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������Ӱҵ’s W����Ӱҵ 88.7 FM received global recognition yesterday as representatives from the (ISBC) traveled from Australia to present the station with the 2024 ISBC Station of the Year trophy and banner. The award recognizes W����Ӱҵ as the top college radio station in the world.

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The trophy presentation, held at 2 p.m. in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center, was broadcast live on W����Ӱҵ and attended by a spirited crowd of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The celebration marks a significant milestone not only for the station, but also for the Tim Russert Department of Communication and the broader ����Ӱҵ community.��

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“I can’t say enough about the talent, passion, and dedication of our students at ����Ӱҵ,” said Jasen Sokol, Director of W����Ӱҵ. “Winning this award is a testament to the high standards they’ve set—not just in their programming, but in every aspect of the station. This year alone, they raised over $81,000 in our annual Radiothon to support W����Ӱҵ. They’ve truly taken the station to the next level.”

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Adding to the fanfare, University Heights Mayor, Michael Dylan Brennan, issued a proclamation declaring April 14, 2025, as “W����Ӱҵ Station of the Year Day” in University Heights.

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“The city celebrates W����Ӱҵ,” said Mayor Brennan. “It enriches the culture of University Heights and offers a diversity of programming that isn’t found on other radio stations. Radio is alive and well in University Heights thanks to W����Ӱҵ.”��

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Among those in attendance was Terry Babic ’67, one of W����Ӱҵ’s original founders, who continues to host his show “Music and Memories” every Saturday at 11 a.m. on W����Ӱҵ 88.7 FM.

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“This recognition should encourage students to make a difference,” Babic shared.

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The ISBC team’s visit spanned two days and included a full schedule of activities with students and faculty. They hosted lectures and workshops on podcast development, digital storytelling, and media consumption habits of Generation Z.

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During the visit, Phil Vinciullo, Founder and Managing Director of the ISBC, shared his enthusiasm for W����Ӱҵ’s success and the partnership ahead.

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“It’s clear that in 2024, ����Ӱҵ connected with audiences better than any other. I look forward to ����Ӱҵ and ISBC building a lasting relationship,” Vinciullo said.

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On Monday afternoon, the ISBC led a panel discussion in Donahue Auditorium titled “The Future of Media: Global Perspectives and Local Voices,” where they discussed everything from emerging career paths in media to advice on how students can become the next ISBC winners. While the ISBC recognizes a top radio station across the globe, it also recognizes students individually in categories such as sports broadcasting, audio production, news features, and social media execution.��

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This week marks a historic moment for W����Ӱҵ and underscores the station’s growing impact across the globe. The collaboration with ISBC opens new doors for student media at ����Ӱҵ, offering inspiration, international exposure, and hands-on learning experiences that will continue to resonate long after the trophy has found its place on the shelf.

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