Appalachian State University’s Department of Communication students and AppTV earned prestigious awards from The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) 2025 Festival of Media Arts, a highly selective, refereed international competition. BEA is regarded as the premier academic media organization whose mission is to prepare college students to enter the field of electronic media. Awards given by BEA are among the most prestigious in the field, honoring exceptional achievements in broadcast and digital media production.
AppTV Places First in Signature Station Competition
AppTV earned first place in the Dr. Marjorie Yambor Television National Signature Station Competition. The Signature Station award is given to the best student-run, faculty-advised college television station and is based on philosophical engagement, community involvement, programming arrangement, branding/logo development, student management, volunteer recruitment, and broadcast equipment. Building momentum from their “Honorable Mention” in 2023, this is AppTV’s first time winning the Signature Station Competition. The station was given this laudatory feedback from the awards committee for their submission: “AppTV is an excellent representation of what it means to be a student media outlet and the importance of serving the public interest while providing an engaging learning environment.”
As part of the submission, AppTV provided three programming samples that highlight the type of content that it airs:
- High Country Democracy - Close - The last 5 minutes of High Country Democracy, the 2024 election live show, culminated in live hits from 3 locations, and back to the studio for final thoughts.
- Up Late Scream Parody - The cold open for the Halloween Special of Up Late (AppTV’s comedy show) parodying Scream
- Hurricane Helene, Losing Everything - One of many pieces that was produced in the wake of Hurricane Helene, highlighting a Banner Elk resident and her recovery efforts after the hurricane did catastrophic damage to her house. Read more from Senior David Katzenmaier below for his thoughts on his award-winning piece.
When asked what this recognition means for the station and students, AppTV Student Media Advisor & Director Austin Bartolomei-Hill said, “I’m so proud of the students and their hard work on all of AppTV’s shows. This award truly belongs to them. When Hurricane Helene hit in the fall and closed school, the student response was admirable. They jumped into action to tell the stories of our community and embraced their responsibility as one of the only news outlets for our town. It’s a testament to the culture we’ve created at AppTV that once we returned to classes, the students wanted to return to working on their shows as fast as possible because that’s their community, their friend group and what brings them joy. I’m so thankful to BEA for recognizing AppTV with this award and recognizing our commitment to our campus and the High Country.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in May, AppTV is Appalachian State University’s student-staffed television channel. The station hosts more than ten regular programs, including Appalachian Weekly News (AWN), an integral part of the Electronic Media/Broadcasting Capstone course (COM 4440). AppTV is currently run by Station Manager Kylie Karner, a junior double majoring in Electronic Media/Broadcasting and Spanish & Hispanic Studies, and Program Director Jack Thornton, a senior in the Electronic/Media Broadcasting program. Winning the Signature Station award from BEA is the culmination of the hard work of the 75+ current members, and all of the alumni who set the foundation for AppTV.
Station Manager Kylie Karner joined AppTV in her first semester at Appalachian State University. She saw many different student leaders in action and was inspired to take on the role of Station Manager after seeing the positive impact prior leaders had on the organization. Managing a station of full-time students has its challenges; Karner finds that sometimes deadlines need to be adjusted due to the crew’s coursework or exam schedule, and that providing regular check-ins with producers to help manage stress and responsibilities improves overall communication and trust. Operating from a place of community, trust, collaboration, and support, AppTV was able to accomplish something they could have never planned for: documenting and reporting about a natural disaster in their own town. “The work that AppTV did during Hurricane Helene was, in my opinion, instrumental in helping us win this national award. When Helene hit WNC [Western North Carolina], App State cancelled classes and university activities (including AppTV) were cancelled. I reached out to AppTV's members and asked if any people were willing to volunteer to document the disaster and tell the stories of our community. I met with a group of students who volunteered, and we worked together to coordinate a series of news packages and efforts to share what was going on. We shared all of the content on social media and YouTube, and we have a page on our website dedicated to this content. Appalachian Weekly News, AppTV's news program and an Electronic Media/Broadcasting capstone course, had an hour-long Hurricane Helene show. This project is a prime example of how dedicated AppTV members are to serving our community and telling stories that matter,” said Karner.
Karner and Thornton know what makes a college television station successful: a strong sense of community, collaboration, diversity, and growing students to become both strong leaders as well as strong team members. Both mentioned AppTV’s wide variety of programming as something that sets it apart from other student-run television stations. Thornton said, “When a show has a crew of students from all sorts of backgrounds it creates a product that is engaging and new which attracts people to it. As producers of shows rotate or graduate, our programs are constantly changing and evolving.”
