Photo courtesy of Eric Meola, Wikipedia
The Ramapo College Radio Club, WRPR-FM (90.3) took a trip this weekend to New York City for the 78th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting Conference held at the Hotel Pennsylvania in downtown Manhattan.
The conference featured a number of informational panels, guest appearances by acclaimed musicians, authors, radio personalities, and panel discussions led by students from across the country. In total, WRPR sent 11 delegates representing Ramapo College to IBS.
Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, Inc. (IBS) is a not-for-profit educational corporation founded in 1940, serving affiliated high school radio-TV, college radio-TV, community stations and streaming webcasters. According to their website, 90 percent of college and high school radio stations nationally are members of IBS, and the organization now includes over 1,000 radio, TV and webcasting stations.
Members of the Ramapo Radio were happy to become a part of the IBS family. “Apparently WRPR used to be a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems many years ago. They were glad to welcome us back,” Jackie Hermes, WRPR co-president said.
As a member of WRPR, I attended the conference and thought the entire experience was very educational and exciting. On Friday, I was thrilled to meet Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard at the “Long Live Rock ‘n Roll” panel.
Panelists engaged in a compelling discussion about the evolution of the music industry from the 1970s until now, and how new technologies such as MTV, the Walkman and iTunes have influenced radio. Other panels offered by the conference included information sessions on script writing, the “ethics” of radio, branding and marketing and more.
Crews from acclaimed radio stations across the tristate area, including Z100, NASH 94.7, Q104.3, 102.7, 106.7 Lite FM and 95.5 PLJ spoke at the conference. WRPR Executive Board members on Friday were even treated to a private tour of New York’s 95.5 PLJ.
On Saturday, there was a full-blown concert featuring musicians touring locally, and at the end of the conference, awards were presented to outstanding high school and college radio stations. There were also a variety of resume writing workshops and career counseling sessions offered for conference attendees.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about our craft,” said Andy Baez, a member of Ramapo’s WRPR. On Sunday nights Andy hosts his show, “Get Ready Radio” and features a combination of classic and contemporary rock music accompanied by commentary.
The next regional IBS conference will be held in November at Simmons College in Boston, MA. WRPR is always looking for new members and encourages those interested to attend a meeting on Monday nights at 9:30 p.m in Anisfield-135.
jryan4@ramapo.edi
