Top of the Charts: WPU Radio Station Named Best in Country

William Paterson University’s student-run radio station, WP 88.7 FM, was named the best college radio station in the country at the 2013 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Awards.

“The Morning Blend,” a weekly show that airs on Monday mornings, won the Best Specialty Show. Students Stephan Bisaha, Michael schumann, and Allan Simon host the program.

The awards were announced Saturday at the IBS’s annual conference in New York City.

 “The Morning Blend was also a finalist for the Best Talk Program Award. Another program, “The Sports Drive” was a finalist for the Best Sports Talk Program Award.

 “College radio vitally important and still alive and kicking,” said Rob Quicke, assistant professor of communications and the station’s general manager. “It’s a very important medium that champions the voice of the students.”

Quicke received the Outstanding Service Award for his dedication and service to academic broadcasting.

“It was a complete surprise,” Quicke said. “The work that I do day in and day out I love it so much. I think the reason I was honored is because of College Radio Day.”

College Radio Day is designed to highlight and celebrate the unique programs featured on college radio stations. The event greatly expanded last year. Stations from Latin America and Europe participated.  

The station also hosts the annual Brave-A-Thon. Local bands perform live on the station for hours that day to raise money for local non-profit organizations.

“College radio stations can have such a connection to the communities they are in,” Quicke said. “It’s a way of having the students connect with the community.”

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