Westminster Alumnus Nominated for National Broadcasting Award

Justin Egley, a 2006 Westminster College graduate, was nominated by New College Broadcasters Inc. to receive best Public Service Announcement (PSA) for "Your New Best Friend," which was prepared for the Humane Society as a project he completed during his senior year.

"As soon as I saw Justin's PSA I knew it had potential to get national recognition," said Bradley Weaver, instructor of broadcast communications at Westminster College. "The PSA included all the elements for good TV: sight, sound, motion, and emotion. In addition to creative and technical skills, the PSA required working with animals and children - a tough task for any producer."

"I was very surprised when my video productions professor, Brad Weaver, sent me an e-mail saying that my commercial was a finalists for the best PSA," Egley said. "I feel honored to have made the top three finalist, and thankful that Westminster was able to teach me how to put a commercial together from start to finish."

Egley, who currently resides in Zelienople, was recently employed as a videographer by WKBN TV in Youngstown, Ohio. Previous to that appointment, he did some videography work for the New Castle News and its award-winning Website, Crunch, which is dedicated to the Lawrence County high school football area.

"My best assignment so far was shooting a press conference at the Chevy Center with Mike Tyson," said Egley. "After seeing the story, it made me feel good, knowing that I was there when it happened. I finally feel like I have started to make my way to the big time. It's just short of my dream job, which is being a videographer for the Pittsburgh Steelers' games."

Egley majored in arts technology at Westminster College.

"My broadcast decision is kind of funny actually," Egley said. "I was making the graphics for The County Line, and then volunteered to help the sports reporter. I picked up a minor in broadcast communications and eventually became the anchor of the show and had to drop the graphics. After I shot and edited my first sports package, it became clear to me that this is what I want to do. I wouldn't be the videographer that I am without the help of Mr. Weaver. He's the one who taught me about the TV side of the news, and then encouraged me to take this step in my career. I love being behind the camera and having the ability to tell a story with the video that I shoot."

The winners will be chosen at the New College Broadcasters conference Friday, Oct. 27, in St. Louis.

Contact Weaver at (724) 946-7238 or e-mail weaverbl@westminster.edu for more information.