BEA is for Bears

Lenoir-Rhyne University has joined the Broadcast Education Association, enabling all students to access to a free membership to utilize the BEA’s services.

In the BEA, members worldwide share resources and learn about the current state of media. The BEA also awards prizes and scholarships to qualified members.

 “The BEA is a great resource. The ability to compete head-to-head with students all over the country is great. Winning an award will look great on resumes and attending the National Association of Broadcasters lets students see the latest technology that they may be using in their careers as well as networking with professionals,” said William Richter, Ph.D., professor of communications.

Richter has been an individual member of the BEA for many years and has judged some of the organization’s competitions. When he concluded that students at BEA-affiliated schools have a better chance of being awarded scholarships, he moved to obtain an institutional membership for LR students.

“I noticed two things on the BEA website. First, all of the winners of scholarships and awards were from BEA schools. Second, an institutional membership was quite reasonable when one factors in the free membership for the students.”

Lenoir-Rhyne’s membership in the BEA is fairly new — finalized in late 2022. Most students are still learning the full advantage of the BEA’s range of services, including publications, teaching and research resources, creative competitions, and networking opportunities.

For example, Richter’s own connections through the BEA allowed him to aid a student in his job search. “Last year I ran into a friend I had not seen in over 35 years. He is now a vice-president for a radio network. I was able to make a contact between him and one of my students. This will probably result in a job when the student graduates if he wants it.”

Even though the BEA has opportunities for students involved in media, any LR students with a passion for broadcasting can join under the institutional membership.

Richter stated that all students should benefit from this opportunity no matter what their major is. “I think any student who has an interest in producing content in any medium — broadcast, online video, podcasting, or radio could benefit from our membership.”