THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996 TAG: 9602150190
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MILES DANIELS
CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
THREE TIMES a day, listeners to Elizabeth City State University's radio station get a history lesson on achievements by African Americans.
The information comes from ``An Important Date in Black History,'' a show that focusing on black Americans' contributions to society and their involvement in historical events.
The audience of 89.9 WRVS-FM learns about individuals such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Miles Davis. Listeners are taken back to civil rights marches and the passing of desegregation laws.
ECSU students Christopher Whitfield and Keyneshia Powell host and produce the show. Last Saturday, they were recognized by a professional organization for excellence in broadcast journalism.
Whitfield and Powell received an ``Echoes of Excellence'' award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. Also honored was WRVS sports and promotions director Kirt Campbell, who won an award for his show, ``In the Locker Room.''
Campbell's program is a 30-minute call-in sports show that features ECSU coaches discussing their team strategies and insights.
Campbell, a 1978 graduate of Norfolk State University, has been with WRVS for two years. His show has aired since last fall.
``I was delighted to have received this award,'' Campbell said. ``It shows that even on a college campus we are capable of competing on a professional level.''
Campbell said he is constantly working to make improvements to the show.
``I listen to other sports shows and try to enlighten myself with new ideas that I can incorporate into our program,'' he said.
Student staff members Whitfield and Powell work together to produce ``An Important Date in Black History,'' a two-minute feature that runs at 7:25 a.m. 7:25 p.m. and 11:25 p.m. daily.
Powell, a second-semester junior, said the show is a great tool for informing listeners about the roles African Americans have played in shaping society.
``I'm glad that I'm able to make a difference in the community by reporting on blacks both past and present,'' Powell said. ``I've learned a lot about different African Americans that have made contributions within our history. It's encouraging and rewarding to know the things they've accomplished and achieved.''
Whitfield, a sophomore, said he was surprised to win the award.
The competition was divided into two categories: professional and student programs. Campbell was judged on the professional level, and Whitfield and Powell were in the student category.
Their competitors included broadcasters throughout Hampton Roads.
WRVS general manager Edith Thorpe said she was pleased with the accomplishments of her staff.
``I've always felt our students were a cut above other college students,'' Thorpe said. ``They work with a full-time professional staff and are able to watch their work and learn from their professionalism.''
This is the third year in a row that WRVS has been honored by the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.
In addition to the awards, the association donated $1,000 to WRVS to help offset the station's operational expenses.
With the award in hand and the ceremonial dinner behind him, Whitfield has his eyes on next year's competition.
``Next year, I would like to receive this award or one higher than this one for giving the community knowledge of the African American heritage,'' Whitfield said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
WRVS sports and promotions director Kirt Campbell won an award for
his sports show, ``In the Locker Room,'' which interviews the
university's coaches.
Photo courtesy of ECSU
Christopher Whitfield co-hosts and co-produces the history show.
by CNB