“I believe that our soul makes us stand out. Our station strives to provide an environment for students to use the skills they’ve learned to create a professional reel. With that being said, we also provide an environment where we have fun. I think where we truly stand out as a student-run station is the way we have fun while still producing programs that follow FCC and University guidelines.” - Jack Thornton, a senior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program and Program Director of AppTV
Students Receive Individual Awards
The BEA Festival of Media Arts also named many Appalachian State University students as 2025 Student Winners for their work as a part of Appalachian Weekly News (AWN), WASU 90.5FM, and/or for Communication courses.
- Student Audio Competition- Non-Narrative Audio 3rd Place (tie): SportsWrAPP - App State vs JMU; David Katzenmaier, Jordan Luker, Bobby Phillips & Nick Ragone (WASU 90.5FM)
- Student News Competition- Television Short Feature 3rd Place: North Cove, North Carolina; David Katzenmaier (created for and aired on AWN)
- Student News Competition- Television Long Feature 2nd Place: Losing Everything; David Katzenmaier & Bobby Phillips (created for and aired on AWN)
- Student News Competition- Television Long Feature Award of Excellence: Small Town Resilience; Ella Snapp (created for and aired on AWN)
- Student News Competition- Student Television News Reporter Award of Excellence: Ella Snapp (AWN)
- Student Scriptwriting Competition-Short Narrative Film Category Award of Excellence: Move On; Jack Thornton (completed as part of an Independent Study; faculty advisor Associate Professor Anne Ward)
- Student Scriptwriting Competition-Original Television Series Pilot Category 3rd Place: Graveskeepers; Jessie Barsky (COM 3560 TV Scriptwriting assignment)
- Student Scriptwriting Competition-Original Television Series Pilot Category Award of Excellence: The Brandt Boys; Jenna Williams Ball (COM 3560 TV Scriptwriting assignment)
- Student Sports Competition-Video Story/Feature (short) Award of Excellence: App State Pro Day - All For a Dream; Hunter Bostain & Ryan Hendrix (created for and aired on AWN)
- Student Sports Competition-Video Story/Feature (short) Award of Excellence: HS Football Back on the Mountain; Kara Daniel (created for and aired on AWN)
WASU 90.5FM Station Manager Bobby Phillips, a junior in the Electronic/Media Broadcasting program, is part of a group of students who placed third for their collaborative work on SportsWrAPP - App State vs JMU in the “Non-Narrative Audio” category of the Student Audio Competition. SportsWrAPP is a sports talk show that airs on WASU twice a week. Phillips believes SportsWrAPP is one of the station’s best programs and credits the sports directors, David Katzenmaier and Jordan Luker, with doing a great job running their shows. The award-winning episode was recorded after Hurricane Helene devastated the High Country, and reporting about a victory in a big rivalry game raised spirits at the radio station. On the award-winning episode, Phillips is joined by Katzenmaier, Luker, and Nicholas Ragone.
Ella Snapp, a senior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program, received two “Awards of Excellence” in the Student News Competition for the “Student Television News Reporter” and “Television Long Feature” categories. Snapp’s recognized long feature, Small Town Resilience, follows the story of a fellow Appalachian State University student, his experience of Hurricane Helene, connecting with his family in nearby Spruce Pine, how their small town was ravaged by the storm and how their community is building back. Feeling powerless watching the aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfold, Snapp knew she could utilize her reporting skills to tell the stories of those who had lost everything and help bring publicity to a struggling community. Snapp set off alone with a camera to film her first package, resulting in an eye-opening experience capturing the raw emotion of her interview subjects. Snapp names the Department of Communication’s Practitioner-in-Residence Bob Dillner as one of the inspirations for her award-winning package, and thanks her parents for their support and trust in her in this endeavor. “Bob Dillner was a huge inspiration for this piece. This was my first package ever and I was terrified to make sure it was worthy and did this town justice. Bob has been an amazing mentor during my journey as a journalist. He continues to inspire and push me every single day. Bob made me realize that my dream since I was a little girl is much closer to reality than I ever thought it could be.”
