT and The Independent Florida Alligator are finalists in the 23^rd annual Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Sunshine State Awards competition. Students were recognized in both professional and student divisions for their work on radio, television, print and online.

Finalists in the professional division include:
James Batten Award for Public Service: Project: Blue Ether, WUFT.org
Radio Investigative Reporting: Eastside-Westside Clinics, Rebekkah Mar, WUFT-FM
Public Affairs: Pulse Nightclub Special Report, WUFT-FM Staff
Online Package: Family Ashes in Pipeline’s Path, Drea Cornejo, UF CJC/Gainesville Sun
Mejor Trabajo Estudiantil (All Media): June 18, 2016 Newscast, Clara Garcia and Krystallie Pinilla, WUFT-FM “Noticias WUFT”

Finalists in the student division include:
College Journalist of the Year: Briana Erickson, Writing Portfolio
College Journalist of the Year: Drea Cornejo, Multimedia Portfolio
Best Profile: A Sister’s Bond, Ethan Bauer, Independent Florida Alligator
Best Profile: The Road Less Traveled: Garcia Finds a Home at Florida, Ethan Bauer, Independent Florida Alligator
Best Video: In Rural Union County, Web Designer Finds New Life as a Free-Range Farmer. Chris Totzke, WUFT News
Best Coverage of Race and Minorities: The Ties that Bind – Maintaining Black Culture in Gainesville, Charles Hatcher, Elise Engle, Jennifer Jenkins, Jessica Rodriguez, Kaila Jones, Laura Gomez, Lindsay Alexander, Nicole Wiesenthal, Raina Barnett, Samantha Coto, Tamara Dobry and Associate Professor John Freeman, UF CJC

First, second and third place finishers will be announced at a SPJ Florida Pro Chapter special event this summer.

Posted: May 12, 2017
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged as: Noticias WUFT, SPJ Sunshine State Awards, The Independent Florida Alligator, WUFT-FM, WUFT.org