School of Media News

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., - The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) has honored Western Kentucky University senior Cameron Coats in the organization’s 2015 Festival of Media Arts Awards. 

Coats, a Brentwood, Tennessee, native, placed second in the Student Audio Air Personality category, beating out thousands of entries from schools across the country. The recognition stems from his work at WWHR – Revolution 91.7, WKU’s student-run radio station under the guidance of the University’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting. This is WWHR’s first BEA Award since 2012, when it was recognized as a Signature Station.

WKU President Gary Ransdell personally congratulated Coats, commending his work, saying the award is, “great for WKU,” and that Coats will represent the school well both now and in his future career.

Coats started and runs WWHR’s morning show, The Old Fashioned Goodtime Wakeup Show, entertaining and connecting to listeners as Dr. C. In his four years at the station, Coats has been invited to cover high profile events such as the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and the College Music Journal Conference in New York City. He has served WWHR in every role from Assistant News Director to Station Manager, is a graduate of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association WKU Radio Talent Institute and is certified a Radio Marketing Professional by the Radio Advertising Bureau.

The Festival of Media Arts Awards are judged by broadcast educators and industry professionals from across the country, with only the top three receiving this prestigious recognition. According to the BEA, the Festival provides a venue for exhibition of winning submissions, including recognition of project authors, through showcase and awards sessions held during BEA’s annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The Awards are sponsored by the Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation.  Established in 1988, the King Family Foundation supports individuals, institutions and organizations committed to educational excellence and professional development in all areas of broadcasting.

Coats will attend the 60^th annual BEA Convention in Las Vegas in April to receive his award and showcase his work.

For further questions and interviews contact pr@revolution.fm or (270) 745-5439.