EIU Media Relations

WEIU Students Named Finalists in National College Broadcasters Inc. Awards

News from WEIU:

WEIU-TV and Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU are proud to announce that two outstanding student-produced pieces have been named finalists for the 2025 College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) National Student Production Awards.

• Reporter Gabe Newman (Elk Grove Village, IL – Junior Journalism Major) is a finalist in the Best Sports Reporting – Audio category for his compelling sports coverage on Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU on the EIU Softball Care Game. Newman's work stood out among several entries nationwide, showcasing his exceptional storytelling and on-air delivery.
• Reporter Matt Williamson (LeRoy, IL – Senior Television/Video Production Major) and Videographer Lauryn “LJ” Samuelson (Mattoon, IL - Television/Video Production Major) are finalists in the Best Hard News Reporting – Video category for their impactful reporting on WEIU-TV for the dangerous Loxa Road/Route 316 Intersection. Their entry demonstrated strong journalistic integrity, visual storytelling, and technical excellence.

The CBI awards honor the best in college radio and television broadcasting across the country.

Winners will be announced at the annual National Student Electronic Media Convention, held this year in Denver, Colorado October 22-25, 2025.