University News

Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism Instructor Jasmine Crighton (center) accompanied WIU Broadcasting and Journalism students Megan Sanchez (left) and Jose Gonzalez to Branson, MO over the weekend to accept honors from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America chapter.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Two WIU Broadcasting Students Honored by National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America Chapter

October 5, 2016

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - Two Western Illinois University broadcasting students have been recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America chapter.

Jose Gonzalez, a senior broadcasting major from Berwyn, IL received a Crystal Pillar award at the 40th Mid-America Emmy gala in Branson, MO, Saturday, Oct. 1. Gonzalez won best long form non-fiction video for his entry "Inside the Production of 'She Kills Monsters.'"

The play is an adventure drama-comedy about a woman who discovers her relationship with her deceased sister and the people around her through a game of Dungeons and Dragons. It was produced by WIU Department of Theatre and Dance and directed by Professor DC Wright during the Fall 2015 semester. The documentary is a short behind the scenes look into the rehearsal and technical production of the play.

Gonzalez has been involved with the NEWS3 newscast as a news reporter and an anchor. He is also president of BCA at Western.

Megan Sanchez, a senior broadcasting major from Bettendorf, IA, was awarded the Walter Cronkite scholarship. Sanchez is studying news and performance, with a minor in Spanish. She hopes to get a job as a television news reporter upon graduation.

Sanchez has wanted to work in television since she was 5 years old. She had her first internship in television when she was 16. She worked at WQAD News 8 in the Quad Cities, and has returned to intern with them twice more in 2014 and 2016. She also interned as a videographer at a summer camp in Arkansas.

Gonzalez is a part of the NEWS3 Team at WIU as an anchor, reporter and producer. She is passionate about being an active member of her community, and loves how being a part of a news team can provide an outlet for that.

"I love meeting new people from my community each and every day I come to work," she said. "Knowing what is going on in your area is so important, and I love being able to inform my town on the most important issues and events."

For more information about the WIU Department of Broadcasting and Journalism, visit wiu.edu/bcj.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing