The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) has released the award finalists for 2015. Finalists are chosen from the top ten percent of all national entries from colleges and universities from across the country. The highly competitive competition attracts thousands of entries in 40 different categories. This year more than four times as many entries were judged compared to 2014 with a record 70 different stations receiving at least one nomination.
Jason Samuels, the Globe General Manager & assistant professor of communication, discussed the difficulty of the IBS awards. “Competition is fierce at the national level,” he said. “IBS is the largest and most prestigious collegiate broadcasting organization. Everyone wants to win an IBS award. It’s no secret that our students have been able to make their mark in New York over the past few years.”
91.1 The Globe (WGCS) received eight individual nominations. The station was also named a finalist for “Best College Radio Station” of institutions under 10,000 in enrollment. “To be named a finalist for the fifth consecutive year for IBS is such a great honor,” Danielle Kerschhackl, student station manager said. “It is evidence of how hard everyone at the Globe works.”
The nomination as a finalist for the “Best Radio Station” makes the WGCS eligible for the “Abraham & Borst Award” as Best Overall Station. This is the fifth consecutive year for WGCS to be named a finalist for the major award, having won twice (2011 and 2013), the only station to claim the title more than once. “The real secret is hard work; when you don’t have to or when it’s not convenient, that makes the difference. It’s the little things that separate our students from the thousands of other student broadcasters across the country.” Samuel said.
Junior, Ashley Davenport received two nominations; one for “Best Newscast” and a second for “Best Underwriting Campaign.” Senior, Danielle Kerschhackl has been selected as a finalist for “Best Community News Coverage” for her “Blood Drive” entry. 2014 graduate, Tony Miller was named a “Best Play-By-Play” finalist for his basketball account of Goshen versus Spring Arbor. Sophomore, Dalton Shetler received his first national finalist nomination for “Best Sports Update.” Other first time finalists include junior, Victor Garcia for “Best Live Music Broadcast” of The Globe’s Moe. concert and sophomore, Andrew Snyder’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Coverage received a nomination in the “Most Innovative Program” category. The WGCS staff was also recognized as a finalist for “Best Use of Social Media.”
Kerschhackl is very proud of the success the station has had this year. “I couldn't be happier to be a part of such a respected radio station, and I cannot wait to see what other achievements that lie ahead.” She said.
National winners will be announced on March 7th at the IBS Awards Ceremony as part of the 75thAnnual International IBS Conference at Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City.
