Courtesy | EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Radio Free Hillsdale students are finalists in seven categories in the annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards.
Student shows were nominated in six different categories and the station overall is a finalist for Best College/University Radio Station for the first time in the program’s history.
Rachel Kookogey, program director of WRFH, said it is special that Hillsdale has been nominated for this award.
“Being finalists for Station of the Year for the first time ever is particularly exciting,” Kookogey said. “I see each of the radio students put a lot of creativity and energy into their work so I’m glad we can receive this recognition.”
Kookogey said the variety of nominated categories reflects the diversity of the programming.
“I was excited to see how many different categories we were nominated for this year — that’s a testament to the large variety of good material our students can produce,” she said.
The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System is an organization founded in 1940 that consists of more than 1,000 non-profit, education-affiliated radio stations and broadcasts.
Freshman Jillian Parks co-hosts “The Social Mediators,” which was nominated as a finalist for Best Talk Program.
“It’s so exciting representing Hillsdale as a finalist,” Parks said. “My co-host Garrett and I are both freshmen, so we didn’t think we were quite in the running. It was a nice reminder that while we both have lots to learn and change while working on the show, we are still capable and have something good to offer to the radio station and general campus.”
Parks said she has learned not to be afraid to speak up about matters of importance this year.
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned in my one semester as a radio student is that if you think you have something worth saying, somebody will probably take the time to listen,” Parks said.
Nick Treglia, co-host of “The Loft,” which was nominated for Best Comedy Program, said he is proud of the work his fellow radio students have done.
“It’s neat that a school as small and relatively unknown as Hillsdale punches way above its weight in these awards,” Treglia said. “We have a ton of other shows, newscasts, and features that were also nominated which is great for the program as a whole.”
Treglia said his show gives him the liberty to speak freely and invite others to join in on the fun of recording.
“It gives me an outlet for all the stupid stuff I like to think and talk about,” he said. “It’s also a ton of fun to get people I know involved. I like to bring friends in if they have a soapbox they want to get on or if I need someone to play a character in a sketch. I just enjoy working through the creative process with people.”
Treglia said he has learned many lessons as a radio student beyond recording and producing.
“If you have something you are passionate about and are willing to outwork anybody, you’ll succeed,” Treglia said.
Scot Bertram, general manager at WRFH, explained how the students involved in radio dedicate much of their time and talent to make this program successful.
“Producing these shows and features, as well as covering live sporting events and anchoring newscasts, takes more time and effort than many people might think,” Bertram said. “Our students find time in busy schedules to plan, execute, and edit these entertaining and informative programs on a regular basis, providing fresh content for the station. I’m proud of the dedication that so many students commit to WRFH.”
Bertram described what an accomplishment it is to have been nominated for the Best College/University Radio Station award.
“Six years ago, WRFH was launched and was built from the ground up,” Bertram said. “To have the chance now to be named the best station in the country is not just a testament to the hard work of our current students, but also is an honor shared by all the graduates who worked here during their time at Hillsdale.”
Bertram said the award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication all the radio students display.
“This award is an evaluation of the radio station as a whole, not just individual hosts or programs,” he said.
