Since 2022, Missouri State University journalism senior Meghan McKinney has been honing her skills in public radio.

She works as a student reporter and announcer at KSMU Radio, the region’s NPR affiliate based at Missouri State.

From submission to success

Recently, McKinney submitted an entry to the 2023 NPR College Podcast Challenge.

In its third year, the competition aims to find the best college podcasts in America. Entries must be three to eight minutes long about any topic.

McKinney’s podcast titled, “Breaking from the Bible Belt,” made it to the top 10 out of over 500 submissions from current undergraduate college students and recent graduates across the country.

“In it, I tell the story of a girl who’s trying to navigate religious trauma, deconstruct her childhood conservative Christian faith and articulate what she believes,” McKinney said.

“Being one of the top 10 finalists is exciting. I had forgotten I submitted an entry until NPR contacted me with the news. Such great news before my upcoming graduation reassures me of my abilities.”

As a finalist, she won $500. [Read more…] about Meghan McKinney named a top 10 finalist in the 2023 NPR College Podcast Challenge