ACP names top student news broadcasts

Pacemaker competition recognizes eight finalists as the ‘best of the best’

Nov. 7, 2026

KANSAS CITY, MO. — Honoring the nation’s best, the Associated College Press named two student news broadcasts as winners of its prestigious Pacemaker during an awards ceremony at the Fall National College Media Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” executive director Laura Widmer said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best.”

The prestigious Pacemaker recognizes overall excellence and distinguishes the top student media produced during a particular school year. The award started shortly after the association was founded in 1921 and is often regarded as the most-competitive, most-honored award in collegiate journalism.

In September, eight broadcasts were named Pacemaker finalists.

Three student-produced news broadcasts during the 2025-26 school year were submitted for consideration. Judges studied every entry, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. Award-winning broadcast educators and practising journalists selected the winners. 

Program frequency, school enrollment and whether the program was live or recorded were factors taken into consideration during the judging process.

Fall 2026 awards

Fall 2026 Pacemakers

Broadcast
Innovation
Magazine
Multiplatform
Newspaper/Newsmagazine

2026 Individual Awards

Story of the Year
Reporter of the Year
Multimedia Story of the Year
Design of the Year
Photo of the Year
Cartoon of the Year
Broadcast Story of the Year

Best of Show

Individual Recognition
Staff Recognition

Beach TV News
California State University, Long Beach
Producer/editor: Staff
Adviser: Jesus Ayala

NewsWaves 32
Pepperdine University (CA)
Producers/editors: Jenna Parsio, Amanda Monahan
Adviser: Theresa de los Santos

The Kernel Chronicles
University of Kentucky
Producers/editors: Chloe Bradley, Giana Gallo
Advisers: Ryan Craig, Bryce McNeil, David Stephenson