MSU professor Roberts takes home seven Eric Sevareid Awards
MINNEAPOLIS, M.N. – Neil Roberts, a professional communication professor at Minot State University, has been a storyteller most of his life. His experience as a television anchor and reporter for local television, more than 25 years of doing syndicated radio reporting, and over 30 years as a teacher have helped him hone his skills.
In April, a two-part series for his “Outdoor Issues” series received seven Eric Sevareid Awards, and he won first place for Best Audio in Small Market Radio for “A Chance to Hunt Again!,” and for Sports Reporting for “Nonprofit Groups Help Kids to Hunt.”
Roberts also won five Eric Sevareid Awards of Merit for Best News Series, Best Soft Feature Story, Best Use of Audio, Best Broadcast Writing, and Diversity-Equity & Inclusion.
The competition is available to all radio stations in this category across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska to enter. Roberts sent it under one of his affiliated stations, KZZJ radio out of Rugby, as they are one of more than 15 stations across the region to run his Outdoor Issues reports.
The two stories sent in were part of coverage of a couple of local nonprofit groups that do wonderful things for the community. Pheasants for the Future is a local nonprofit organization that is a group of local sportsmen interested in promoting pheasant restoration in North Central North Dakota for future generations.
“Nothing makes us happier than providing an opportunity for those who may not typically be able to enjoy the outdoors,” said Director of Pheasants for the Future Mike Gietzen. “Hands down, it’s the best hunt we have every year. It was cool to see Scott (Braaten) get his first ever North Dakota limit that day.”
Another nonprofit group that helped make this happen was Prairie Grit. Prairie Grit’s mission is to provide sports opportunities for youth and adults living with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their quality of life. They supplied the tools needed for this hunt, including a revamped wheelchair that can get across rough terrain.
“It was inspiring for me to work with these groups who have the vision to make something that seems so difficult become a reality,” Roberts said. “They organize everything from the landowner for the hunt, the rancher who raises these birds to maturity, and members who go above and beyond to help those who may not get a chance to hunt, do so.”
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Published: 05/12/25
