Savannah State Students Earned GABBY Award for News
Three graduates were recognized for their student-run newscast, Tiger 411, at the GABBY Awards.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Higher Education
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Three Savannah State University graduates received a GABBY merit award for their production of the student-run newscast Tiger 411. The team was honored for their work on the platform, which highlights campus resources and student voices.
Why it matters
The program was established to help transfer students feel welcomed and connected to the Savannah State University community. By providing a platform for student perspectives, the newscast serves to bridge the gap between university leadership and the student body.
Savannah State University maintains one of only three nationally accredited mass communications programs in Georgia. It is also the only HBCU in the state to hold this specific national accreditation.
The players
Lynbyrd Massey, Jr.
He is one of the three founders and producers of the award-winning student newscast Tiger 411.
Kyla Chandler
She is a co-founder and producer of the student-run news program at Savannah State University.
Kalaysia Robinson
She is a co-founder and producer who helped build the Tiger 411 news platform during her undergraduate studies.
Savannah State University
It is an HBCU located in Savannah, Georgia, that hosts a nationally accredited mass communications program.
The details
Founded during their junior year, Lynbyrd Massey, Jr., Kyla Chandler, and Kalaysia Robinson created Tiger 411 to provide a voice for students and campus resources. The newscast eventually evolved into a professional platform that features interviews with university leadership.
Timeline
The founders graduated from Savannah State University in May 2026.
Tiger 411 received a GABBY merit award on September 26, 2026.
Culture Shift
This achievement underscores the increasing professionalization of student-led media at HBCUs. It reflects a shift toward using digital platforms to bridge the gap between traditional campus news and community engagement.
For current students at Savannah State, this success demonstrates the practical value of utilizing campus resources to build professional portfolios. It suggests that student-run initiatives are increasingly viable avenues for gaining industry recognition before graduation.
The takeaway
Student media outlets provide critical opportunities for developing professional skills while still enrolled in university. Future students can look to programs like Tiger 411 as a model for how to integrate community needs with academic media production.
Further reading
Learn more about student initiatives at Savannah Higher Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSAV News 3.
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