‘The Award-Winning 90.3 WMSC’
• Sending our congratulations to 90.3 WMSC, “The Voice of Montclair State University,” which was named “Best Station In The Nation” during the 81st Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Conference & Awards. And that’s not all — Two WMSC programming pros were also honored: Senior Josh Tirado, the current WMSC Station Manager, received two awards: “Best College Radio Program Director” (tied with Nathan Pauls of Goshen College’s WGCS), and “Best Use of Sound Effects” for the intro for the station’s throwback music show, WMSC Rewind. Junior Kaya Maciac was named “Best Radio Station Business Manager” for her efforts in student recruitment and engagement prior to the pandemic resulted in increased participation. Maciac is currently the Program Director of WMSC, and is slated to fill the role of Station Manager in her senior year. She is also founder of the WMSC Newsletter, currently in its 15th editio
Due to the pandemic, the IBS, which usually meets in New York City each March, was forced to gather virtually. The pre-recorded awards ceremony was hosted by IBS President Chris Thomas, and ran Saturday March 6 on YouTube.
“It was an honor to be nominated,” said Tirado (center). “However, the significance of winning first place is that not only we worked hard and were as dedicated as ever, but we actually exceeded the work done in previous years. I’ve personally poured my heart into my work at WMSC these past four years and my message to students just getting started or thinking of joining the station is: ‘you get what you put in,’ and for me it has been rewarding and fulfilling.”
Maciak (left) remarked, “I dedicated my all into my role as Office Manager, and the role was my foot in the door in the world of college radio and radio management. I gained leadership, communication, and business management skills that will further prepare me for future internships and employment opportunities in the broadcasting industry. I owe all of the valuable and transferable skills I gained, to my time at the station and Anabella’s mentorship.”
That would be Anabella Poland (right), WMSC’s longtime General Manager and adviser, who noted, “Broadcasting in 2020 was not easy, but the students at Montclair State’s radio station stepped up to the plate in a way that was inspiring. It’s fantastic to see their hard work being recognized nationally.” [Photo credit: Mike Peters]
