Washington, D.C., October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Kernel and its publication KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion achieved a record of 59 national awards at the College Media Convention, including prestigious honors in multimedia and investigative journalism. Notable achievements include a Broadcast Pacemaker awarded to the Kernel, along with numerous individual accolades for outstanding student contributors. The awards highlight the excellence and innovation in student journalism at the University of Kentucky.
Washington, D.C. – The Kentucky Kernel and its companion publication, KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion, achieved a remarkable milestone by securing 59 national awards at the recent fall College Media Convention held from October 16-18. This prestigious event was organized by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and the College Media Association (CMA).
The accolades included recognition in several distinguished categories such as the Pinnacles, ACP Pacemakers, and ACP Best of Show. Among the many successes, the Kernel earned one of only two Broadcast Pacemakers awarded at the convention, showcasing their notable progress in multimedia coverage.
Ryan Craig, the student media advisor at the University of Kentucky, noted the impressive performances of both newsrooms, asserting they rank among the finest in collegiate media across the nation. The Kernel and KRNL excelled in various areas including photojournalism, video production, podcasting, and multimedia storytelling, in addition to print journalism.
Highlighting individual achievements, Giana Gallo, the editor-in-chief and a senior majoring in broadcast journalism, received multiple awards, including a Pacemaker for her innovative work on “Kernel Chronicles,” a digital magazine show co-created with Bryce Towle. This project reflects a fresh perspective on news delivery by reimagining the traditional broadcasting model.
Laurel Swanz, another senior broadcast journalism major and the current news editor of the Kernel, stood out by taking home several awards for her investigative reporting. Her article entitled “Swim at Your Own Risk,” which she co-authored, brought to light troubling sexual abuse allegations against a former swimming coach at the University of Kentucky.
Additional acclaim was given to Ashleigh Jones, the creative director for KRNL, who garnered four individual awards during the convention. This achievement marked a significant personal milestone in her collegiate journey, and she expressed her desire to further enhance her skills in preparation for next year’s event.
The Kernel has a rich history of receiving awards in numerous categories, showcasing its ongoing commitment to excellence across multimedia production, investigative journalism, and design. Individual members of the Kernel earned a spectrum of honors in categories such as breaking news, general news via multimedia, feature writing, and investigative sports reporting.
Furthermore, the Kernel was recognized in various organizational categories, highlighting the overall excellence of the publications. The comprehensive list of awards won reflects the extensive range of talent and creative output within both the Kentucky Kernel and KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion.
A Record-Setting Achievement
The 59 awards achieved at the convention signify a record for the Kentucky Kernel, underscoring the dedication and hard work of its student journalists and staff. These accomplishments collectively serve as a testament to not just the individual talents but also the collaborative environment fostered within the publications.
This win is a reminder of the essential role that student-run journalism plays in fostering the next generation of news professionals while pushing the envelope of traditional journalism formats.
Background Context
The College Media Convention serves as a platform for student media organizations to showcase their best work and connect with industry leaders. As media consumption continues to evolve, collegiate publications like the Kentucky Kernel are at the forefront of innovating new ways to engage their audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College Media Convention?
The College Media Convention is an annual event that brings together student journalists and media advisors to celebrate excellence in college media and share best practices. It includes workshops, networking opportunities, and award ceremonies.
What types of awards did the Kentucky Kernel and KRNL receive?
The Kentucky Kernel and KRNL won awards in various categories, including multimedia, investigative journalism, print excellence, and individual recognition for outstanding reporting and creative projects.
How does the Kentucky Kernel support student journalism?
The Kentucky Kernel serves as a student-run news organization that provides students with hands-on experience in journalism, helping to develop their skills in reporting, multimedia storytelling, and editorial decision-making.
Key Features of the Kentucky Kernel’s Achievements
| Award Type | Number of Awards | Notable Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Pinnacles | Multiple | Giana Gallo, Laurel Swanz |
| ACP Pacemakers | 2 | Broadcast Pacemaker – Kernel |
| ACP Best of Show | Multiple | Various contributors |
| Individual Competitions | Numerous | Giana Gallo, Ashleigh Jones |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Kernel: 59 Awards at National College Media Convention
- WLKY: Beshear honors Good Samaritans helping KSP trooper
- Lane Report: Kentucky Kernel Wins 2019 Pacemaker
- Wikipedia: College Media
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Journalism
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