Jan. 17, 2025
Two students from the Missouri School of Journalism recently placed in the top five in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program’s Television I — Features competition. Junior Nathan Lee secured first place, while senior Hunter Walterman claimed fifth in the prestigious program, now in its 65th year.
Both students were recognized for stories aired on KOMU-TV, the journalism school’s professional NBC-affiliate station.
“This strong showing from Nathan and Hunter reflects well on their talent for community reporting and on the power of learning by doing with the Missouri Method,” said David Kurpius, dean of the school of journalism at the University of Missouri. “Accomplishments like this continue to show why our students are in high demand in the industry.”
Lee won first place for two stories exploring how political issues of various scales affected Missouri communities. One covered the potential impact of a Missouri ballot measure on law enforcement pensions, while the other examined the divide between Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, as a microcosm of the national abortion debate.
Lee’s win comes with a guaranteed place in the Hearst National Championship this summer, along with a $3,000 scholarship and a matching grant for the journalism school.
“Nathan’s abilities to tell these important stories in a way that viewers can easily understand are remarkable,” said Professor Elizabeth Frogge, managing editor at KOMU.
Walterman took fifth place for stories on AI in agriculture, the Budweiser Clydesdales and a community picnic in rural Tebbetts, Missouri, each story showcasing a different slice of mid-Missouri life. The fifth-place finish comes with a $1,000 scholarship and a matching grant for the school.
“Hunter is a skilled storyteller who excels in shooting video, writing and editing,” Frogge added. “His stories are all fun to watch, and he deserves this recognition from Hearst.”
The 14 Hearst competitions will continue until through March, and the program will culminate in the National Championship in June, when the top winners will go head-to-head.
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