ST. CHARLES, MO.- Anna Ince, a communications major at Lindenwood University, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Missouri Broadcasters Association for her hard work and passion for broadcasting.
Ince, a second-year student, said her interest in broadcasting began during her junior year of high school when she visited a local radio station in her hometown of Louisiana, Missouri, as part of her role on her school’s Future Farmers of America officer board.
The group was invited to speak on air about FFA Week, and the experience left a lasting impression.
“I left feeling so good,” Ince said. “I grew up doing public speaking, and I realized that day at the radio station that this is what I wanted to do.”
After that first appearance, Ince contacted the station and asked about an internship. She was accepted and spent a year and a half working as the station’s high school correspondent. In that role, she wrote articles, helped broadcast sporting events and acted as a bridge between the local community and the radio station.
She later chose to attend Lindenwood University because of its growing broadcasting program and its proximity to the St. Louis media market. Ince said she hopes to use broadcasting not only as a profession but also as a form of ministry.
“I’ve always wanted to use broadcasting to highlight positivity and give a voice to people who don’t always have a platform,” she said. “I love soft news stories that focus on the good in the world.”
Ince is heavily involved in the communications department at Lindenwood as she is the president of Lindenwood’s Broadcast Educators Association chapter and being the station director for The Tower, Lindenwood’s student run radio station.
The Missouri Broadcasters Association scholarship is awarded to a small group of students each year who demonstrate both experience and a strong passion for the field. Ince said the application process included writing about her background in broadcasting and submitting a multi-page essay explaining why she wants to pursue it professionally.
“I love to talk and I just feel a good sense of satisfaction after I do a radio show, or I get to talk to someone and, like, make them highlighted, for their good deeds.” she said.
As part of the scholarship, Ince will attend the Missouri Broadcasters Association conference at Lake of the Ozarks in June. She said she hopes the event will give her the opportunity to network with professionals in the industry, learn about their experiences and build connections that could help her secure future internships or jobs.
“I’m hoping to just like, get my name out there, but also, just like, talk to people about their experience, how they made this a profession, because it is a really hard job market to get into.” Ince said.
Ince also expressed gratitude to the Missouri Broadcasters Association for its support over the past two years.
“I’m super thankful for the encouragement they’ve given me,” she said. “I’m excited to see the opportunities and experiences that can come from this.”
