Radio News
Radio News
Radio Drama pilots in Canada....
Marssie Mencotti and George Zarr, Full-Time Radio Department Faculty members, head to Ontario, Canada during the 2009 J-Term period to record a pair of radio drama pilots. A joint production of the USA’s RZM Creative and Canada’s Design Sound Productions, the two half-hour programs are being submitted by invitation to the Canadian Broadcasting Company, as well as several other Commonwealth broadcasting entities. George, producer/writer/director, created both a dark sci-fi drama and a bright comedy as subjects for the projected series: “The Shadow of the Shapeshifters,” and “My Three Grandmothers.” Marssie, an experienced voiceover artist as well performer in theater and film, tackles the lead in “Grandmothers,” and will be Assistant Director and a cast member of “Shapeshifters.”
Holly Jolly Trolley Food Drive a rousing success….
On Thursday, December 4, 2008, WCRX Radio, 88.1 FM, hosted their 6th annual Holly Jolly Trolley, with all proceeds benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The event featuring guests such as Chicago Cubs play-by-play announcer, Len Kasper, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Columbia College President Warrick Carter, along with musical performances by the Chi Lites, and members of the Chicago Philharmonic.
WCRX Scores big in election coverage….
The 2008 Presidential Election will go down in history as one of the most important elections ever, and WCRX 88.1FM student reporters were there for every moment of this historic night. The students worked all angles, providing comprehensive coverage that included many special guests who provided insight into the election. The evening culminated with student coverage at the Obama Rally, including one student’s chance encounter interview with Oprah Winfrey!
Would you like to be a part of radio broadcasts like these? Contact Chairperson Barbara Calabrese for more information about the program.
Radio students’ Kerouac Radio Play part of successful 2008 fall semester....
The fall 2008 semester featured The Radio Department collaborating with the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Department in showcasing the work of Beat Generation Poet Jack Kerouac. Along with an audio/visual gallery of student stories and readings, the showcase featured a live student performance of his only radio play, “The Spirit of '14.”
Radio Department to host 2009 Radio Conference…
The radio department is currently making plans for their 6th annual Radio Conference at Columbia College Chicago. Last fall’s conference featured Tony Sculfield of Urban Contemporary WGCI-FM, Ty Bentli of Top 40 powerhouse WKSC-FM, and Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi of True Oldies, WLS-FM. The conference features numerous panels and workshops, focusing on all aspects of the radio industry. Keep watching this space for details on the fall 2009 conference.
Radio students complete successful fall internships…
Ever wonder what it’s like to intern with a morning show? How about that favorite sports station you listen to? This past semester students interned with Chicago Public Radio, Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Radio, Mancow’s Morning Madhouse, ESPN Radio, and highly respected alternative station, Q101.1 FM among others. Looking to find out more about the Radio Department internship program? Click here.
2008 graduates obtain full-time radio positions....
Congrats are in order for Radio Department 2008 graduates: Katie Baker, Jeff Frieders, Nicole Ondracka, Emily Pennington and John Czahor have all been hired as full-time employees at radio stations in the Chicagoland area. In addition, Andrew Applebey, Marty Headrick, Kevin Kellam, and Matt Murtaugh have all been hired in part-time positions at various radio stations. Looking to find where recent alumni are working? These two links will give you all the local and national alumni who, what, and where info.
WCRX Awarded National Recognition....
WCRX has won the “Service to America College Radio Award” for 2008 sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation. The NABEF announcement stated “WCRX Radio, Columbia College Chicago, is deeply connected to the students and to the community it serves. From a food drive to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and its Job Outlook ’07 to award-winning student produced PSAs and original programming, WCRX provides excellent student opportunities and experiences, creating future broadcast leaders.”
Faculty member honored for teaching excellence....
The Provost announced this year’s appointments for Distinguished Teacher. Radio Department faculty member Hope Daniels is this year's winner. When announcing her selection, the provost stated, "Throughout her more than twenty-five years of service to Columbia, Ms. Daniels has exemplified the College’s emphasis on teachers who are also working professionals. In addition to her experience in the radio industry as a host and moderator of news and public affairs programming, as well as her continuing activity as a media trainer and consultant, Ms. Daniels also served as the Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun. Most importantly, however, Ms. Daniels brings these experiences back to the classroom in order to better prepare her students to face the real life issues they will face as they embark on their careers."
New Intern Profile…
Click this link and read all about Radio student Tiffany Magby's road to success in the radio industry.
Full-Time Faculty Member wins prestigious Award….
Dave Berner, Full-Time Radio Department Faculty member, has won first place in the Radio News Feature category of the Broadcast Education Association’s annual awards. The Broadcast Education Association is an organization for professors, students, and professionals involved in teaching and research related to radio. The story entitled, “Huntley Homecoming,” is about a surprise homecoming for an Iraq War solider. It was broadcast on the CBS Radio Network in 2007.
Radio Department celebrates Senior students' work....
The Radio Department Senior Radio Awards took place on May 16, 2008. Click here for a recap and pictures of the event.
WCRX Wins Seven Awards at Collegian Broadcasters Conference...
WCRX students won awards in seven categories at The Collegiate Broadcasters Production Awards Competition, which was held in Washington, D.C. on Friday, October 26, 2007. The winning entries were in the Documentary, Feature, Sports Reporting, Public Service Announcement and Audition Tape Categories. With the addition of the seven awards, WCRX has now won 12 awards for the 2006-2007 period. For a complete rundown of the awards, please visit the WCRX website.
Industry Magazine Article Highlights Columbia’s Radio Department Talent…
Radio and Records Magazine (R&R), has a superb interview with Rock 108, Waterloo, Iowa Program Director, Michael Cross. Cross mentions the talent of Columbia College’s Radio students as demonstrated by his hiring of three recent Radio Department graduates. You can read the article right here.