Five Greenlee School students earned awards at the Iowa Broadcast News Association's spring convention for their work with ISUtv.

Members of ISUtv and Greenlee faculty members attended the convention in Coralville where they attended sessions about broadcast media that explored the different ways that people are using media these days, how to best reach changing audiences, a writing and storytelling workshop and an analysis of what some working professionals felt students should be taught in school to keep up with the industry.

Andrew Schneider, second place winner for political coverage and general manager for ISUtv in the 2012-13 school year, attended the conference and found that the discussions and workshops corresponded with things he's learned as a Greenlee School student.

"I think the most important [lecture] we attended was with Wayne Freedman talking about storytelling. He showed off numerous techniques and theories he has about the storytelling elements in TV broadcasts," Schneider said. "His advice was the same that's been given by our older and wiser students for the past few years, but it was nice to hear that advice from a 50-time Emmy Winner in the field as well."

ISUtv has become a stronger competitor in the annual IBNA competition and this year was the group's second time in a row winning four awards. Schneider attributes this streak to a more professional atmosphere in the group.

"We are [using] the club as a learning opportunity, and by taking it more seriously, we are able to produce a better product," Schneider said. "It's great to hear from the students that have been willing to share their experiences at internships. This year two of our awards were for photography. I think that shows we are become a lot more creative with the way we present information."

In the upcoming school year Schneider plans to continue the professional atmosphere at ISUtv and to put more focus on better storytelling to improve the group's broadcasts and help students develop their skills while they're in school.

"I'd like to see our news and sports teams to become really person-focused and oriented in their work," Schneider said. "I think if we focus too much on winning awards we lose what our focus should be — becoming better journalists."

The IBNA competition was limited to work done in the 2011 calendar year.

Award Winners:

• Brandon Blue - "IRHA Snow Castles" - 2nd place, photography, Student Media
• Dan Tracy and Emily Bloomquist - "Rubik's Cube" - 3rd place, photography, Student Media
• Andrew Schneider - "First Amendment Day" - 2nd place, political coverage, Student Media
• Josh Larson - "Dance Marathon" - 2nd place, feature, Student Media