ABC News on Campus Reporters Earn Top Hearst Awards

June 17, 2010— -- ABC News on Campus reporters made a strong showing at the 50th Annual Hearst Journalism Awards in New York City. Among the 10 finalists in the broadcast division (TV and radio), four of those students had participated in the ABC News on Campus program during the 2009-10 school year.

Upon arriving in New York, the Hearst finalists were asked to find a story about how public security has changed in New York City since 9/11, especially in the wake of the failed bombing attempt in Times Square last month. The students had one day to report the story, and another day to edit.

Miles Doran, a recent University of Florida graduate and Brandi Kruse of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln both earned top prizes for their stories. Miles received $5,000 for first place in the TV division, and an additional $1,000 for Best Use of Television for News Coverage -- a prize awarded to the best of all the Hearst entries, including those of semi-finalists. Kruse also earned the top prizes in the radio division, winning first place for her radio piece and also Best Use of Radio for News Coverage.

When asked how she plans to spend the $6,000, Kruse said she's focused on paying back student loans. As for Miles, who is now living in New York and working at CBS as a digital journalist, he's planning to put that money towards "moving expenses and new furniture ... and rent!"

Two other ABC News on Campus students also won awards. Lindsey Reiser, who recently graduated from Arizona State University, won second place for her broadcast package while Toby Phillips, also of Arizona State University, was a runner-up in the same category.

For her radio piece, Kruse (pictured below) interviewed Duane Jackson, the street vendor who first spotted the suspicious vehicle in the May attempt.