For its participation in World College Radio Day on Oct. 4, KWSC-FM 91.9 The Cat has received a 2024 Spirit of College Radio Award – making it one of only 10 college radio stations in the world to get the award this year.
KWSC-FM was one of seven college radio stations in the United States to get the award; the other three were in Argentina, Ireland, and Italy.
“I am honored that KWSC has received this award,” said Dr. Sean X. Ahern, associate professor of communication arts at Wayne State. “College radio is an important space for students to curate their creativity while acting as a font for alternative voices and music. World College Radio Day highlights the unique sounds of college radio and the students who inject their everyday lives onto the airwaves.”
“Students in our program have the exceptional opportunity to practice what they learn in the classroom,” added Ahern. “KWSC students leave with practical experience that sets them on the trajectory for success as media professionals. I am so proud of all the work they have done and look forward to the future of KWSC-FM."
The Spirit of College Radio Awards are presented by the College Radio Foundation in recognition of truly outstanding and spirited efforts made by college radio stations on World College Radio Day.
Stations are voted for by the team that organizes College Radio Day, which seeks to shine a spotlight on college radio stations that not only go above and beyond to celebrate the annual event but also embody the passion and mission of college radio, according to the College Radio Foundation website.
Out of the hundreds of stations that participate, only 10 stations are chosen. This year the following college radio stations were selected to be recognized:
Aggie Radio 92.3 KBLU-LP – Utah State University (USA)
Conectión Abierta – Universidad Abierta Interamericana (Argentina)
Juice FM – Cork (Ireland)
KWSC-FM 91.9 “The Cat” – Wayne State College (USA)
Radio Mitchell – Mitchell College (USA)
Unica Radio – Università degli Studi di Cagliari (Italy)
90.5 WERG – Gannon University (USA)
WESS 90.3FM – East Stroudsburg University (USA)
WOLF Radio and WOLF Sports Network – University of West Georgia (USA)
WXBC – Bard College (USA)
“We congratulate all these stations for their brilliant efforts,” said Dr. Rob Quicke, founder of College Radio Day. “This year, our theme for the day was The Soundtrack of Democracy and many stations did 24 hours of extraordinary events and programming about this theme. Well done to all the stations who have won this award”
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KWSC-FM radio (91.9 The Cat) is a fully equipped broadcast radio station, operating 24 hours a day during the school year. KWSC-FM is one of the oldest campus radio stations in Nebraska, serving the Wayne community since 1971.
Known on the air as “Your Music Authority, 91.9 The Cat,” the station is an on-air training ground for students, who regularly win college media awards. The station offers a college rock format, but also has specialty shows each semester, such as Country, Oldies, Independent Music, and News/Sports/Talk programs. Students on 91.9 The Cat also broadcast a full schedule of Wayne State College home athletic events with student play-by-play announcers.
KWSC is student managed and operated, providing hands-on experience on the air, in audio production, planning of special events and promotions, and in leadership (with guidance from a faculty advisor). The student directors make decisions about programming, promotional activities, staff scheduling, and other management and leadership functions. They also mentor less experienced students. Student management positions include general manger, program director, production director, sports director, music director, and promotion/special events director.
