The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) announced the winners of their Freedom of Speech public service announcement (PSA) competition for college communications students. The winners were acknowledged during a Freedom of Speech luncheon held at the NAB on Thursday, October 15.

The student-produced PSAs are 30 seconds each and address "What freedom of speech means to me." The winners are:

Television Category
1st Place: Chris Newell, Biola University
2nd Place: Monique L. Pelletier, New England School of Communications
3rd Place: Michelle Wood, The Art Institute of Atlanta

Radio Category
1st Place: Stuart Mouritzen, USC
2nd Place: Theresa Rozwadowski, Central Michigan University
3rd place: Melodie Turori and Rob Croft, Biola University

"One only has to follow what is happening in Iran right now to appreciate the significance of our own right to free speech," said NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "The PSA contest reminds students in college communications programs across the country that free speech is fundamental to the very foundation of broadcasting."

"The McCormick Foundation is honored to support this spirited competition," said Journalism Program Director Clark Bell. "The results show that college broadcast students understand, value and defend their First Amendment freedoms."

"We are honored to partner with NABEF and the McCormick Foundation to highlight these quality student productions," said Heather Birks, executive director of BEA. "These students were selected from a talented pool of entries, and they all showcase their insight and creativity regarding Freedom of Speech."

During the luncheon, titled "Freedom of Speech in the Digital Media Arena," the winning students received scholarships in the amounts of $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. The luncheon also featured a panel of broadcasters and journalists. Participants included:

• Blanquita Walsh Cullum, governor, United States Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)
• Russell C. Hodge, founder, executive producer, 3 Roads Communications, Inc.
• Paul Rodriguez, managing director of media, Burson-Marsteller
• Kevin Z. Smith, president, Society of Professional Journalists, assistant professor of Journalism, Fairmont State University

Stations are encouraged to air these spots, available for download on the NAB Web site, leading up to the National Freedom of Speech Celebration, October 19 - 25, and throughout the year. Funding for the program is made possible through the support of the McCormick Foundation.