Two media arts production television and broadcasting students from Western Connecticut State University have shown the importance of putting their academic work into action by earning recognition for news reporting in the highly competitive National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)/New England Collegiate Student Production Awards held recently in Boston.
Samantha Murray of Danbury and Anthony Garten of New Milford won Honorable Mention awards in the College/University-Hard News Report category for their news report, “Survival is the Special,” that aired during the university’s live-streamed Election Connection broadcast on Nov. 4, 2025.
“I’m proud of our students and the continuing excellent work they do with Election Connection,” said Film & Broadcasting Professor JC Barone of WCSU’s Department of Communication & Media Arts, and NATAS member and judge. The Hard News Report category only conveys two awards: First Place and Honorable Mention.
Election Connection is a live, hands-on news production and election course. For the 3-minute segment, Murray served as producer and reporter while Garten handled camera and sound.
The awards are open to colleges and universities in the NATAS Boston/New England chapter region that includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Judging focused on content, creativity, and execution.
Murray and Garten’s segment focused on the economic impact of tariffs felt by regional restaurants, highlighting increases in menu prices due to inflation with only popular restaurants having the ability to survive.
This is the first time Murray, a senior pursuing a degree in media arts, and Garten, a junior pursuing a degree in film and broadcasting, was the first time the duo produced a news package such as Election Connection.
“I felt like it was a great accomplishment,” Murray said. “I had to play around coordinating where each piece of the content was going to fit during the segment, making sure the message was easy to follow, clear for the audience. I made sure everything was well organized.”
As a reporter she gathered relevant and accurate information to present the story in an engaging way. “My journalistic philosophy is centered around accuracy, honesty, and creating stories that people can connect with,” she said. “I try to approach stories with fairness, strong research, and authenticity while making sure the people and topics I cover are represented respectfully.”
During the show, Garten served as a field reporter on camera but as camera operator his focus was setting up the interview shots as well as Samantha’s narration. “I happily let Samantha do the reporting for this piece and gave her time to shine on screen. For sound, I focused on getting the best audio from our microphone, and checked the levels as we were recording,” Garten said. “With our focus on the local impact rising tariffs have instead of the national impact, I think it connected more with our audience. Seeing first-hand how these people must adapt to these rising prices instead of hearing about it is what made our piece stand out.”
Garten was appreciative of the opportunity the WCSU gave him.
“They’ve helped me realize my skills as a filmmaker and allowed me to evolve with each work I make,” he said. “Dr. JC Barone has been very supportive of everything I do, both in his classes and beyond. He was very helpful in letting Samantha and I know what would bring our piece from our rough first draft to the now award-winning final version.”
For Barone, who created Election Connection, this year was the 13th time the Election Connection show received an award for its coverage.
“Students and I work together as a team, using both soft and technical skills, and it always requires adaptability, accountability, and problem solving. It connects theory and practice to the community and beyond,” he explained.
Election day coverage streams live on YouTube and Facebook and is simulcast live on WXCI 91.7FM. “We have field reports at various parts HQs around CT. During the last presidential race, we had a reporter in D.C.” he said. “It’s challenging, intensive, long hours and rewarding. Many of the students aren’t looking to work in news or political issues, but once in, they get very involved and excited to work on the shows.”
Murray appreciated being part of Election Connection. “It was great to be a part of that team and gain experience in the news side of the media. It helped me gain leadership skills, collaborate more with teams, and gain hands-on experience with news content/how news production works,” she said.
Submitting work to competitive awards and festivals is essential for film students, Barone noted. “It acknowledges, values and promotes outstanding work, encourages and incentivizes students to take creative risks, and incorporates important professional practice,” he said. “Opening yourself and your work to competition takes discipline, courage and a lot of work. It also gives exposure to your work and builds your resume.”
