BUCYRUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—North Central Ohio Media Group News Director Randy Bigley and Iconic Rock Q92.7 WQEL’s Morning Show host Will Beard have been selected for the 2023 Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Media Honor Roll. The prestigious award recognizes their outstanding contributions to media representation in print, radio, and television.
The nomination came from Wynford Superintendent Forrest Trisler and the Wynford School Board, who commended Bigley and Beard for their unwavering commitment to accurate and balanced reporting. In a proclamation, the school board expressed their appreciation for the duo’s dedication to sharing both the challenges and successes within the schools.
The OSBA Media Honor Roll celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their coverage of educational matters. Winners exhibit the following qualities:
Building Relationships: They actively engage with key stakeholders, including the superintendent, board president, and district communication director. Understanding the district’s mission and goals is essential.
Fair and Balanced Reporting: Their news coverage is characterized by fairness, accuracy, and balance. They strive to present a comprehensive view of school-related events.
Promoting Positivity: Positive news about schools receives a prominent place in their reporting. Highlighting achievements and uplifting stories is a priority.
On-Site Visits: Recipients make an effort to visit schools, connecting with students, teachers, and administrators firsthand.
Transparent Communication: They maintain a policy of “no surprises,” ensuring that school officials always have an opportunity to provide input before information is aired or published.
Bigley and Beard exemplify these principles, making them deserving recipients of this esteemed honor. Their dedication to fostering informed and engaged communities through responsible journalism sets a commendable standard for media professionals across Ohio.