2026 NSMC Production Awards

Here are the 2026 CBI National Student Production Awards Finalists, listed by category. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists! Your work stood out among an impressive field of student media from across the country.

We encourage you to keep creating, innovating, and telling stories that matter. We look forward to celebrating all of this year’s finalists and announcing the winners at the 2026 National Student Media Convention in Philadelphia this October.

Join us October 14–17, 2026, in Philadelphia as we celebrate this year’s finalists and announce the winners!

2026 Award Categories

Best DJ

• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio – Brandon Saam
• Indiana State University, WZIS-FM – Seth Berquist Aircheck
• Loyola University Maryland, WLOY Loyola Radio – DJ Bravo
• Marshall University, WMUL-FM – Nolan Duncan DJ Reel

Best Promo

• Columbia College Chicago, WCRX – Live in the Loop with Stephanie Haro
• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio – RedZone Promo
• Michigan State University, Impact 89FM – Thee Hourz o’ Power: Concert
• Wayne State College, KWSC – Cryptid of the Week Promo

Best Public Service Announcement

• Michigan State University, Impact 89FM – Spartan Recycling
• San Antonio College, KSYM-FM – Summer Meals
• Texas State University, KTSW-FM 89.9 – Texas State’s Bobcat Safe Ride
• University of Texas-Arlington, UTA Department of Communication – Digital Footprint

Best Newscast or Sportscast

• Indiana State University, WZIS – WZIS News Update
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – KRNU-FM Newscast
• University of Southern Indiana, 95.7 The Spin – January 20, 2026 Sportscast
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, WRST-FM – Week In Review May 8, 2026

Best Hard News Reporting

• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – On the Road: Immigration
• University of Indianapolis, WICR 88.7 – Hailey Buzbee Remains Recovered
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – UNL Car Break-Ins
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM – Janesville Data Center Protests Coverage

Best Feature News Reporting

• Rice University, KTRU-LP – New air monitors help Channelview track barge pollution
• Rice University, KTRU-LP – Refugee nonprofits turn to collaboration amid funding cuts
• University of Texas-Arlington, UTA Department of Communication – Gen Z Socials
• Wayne State College, KWSC – E15 in Nebraska

Best Special Broadcast

• Marshall University, WMUL-FM – 55th Annual Fountain Ceremony Coverage
• Marshall University, WMUL-FM – Still Making an Impact – Women of the Herd
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Terrascope Radio – Turning the Table
• University of California, Berkeley, KALX – Northgate Radio Special – Just Transitions: The Bay’s Next Chapter

Best Documentary

• Hillsdale College, Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM – Commander In Chief: Lyndon B. Johnson
• Rowan University, Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM – Filter: An Examination of Social Media
• St. Cloud State University, KVSC-88.1FM – ICE in Central Minnesota
• University of California, Berkeley, KALX – Death In The Bay Area

Best Regularly Scheduled Entertainment Program

• Hillsdale College, Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM – Story Behind the Song: Stephanie Childress
• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio – Drive-Thru Normal
• University of Minnesota, Radio K – Real College Podcast: What Protest Sounds Like
• University of Tennessee-Martin, WUTM-FM 90.3 “The Hawk” – Detras de la Cancion

Best Podcast

• Hillsdale College, Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM – The Poetry Fix: Old Ironsides
• Midwestern State University, MNG Media – Audio Files from Peace Grove: Episode 2
• Midwestern State University, MNG Media – You Still Can: Episode 1
• University of Pittsburgh, WPTS-FM – Navigating the Ivory Tower

Best Sports Reporting

• Encinal Junior/Senior High School, 96.1 KJTZ – Encinal Baseball plays Tamalpais at Oracle Park
• Marshall University, WMUL-FM – Marshall Swim & Dive Out, Stunt In
• Marshall University, WMUL-FM – Marshall Volleyball Needs One More Win
• Mississippi State University, WMSV Radio – Transfer Portal impact on high school sports

Best Sports Play-by-Play

• Ithaca College, WICB – WICB Game Day: 66th Cortaca Jug
• Michigan State University, Impact 89FM – Michigan State Hockey vs. Ohio State | Big Ten Tournament
• Texas State University, KTSW-FM 89.9 – Texas State vs Texas A&M Baseball March 17, 2026
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – USC at UNL Football November 1, 2025

