Bluefield, V.a.- Bluefield College paid tribute to the work of local journalists during its 19th Annual Media Appreciation Day, November 28, which featured remarks from Jason “Moose” Reed, Director of Operations at First Media Services and the presentation of two $1,000 Shott Excellence in Media Awards.
Bluefield College hosts the area’s media professionals each year for a luncheon, keynote address, and media-student roundtable discussion, all part of Media Appreciation Day. The event is designed to recognize area media representatives for their efforts in promoting Bluefield College and serving the community.
“We want you to know how important you are to Bluefield College,” BC public relations director Lindsey Akers told the journalists in attendance. “We are grateful for the ways in which you share our story here at Bluefield College and at the same time we appreciate your service to the greater community.
As part of the recognition for the day, the college presented two Shott Excellence in Media Awards, made possible by the generosity of media entrepreneur Michael Shott and his North Point Foundation in an effort to help preserve the legacy of the Shott family who pioneered the presence of news media in Greater Bluefield. The Shott Excellence in Media Journalist Award, determined from nominations sent in from the local media and featuring a $1,000 cash prize for the journalist who demonstrates excellence in his or her vocation and who makes significant contributions to the local media community, went to First Media Services owner Bob Spencer who started his career in radio part-time and then worked his way up to own his own radio stations. Spencer’s company, First Media Services, recently made an offer on the current Alpha Media stations in Bluefield, W.V. and will take ownership of the stations in December.
Throughout his career, Spencer has been recognized with multiple “Station of the Year” awards from the West Virginia Broadcaster’s Association as well as several other statewide awards. “He has worked his way up from the bottom in the radio industry here in West Virginia,” said Akers about Spencer’s career.
The Shott Excellence in Media Student Award, featuring a $1,000 scholarship and designed to recognize a current BC communication student who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and in his or her extracurricular activities, went to Nathalia Lima because she is “exceptionally well-rounded and ambitious.”
“Her professors unanimously voted for her to receive the Shott Excellence in Media Student Award because she is a skilled writer, graphic designer, videographer, and photographer,” Akers said.
Outside of the classroom, Lima is the tutor for the Art Appreciation and Student in Modern Art classes. She also serves as the Rotaract president, is a member of Active Minds, and is a Student Today, Alumni Tomorrow member. Additionally, Lima serves as a resident assistant and organized the International Student Dinner, an event that is widely anticipated by the BC community.
BC’s Media Day program also included a keynote speech from Reed, who has worked in the radio industry for 20 years. Reed has won multiple state broadcasting awards and is the three-time “Personality of the Year” award recipient from the West Virginia Broadcaster’s Association. Reed spoke about how his love for radio first emerged and also offered five tips to the students in attendance at the event saying, “1) You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. 2) Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. 3)Don’t be afraid to take chances. 4)Learn to listen. 5) Be passionate!”
The Media Appreciation Day also included a roundtable discussion between members of the media and BC communication students. During the roundtable, the students asked questions about social media, tools of the trade, and objectivity in the media. The members of the media spoke about the importance of internships, time management, teamwork, and the value of being factual before first.
For more information about Bluefield College’s 19th Annual Media Day, visit www.bluefield.edu/mediaday or contact Lindsey Akers by phone at 276-326-4212 or via email at [email protected]