UPSA beats Wisconsin to win 2019 Newsroom Contest

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has for the first time won the 2019 inter-university Newsroom Contest, beating Wisconsin International University College for the ultimate.

In a spirited performance on Wednesday, UPSA proved why their elimination of three-times champion was not a fluke.

In a seat-clutching three-round contest, Wisconsin who have been impressive throughout the competition, took a 2-point lead in the second round, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking final round.

The contestants from the Department of Communications Studies, however, hinged on the ‘professional’ comeback spirit to topple their rivals at the debate session to the admiration of the audience.

In the end, UPSA accumulated 151 points against 143 by Wisconsin to lift the coveted trophy.

UPSA, before reaching the grand finale, trounced defending champions, GIJ at the semi-finals stage while Wisconsin settled an ‘old score’ with AUCC to book a slot.

This set the tone for a mouth gaping finals and indeed it lived up to the hype.

UPSA, who was hosting the event for the first time, took a 9-point lead in the first round but the visitors surprisingly rebounded in the second round and cruised into the lead before the home team overturned the 2-point stretch in the last lap.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Barnor, congratulated the contestants for making the University proud.

He observed that the scores by the judges were a true reflection of the performance by both schools and called on the organisers to sustain the competition.

The Newsroom competition is a simulated news writing, integrated communication and debating contest among communication faculties aimed at synthesising theory with practice.

It is organized by Accra-based integrated communications firm, Cheetah Communications. It was the fourth edition since its commencement in 2015.