Best Sports Show

• Rowan University, Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM – The Rowan Sports Review
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM – Toss the Mic Sportscast
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM – WSUM Overtime – Court Trial
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, WRST-FM – National Championship Pregame

Best Station Imaging

• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio – WZND Imaging
• Texas State University, KTSW-FM 89.9 – KTSW 89.9 Station Imaging
• University of West Georgia, WOLF Radio – WOLF Radio Imaging
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM – WSUM Imaging

Best Audio Music Production

• Michigan State University, Impact 89FM – Florence Texas Live on The Basement
• Ohio University, ACRN – Twerp – ACRN Radio Residency
• Texas State University, KTSW-FM 89.9 – KTSW Studio C: Chasing Tigers
• West Texas A&M University, KWTS-FM – Live Lounge – Nelson McKinney

Best Audio Interview

• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio – Sharon Chung Interview
• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – Aaron de Jesus from “1776” Interview
• University of Cincinnati, Bearcast Media – Off The Record
• University of Southern Indiana, 95.7 The Spin – Ali Saunders – Basketball Star

Radio Station of the Year

• Illinois State University, WZND Fuzed Radio
• Marshall University, WMUL-FM
• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM

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Combined Division

Best Student Media Web Site

• Berry College, Viking Fusion – VikingFusion.com
• Ithaca College, ICTV – ICTV.org
• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – wmscradio.com
• University of Colorado Boulder, KVCU Radio 1190 – 1190.radio

Best Social Media Presence

• John Carroll University, Blue Streak Media – JCU Studios Instagram
• Loyola University Maryland, WLOY Loyola Radio – WLOY Instagram
• The University of Akron, WZIP-FM – WZIP Instagram
• University of South Carolina, WUSC – WUSC Instagram

Outstanding Event Photography

• Neumann University, Neumann Media – William Karwoski – Camp out for Hunger Coverage
• University of Indianapolis, UINDY TV – March Madness Music Fest in Downtown Indianapolis
• University of Indianapolis, UINDY TV – No Kings Protests
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, WSUM 91.7 FM – Snake On The Lake Music Festival 2025

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Video Division

Short Film Fiction

• Messiah University, YBTV-The Pulse – Reflections
• Newhouse School of Public Communications, Television, Radio and Film Department – Up My Sleeve
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – Long Play
• University of Texas at Dallas, UTD-TV – Immensity Of Vacancy

Long Film Fiction

• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – So Tender A Flame
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – South Shore
• University of Texas at Dallas, UTD-TV – You Any Good
• Wayne State College, KWSC – Vergete Moderland

Digital Shorts

• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – Envision Film Festival Open
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – Silent Night Teaser
• West Texas A&M University, KWTS-FM – WT Student Counseling Services
• York College of Pennsylvania, WVYC-FM – Far From Home-A Video Poem

Best Comedy

• Appalachian State University, AppTV – The Creature
• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Mixed Signal Pavloving Roommates
• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Tech Deck Fight Club
• S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Television, Radio and Film Department – Casa Grande

Best Promo

• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Fall Open House
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – WTUR Rap Ad
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – UNL Esports
• University of South Carolina, Student Gamecock Television – “Commercial within a Commercial” Media Fest Commercial

Best Public Service Announcement

• Texas State University, Texas State Television – PALS
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – Be Safe on Scooters
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Titan TV – Phone Awareness
• Wayne State College, KWSC – Silence Your Phones

Best Newscast

• Ithaca College, ICTV – Evening in America
• Ithaca College, ICTV – Game Over
• Newhouse School of Public Communications, CitrusTV – News Live at 6 – Wednesday, April 8th
• West Texas A&M University, KWTS-FM – The Prairie News – Show 3

Best Hard News Reporting

• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – ON THE ROAD: Free the Press
• Newhouse School of Public Communications, CitrusTV – Empty Desks: CNY Schools’ Battle to Combat Chronic Absenteeism
• Penn State University, Bellisario College Student Media – Anti-ICE Posters spark controversy in State College
• Penn State University, Bellisario College Student Media – Fighting to Survive: PA volunteer fire companies battle funding and staffing challenges

Best Feature News Reporting

• Eastern Illinois University, WEIU-FM – Amish Story
• Penn State University, Bellisario College Student Media – Tango with a Twist: Legendary Dance has a New Role in Health and Healing
• Temple University, Temple Update – Revolutionary Gene Therapy Administered at CHOP
• University of Cincinnati, Media Production Division – Snake Handlers