David Katzenmaier, a senior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program, received three BEA awards for work he contributed to on AWN and WASU 90.5FM. Losing Everything won Second Place in the “Television Long Feature” category, and was one of the featured pieces submitted for the Signature Station Award. North Cove, North Carolina won Third Place in the “Television Short Feature” category of the Student News Competition; both pieces focused on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. “One major challenge I faced with both pieces was how to accurately tell the story. North Cove was filmed a week after Hurricane Helene. Most people weren't too keen on being on camera since they had no water or power and were doing what they could to survive at the time. So instead of trying to get interviews, I volunteered and helped wherever I could, getting to know some of the locals. The conversations I had and the stories I heard helped me grasp the situation at hand. Their influence not only motivated me to create the narrative but allowed me to tell a story that showed even in the toughest times, people will always be there for each other.” said Katzenmaier. Katzenmaier’s family owns a home in the North Cove community, and one of the driving factors in creating North Cove, North Carolina was to show the true devastation the hurricane caused and to spread awareness about it. “When you see footage of something on TV you understand it, but when you hear the stories of people like you losing everything, you can begin to comprehend it. With this mindset, I felt like I was able to accurately portray the stories of those involved.” Katzenmaier credits Practitioner-in-Residence Bob DiIllner for his mentorship, and his step-mother, Lexee Zutz, for inspiring him through the relief and aid work she’s done across Western North Carolina.
All BEA Festival winners will be celebrated at BEA2025, BEA’s annual convention in Las Vegas, NV April 5-8, 2025.
By: Elisabeth Borowicz
Thinking about a career in Electronic/Media Broadcasting? Hear what our students have to say!
“AppTV has grown a lot over the past few years, which is exciting! The biggest piece of advice I can give is to put your foot in the door. Or better yet, jump in! I have always said that this is a program that rewards initiative and drive. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Speak up about wanting to learn and your peers will lift you up. AppTV is a program that is constantly passing the torch.” -Jack Thornton, AppTV Program Director, a senior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program who plans to pursue a career in Creative Filmmaking/ Storytelling
“AWN has given me more opportunities than I could ever dream of. Not only has it given me the opportunities to build my dream of being a sports reporter, but it has rounded me to every aspect of news and storytelling. Through so many hands-on experiences, AWN has equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my dream of reporting. Getting recognized by the BEA in my first semester submersing myself in this field is something of my wildest dreams and it could not be more of an honor - and it definitely could not have been done without AWN.” -Ella Snapp, a senior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program who plans to pursue a career in Sports Broadcasting/Reporting
“WASU has greatly impacted my college career here at App State. Before I joined the radio station I wasn't sure about my major or career after college. However, WASU gave me a sense of community in college. I feel like I truly have found a place I belong where I can connect and grow my skills. The radio station has helped me find my passion for broadcasting and others there help me strive to become better each and every day.” -Bobby Phillips, WASU 90.5FM Station Manager, a junior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program who plans to pursue a career in Sports Broadcasting (radio or television)
“The professors in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program are genuinely invested in your professional development and passionate about what they teach. During my time at App State, I’ve developed so much as a filmmaker, a leader, and a storyteller. The best decision that I’ve made in my college career is joining AppTV. I’ve had so many opportunities to apply the skills I’ve learned in class, engage with the community, and express myself creatively. I’ve met some of my closest friends through AppTV and made meaningful connections with community members.” -Kylie Karner, a junior in the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program who plans to pursue a career as a producer
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About Appalachian Weekly News (AWN)
Appalachian Weekly News is a multi-award-winning news program that covers events, businesses, and stories throughout Ashe, Avery, and Watauga County. Overseen by News Practitioner-in-Residence, Bob Dillner.
About AppTV
Launched on May 26, 2015, AppTV is Appalachian State University’s student-staffed television service. The channel is an activity of Appalachian’s Department of Communication in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. AppTV serves the department, campus and the community through development of original programming and promotion of relevant events. AppTV strives to provide a forum for community organizations and present the broadest range of ideas and issues to its viewers, while also providing a space for students to learn, grow, and challenge themselves everyday. Available on demand worldwide, AppTV is an important outlet for sharing Appalachian’s story with an international audience.
SkyLine Skybest Channel 20/1020, Charter/Spectrum Channel 198, On Campus: Channel 23.3
About WASU 90.5FM
For over 50 years 90.5 WASU The App has been dedicated to bringing you and the High Country the best alternative rock music! 90.5 WASU-FM is operated by students who fill a wide variety of positions across several departments, including News, Sports, Production, Programming and Sales.
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
BEA Festival of Media Arts logo
BEA Festival of Media Arts logo