SUNY Plattsburgh Radio Production Students Earn Top Honors in National Competition
Three SUNY Plattsburgh students took first-, second- and third-place prizes in a public service announcement competition that drew attention to the importance of monetary donations in response to international disasters.
The Center for International Disaster Information hosts the contest, Public Service Announcements for International Disasters, or PSAid, asking students from across the country to create radio and print announcements that demonstrate how the most efficient and effective way to help international disaster victims is to give cash, rather than in-kind donations.
Audio Production Majors Sweep Top Spots
Kyle Egna, a sophomore from Niskayuna, N.Y., majoring in audio production, won the first place award of $3,000 for his radio PSA, “Cash Is Best to Help Disaster Victims.”
James Switser, a junior audio production major from Plattsburgh, placed second in the radio division, earning a $1,500 prize for his PSA, “Roving Reporter Paul.”
Valerie Ashline, a senior from Plattsburgh majoring in audio production, placed third in the same division, earning $750 for her entry, “Show That You Care.”
Public Service Announcements Covered in Class
“I rearranged my syllabus in advanced radio production so that we would be covering material relating to properly crafting public service announcements,” said Timothy Clukey, associate professor in communication studies. “Students completed their projects with CIDI as their target client.”
“The contest results attest to the fact that our audio/radio production students are top-notch,” Clukey said. “Advance students such as these have learned to move beyond the mechanical aspects of production to focus on incorporating elements of artistry as well as properly impacting a target audience.”
Program, College Play Important Role in Win
“I wasn’t expecting to become a finalist, let alone take first place,” said Egna. “I thought it was pretty amazing, especially since it all came from simply doing an assignment for class. SUNY Plattsburgh definitely played a big role in the experience. If it hadn’t been for the programs/facilities here, I may not have even had such an opportunity.”
In addition to the cash prizes, winners may have their PSA distributed nationally.