Jacksonville State University Students Named Pinnacle Award Finalists for Excellence in Media

Jacksonville, AL – Seven students from Jacksonville State University have been named finalists for the prestigious Pinnacle Awards, hosted by the College Media Association. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions in student-run media across college campuses, with JSU’s *The Chanticleer* newspaper and WLJS 91.9 FM radio station earning finalist positions in multiple categories.

For WLJS 91.9 FM, Tanner Kughn is nominated for Best Audio Newscast, Hayden Coker for Best Audio Sportscast, and Aidan Cathey, Katie Cushing, and Cassie Peterson are finalists for Best Audio Promotion or PSA. On the print side, *The Chanticleer* saw contributors Anna Barrett recognized for Best Feature Story, Madeline Ricard for Best Profile, and Maddie Reid for Best Feature Story. The outlet itself is also a contender for Website of the Year, recognized for its site, jsuchanticleer.com.

Dr. Chris McCollough, who serves as Professor of Public Relations and Advertising and holds the Ayers Family Endowed Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication, lauded the students for their efforts. “The students involved in our media outlets gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience that prepares them for future careers,” McCollough said. “Their dedication has led to a growing list of award-winning achievements, which enhances the value of their education and portfolio as they move forward.”

This year’s seven finalist nominations mark a significant leap from the 2023 awards, when *The Chanticleer* secured four finalist spots and won three. Competing in Division II, Jacksonville State’s students are up against some of the top college media programs in the nation, including those at Vanderbilt University, Hofstra University, and Loyola Marymount University. In the highly competitive PSA category, they face submissions from major schools like Michigan State, Syracuse University, and the University of South Carolina.

Both *The Chanticleer* and WLJS 91.9 FM are entirely student-run, with editorial independence and oversight from faculty, including Student Media Advisor Ben Cunningham. The Department of Communication encourages students from all disciplines to get involved, providing them with opportunities to gain real-world media experience and achieve national recognition, such as the Pinnacle Awards.

Students interested in joining JSU’s student media outlets can visit the Department of Communication or the student media offices to learn more about getting involved.

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