Student radio stations, a launching pad for so many in the media, are alive and well in 2023 — and perhaps no place better than at Rider University, where 107.7 the Bronc (WRRC-FM) was recently named the best college radio station in the country in its category.
Rider’s station won big at the 2023 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards, capturing two honors:
- The Bronc was named the Best College/University Radio Station (under 10,000 students);
- Junior film and television major Jake Serrano won the Best Sports Update award for “The Overtime,” a daily two-minute sports report on 107.7 the Bronc Retro.
This is the second consecutive win for “The Overtime” in the category.
General Manager John Mozes was thrilled.
“For our students to be recognized as the best radio station on college broadcasting’s biggest stage, in front of their peers and peer institutions, is a remarkable engaged-learning experience,” he said. “This award is a testament to our students’ hard work, dedication to their craft and passion for the medium. The creativity of our on-air product is obviously now second to none.”
The awards recognize outstanding programming from college and university radio stations throughout the U.S. Mozes and some of his student staff members attended the awards ceremony Feb. 25 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
Serrano was grateful for the recognition.
“As a recent transfer student, I think it’s remarkable that, in less than two semesters at Rider, I won a national award with 107.7 the Bronc Retro, despite never working at a radio station previously,” he said. “I am grateful to the radio station and Rider for supporting my success.”
How to listen
You can listen to 107.7 the Bronc live on the airwaves or tune in to both stations online, via Apple, Google Play and Audacy apps, and with Amazon Alexa.
The awards ceremony was part of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference, which provides attendees an opportunity to learn about and exchange ideas in the field of broadcasting through featured guest speakers and informational sessions. Prior to the ceremony, Mozes and his staff held a panel discussion as part of the event’s Marconi Spotlight Series in which National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Award-nominated stations answer audience questions and reflect on their year in broadcasting.
Rider’s exclusively student-run stations are consistently recognized as some of the best in the nation, with 107.7 the Bronc being nominated for the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for College Radio Station of the Year in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Last year, 107.7 the Bronc also earned three National Electronic Media Association Awards.
In addition to their stellar radio programming, the stations produce some of Rider’s most popular events, such as the drive-in movie and trunk-or-treat experience Scream Screen, the Eggscellent Egg Hunt and Cruisin’ from Commencement, a yearly competition where members of the graduating class have the opportunity to win a new car.
