Liberty student and graduate earn state broadcasting awards

A recent graduate and a student from Liberty University’s Department of Digital Media & Journalism were honored at last month’s Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters annual awards luncheon. The awards encompass radio and television stations across both Virginia and West Virginia, placing the work of college students in categories alongside professional organizations in medium markets.

Junior digital media & journalism student Sarah Smith took home the top award for Best Use of Sound for her audio piece titled “Why I Pause.” Beginning as an assignment in her audio editing class, the project is about Smith’s experience of growing up with an older brother on the autism spectrum and what it’s like to experience the world alongside someone who sees it differently.

“It explores the idea that simple questions don’t always have simple answers,” she said. “The piece is really about the space between what’s said and what’s felt, and how silence can hold just as much, if not more, meaning than words.”

“It was really meaningful, and it was an honor to be recognized in a space with so many professionals in the field,” she added. “This piece was so personal to me, so to have it recognized by the VAPB was special because it meant that the story resonated with other people.”

Jason Prill (’25), who graduated last semester with an MFA in Digital Media Production, won second place for Best Sports Play-by-Play for his work calling the 2025 Carolina League (Single-A minor league baseball) Championship between the Lynchburg Hillcats (now known as the Hill City Howlers) and the Columbia Fireflies. Prill is currently the Howlers’ Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations and continues to voice the team’s games alongside Connor Young, with whom he shared the VAPB award.

At the luncheon, Smith and Prill had the opportunity to meet other students and professionals in the industry.

“It was a great experience,” she said. “We were able to hear from several speakers and award winners, and we got to interact with other professionals in the field and hear their stories. It was inspiring to see the range of work being honored that day.”