Best Special Broadcast

• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – First Mountain Music Festival
• Montclair State University, WMSC 90.3 FM – FOCUS: AI
• University of Cincinnati, Media Production Division – Hopscotch
• University of Cincinnati, Media Production Division – The Spirits of Cincinnati

Best Documentary Long Form

• John Carroll University, Blue Streak Media – JFK: The Cleveland Investigations
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – Kids Who Dance
• Texas State University, Texas State Television – The Quiet Mind, Evolution of AI in Academia
• York College of Pennsylvania, WVYC-FM – The Uninvited Guests

Best Documentary Short Form

• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – Thin Places
• Texas State University, Texas State Television – The Story of Team 379
• The University of Akron, Z-TV – Smart Cookies – The Chaotic Production of the iPhone
• The University of Akron, Z-TV – Smart Cookies – The Hidden Art: A History of Film Editing

Best General Entertainment Program

• Appalachian State University, AppTV – Get Bakin’: Lentil Tacos
• Pittsburg State University, CAPS 13 – The Frame: Episode 1
• S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Orange Television Network – Cooking with Cuse | Lion’s Mane Steak with Zachary Papaleoni
• St. Cloud State University, UTVS Television – Huskies on The Road – Season 2, Episode 1

Best Live Production

• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Dam Jam 2025 ft. Dayglow
• Penn State University, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications – THON 2026 Line Dance
• Penn State University, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications – THON 2026 Pep Rally
• St. Cloud State University, UTVS Television – TEDx St. Cloud – Cory Hepola

Best Sports Reporting

• Appalachian State University, AppTV – The D1 Dream
• Appalachian State University, AppTV – The Road to 500 Strikeouts
• St. Cloud State University, UTVS Television – Lift Heavy, Live Strong – Joshua Neumann’s Story
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Journalism & Mass Communications – Pius Jr. Bolt Football kicks off inaugural season

Best Live Sports Broadcast

• Berry College, Viking Fusion – Berry College Football vs Millsaps College
• Berry College, Viking Fusion – Berry College Football vs Trinity University
• John Carroll University, Blue Streak Media – NCAC Men’s Basketball Quarterfinals: John Carroll vs. Oberlin
• Pittsburg State University, CAPS 13 – Pittsburgh State vs Fort Hays Women’s Basketball Game of the Week February 21, 2026

Best Sportscast

• Montclair State University, RHSN – Live Game: (Pregame) Women’s Flag Football
• Penn State University, Bellisario College Student Media – After The Whistle: October 17, 2025
• Temple University, OwlSports Update Productions – Inside the Nest – Cherry and White
• Temple University, OwlSports Update Productions – Inside the Nest October 14, 2026

Best Station Imaging

• Arkansas State University, ASU-TV – ASU-TV “Your Campus Channel” 2025 Promo
• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Volunteer Training Recap Promo
• University of Alabama at Birmingham, UABtv – TV Man Redemption

Best Video Music Production

• Penn State University, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications – THON 2026 Fitz and the Tantrums Performance
• Ohio University, ACRN – The Laughing Chimes – ACRN In-Studio
• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Molly Martinka | Locals Live
• Oregon State University, KBVR-TV – Orange Cat IQ Test | Locals Live

Best Video Interview

• Appalachian State University, AppTV – A Game Live | Brittney Whiteside
• Ithaca College, ICTV – The Director’s Chair
• St. Cloud State University, UTVS Television – On The Pitch: Gretta MacDonald
• Taylor University, Film & Media Arts – WTUR interview with Ian MacGinnis

Video Channel of the Year

• Newhouse School of Public Communications, CitrusTV
• Newhouse School of Public Communications, Orange Television Network
• Penn State University, Bellisario College Student Media
• St. Cloud State University, UTVS Television

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Congratulations again to all of this year’s finalists!

Winners will be announced this October at the 2026 National Student Media Convention in Philadelphia.

Be sure to stay connected with CBI by following us on Instagram, X, BlueSky, and Facebook at @AskCBI, and by joining us on Discord for the latest updates.

For more information — and to register — visit AskCBI.org.

We look forward to seeing you October 14–17 in Philadelphia!