Blake Pierce (News Content Director), Alivia Hartpence (current BG News Managing Editor, next year’s BG News Editor-In-Chief), Lucas Kleimeyer (current Production Director, next year’s Falcon Media Sports Network Director). (BG Falcon Media Staff)

Frank E. Deaner for Excellence in Collegiate Journalism

Award

The BG News was honored with the Frank E. Deaner for Excellence in Collegiate Journalism for the first time ever in the contest’s 15 years at the 2024 OMNA awards.

Staff

Editor-in-Chief Makenna Flores, Blake Pierce, BG Falcon media's news content director, Alivia Hartpence current BG News Managing Editor and next year’s BG News Editor-In-Chief, Laura Sandlin, Fall 2023 managing editor, Steve Iwanek, current Sports Content Director, Lucas Kleimeyer, current Sports Production Manager and future Sports Content Director, and the rest of the BG News' staff members.

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Newspaper Design | 1st Place | The BG News Staff

Awards

The BG News won first place in the Newspaper Design category at the 2024 ONMA Awards.

Staff

The BG News Staff.

BG Falcon Media Designers:

Kyle Nelson, Abbie Knauss, Abby Gade, Drake Harlett, Ian Lowe, Ellie Dapkus and Isabella White.

Judge's Comments

"Great use of color and white space. Headers agree and help with flow. Great design."

A deadly reality: The prevalent dangers of drunk driving. BG News Volume 103, Issue 12. Released: Nov. 15, 2023

In-Depth Reporting | 1st Place | Emily Manuel

Award

Emily Manuel recieved first place for the In-Depth Reporting category at the 2024 ONMA Awards for her story "Too far gone and one passed on: The prevalent dangers of drunk driving"

Staff

Emily Manuel, reporter for BG Falcon Media.

Judge's Comments

"Very thorough research and reporting. This article covers the human interest, statistical elements and political elements of this issue. Great work! "

A deadly reality: The prevalent dangers of drunk driving. BG News Volume 103, Issue 12. Released: Nov. 15, 2023

Best Multimedia Package | 1st Place | Emily Manuel & Blake Pierce

Award

"Too far gone and one passed on: The prevalent dangers of drunk driving" won first place for the Best Multimedia Package category at the 2024 ONMA Awards.

Staff

BG Falcon Media Reporter Emily Manuel and News Content Director Blake Pierce were awarded first place for Best Multimedia Package for "Too far gone and one passed on: The prevalent dangers of drunk driving"

Judge's Comments

"A deep dive into a fatal accident that claimed the life of one of the university’s students and changed the lives of everyone involved. Masterful weaving of facts, figures, and procedures to give a complete look at the impact of this accident. "

Drake Harlett, photographer for BG Falcon Media shooting a football game.

Photojournalism | 2nd Place | Staff

Award

BG Falcon Media's photos from the women’s basketball WNIT run last spring received second place in the Photojournalism category at the 2024 OMNA awards.

Staff

The photos entered in this category were shot by multiple staff members for The BG News and Falcon Media Sports Network.

Judge's Comments

"Photos show the joy of being an athlete and those big game moments. The crowd shot demonstrates how the crowd can play a big role in a game."

Falcon Media Sports Network

Sports Coverage | 2nd Place | Steve Iwanek & Lucas Kleimeyer

Award

Falcon Media Sports Network was recognized for their overall coverage at the 2024 ONMA awards with second place in the Sports Coverage category.

Staff

Steve Iwanek, current Sports Content Director, and Lucas Kleimeyer, current Sports Production Manager and future Sports Content Director, led Falcon Media Sports Network's coverage.

"I am so proud of the amazing TEAM effort that has been on display over the last year. Falcon Media Sports Network is continuing to improve year in and year out, so to see the program receive some recognition is all the credit in the world to the amazing people we have. The work doesn’t stop now- We are committed to better journalism everyday," Iwanek said.

Judge's Comments

"Photos show the joy of being an athlete and those big game moments. The crowd shot demonstrates how the crowd can play a big role in a game. "

Best Website | 3rd Place | Staff

BGfalconmedia.com received third place in the Best Website category at the 2024 OMNA Awards.