Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) was ranked as a national leader in student media, earning the No. 1 ranking for Top Winning Sports Program in the 2025 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts School Rankings according to a press release.
Ball State's programs earned multiple honors in this year’s festival, including top placements for video features, live production, and on-air talent. In total, Ball State students won nine individual awards in sports categories, contributing to the university’s rise from last year’s No. 2 position and securing the top spot for the first time. Ball State also earned strong showings across several other categories including:
- No. 6 Overall Program (up from No. 7 in 2023 and 2024)
- No. 10 in Documentary Production (Top 10 for four straight years)
- No. 13 in News (Ball State’s second year ranked in this category, following its debut in 2024)
- No. 24 in Film and Video (improved from No. 27 last year)
“These national rankings speak to the creativity, collaboration, and talent that define our college,” said Kristen McCauliff, Dean of CCIM, via a press release from the university. “Whether our students are anchoring broadcasts, producing award-winning documentaries, or making persuasive arguments in national debate tournaments, they embody the values and mission of our college: to foster critical thinkers, skilled storytellers, and engaged citizens. I am deeply proud of our students—and grateful for the faculty and staff who mentor and inspire them every day.”
In the BEA Festival’s student competition, Ball State also won in documentary and animation categories, including Awards of Excellence for “Ball State Sports Link: On The Line”, “Thirsty?”, and “The Book of the Damned.”
“These achievements speak to the real-world experiences our students gain through our Department of Media,” said Suzy Smith, chair of the department and associate professor of media in the release. “We’ve built an environment where students are empowered to lead, create, and collaborate—often on professional-caliber projects that have real audience impact. It’s gratifying to see their hard work recognized nationally.”
The University’s Speech and Debate teams claimed its 15th consecutive state championship, extending its Indiana record, with 19 individual titles and 56 final round appearances out of 60 events. On the national stage, the team placed third in the Division I President’s Sweepstakes and eighth overall. Meanwhile, the Debate Team earned multiple top-five team and speaker awards at national tournaments, including four students placing in the Top 10 at the national British Parliamentary tournament.
For more information about Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media, visit bsu.edu/ccim.
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