Rogers State University’s radio station, RSU Radio 91.3 FM, and its announcers have been nominated as finalists for the 2012 CMJ College Radio Awards, which recognizes excellence in college radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.
Gary “Turbo” Webb, a senior communications major from Verdigris, was nominated in the Specialty Music Director of the Year Award alongside directors from Seton Hall University in Seton Hall, NJ; Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.
Garrett Powders, a senior communications major from Tulsa, was nominated in the Best Newcomer category alongside others from Loyola University in Chicago; the University of Minnesota, Duluth; University of Minnesota Twin Cities; and commercial station KWTS in Bend, Ore.
RSU Radio was also nominated for the Biggest Improvement category, competing against KSLU from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La.; WLCA from Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Ill.; WSUR from Worcester State University in Worcester, Mass.; and WUNH from the University of New Hampshire, Durham.
The College Music Journal is an integrated marketing agency specializing in providing its clients access to the college and young adult demographic in the music world. CMJ also connects music fans with the industry with the best in new music through interactive media, live events and print. RSU Radio 91.3 reports to the CMJ weekly with information on what the station is playing and is requested in the genres of alternative music, electronic dance, metal and world.
“I couldn’t be happier for my students and the station,” said Cathy Coomer, 91.3 FM General Manager and faculty member for RSU’s Communications Department. “They have worked hard to receive these honors and I am so proud of the station and its growth. This just justifies what I have thought all along.”
Steve Doyle, 91.3 Operations Manager says “I watch these guys every day and the dedication and work ethic of these students continues to grow. I am not surprised at this nomination.”
Webb and Powders plan to attend the CMJ conference in New York City over fall break. This will be the second time Webb has attended, going last year with Music Director Cody Nix, who recently completed an internship with Advanced Alternative Media or AAM, a music distribution company for Artists, Songwriters and Producers in New York City.
The winners will be announced during the CMJ College Day event held on October 18 as part of the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City.
RSU Radio is a primarily student-run radio station on the RSU campus in Claremore. The station went on the air in 1980 and continues to operate year-round, 24 hours a day. The station is licensed as KRSC and can be found at 91.3 FM. For more information on RSU Radio, visit www.rsuradio.com.