Natural State News

A long-standing tradition of media competition among high school students continues this year with the Great A-State Media Fest. For more than eight decades, Arkansas State University hosted an in-person media competition known as “Communication Day,” but the pandemic changed things.Dr. Michael Bowman, associate professor of creative media production, said they moved to this new style of competition in 2021.“Instead of face-to-face participation, students submitted entries online. Not only did high school students participate in the competition, but we added a section that allowed college students to submit their work,” said Bowman. “While we miss having students attend on-campus, the online version has expanded the number of schools who participate.”He said around 125 students competed in the last in-person event. Those students were mostly from Northeast Arkansas. Last year, the online competition had more than 300 entries from all over the region.

“We have schools from small, rural communities to the large metropolitan areas participate in this event. Creativity and talent is not bound to the size of the school or community. We have seen some incredible entries in all categories. We are thrilled to provide a showcase for so many creative students,” said Bowman.The competition has a variety of categories students can compete in including video, audio, graphics, social media, photography and many other categories.“Across the board, students are using numerous technologies to produce great stories and amazing content that entertain, educate, and inform,” said Bowman. “We are constantly amazed at how students are exploring new and creative ways to produce compelling content.”Submissions can be made with a deadline of Friday, March 3, at ASUTV.com/mediafest.“We’ve heard stories about teachers gathering their students together in a classroom to watch the ceremony. Students seeing their work, creativity and talent recognized during this award ceremony is a joyful and inspiring moment,” said Bowman. “Additionally, this recognition is a source of pride for schools and media programs knowing their work and students are among the best.”All finalists will be notified and winners in each category will be named during a livestream awards ceremony on Friday, April 7, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.For more information, one may contact Bowman at mbowman@AState.edu. More information can also be found through ASU-TV’s social media accounts: Facebook.com/asutvjonesboro or instagram.com/asutvjonesboro.

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