WERG takes on NYC
A weekend in New York City often includes spending ridiculously large amounts of money on food and having the experience of a lifetime in one of the busiest cities in the world. As the production director for 90.5 WERG, Gannon University’s student run radio station, I hopped on the train and made my way to the city that never sleeps this past spring break. From Erie to NYC, the buildings are a lot bigger and the water isn’t exactly as delicious, but I’ve never been one to shy away from taking a bite, even from this big apple.
Intercollegiate Broadcast Systems (IBS) hosts an annual radio conference for college stations across the U.S. For over 75 years, IBS has been a source of information, action, and help with radio, TV, webcasting, podcasting, and streaming for colleges and high schools. In New York City, at the top of the Hotel Pennsylvania, sits the ultimate conference for college or high school broadcasters. While the city holds many secrets, more tips and tricks on how to smoothly run a radio or TV station, production resources, investigative news clues and information on the latest technology and FCC rules lay within each panel and roundtable you attend.
While my fellow radio Djs and management staff attended a variety of panels, I had the honor of hosting one. Production Tips and Tricks discussed much of the knowledge I’ve gained from copywriting and additional coursework here at Gannon, as well as my experience writing spots for Gannon Marketing and WERG. I was able to tell my five tips on how to create copy that stands out:
Create credible characters
Remember your audience
Simple is better
Understand your talent
You is your best friend
Outside of my panel, I was able to meet with professional DJs from NashFM and Q104.4 (NYC’s classic rock station) as well as management staff from iHeartMedia. While learning about how to make compelling talk breaks and entertaining content, I was also able to grab a competitive edge and network with some big-time professionals.
While panels are fun and educational, the best part of IBS often is seeing the city. While the first two days of our trip included running inside from the rain, we were able to enjoy delicious pizza from John’s on 44th and I happened to lose my cell phone in the biggest Macy’s store in the world.
No trip to NYC is complete without a Broadway show, and the crew and I were lucky enough to catch some seats at Anastasia.
The show was spectacular, with a few minor technological glitches, but we sat only five rows back and could see the sweat on Dominic’s face as he danced his way into my – I mean – Anastasia’s heart. I will say, the set was majorly digital, very few real backdrops. I suppose this is fine, but I miss the days of having real set pieces, you know? It’s like when you watch any movie and realize the majority of the costumes and sets are actually CGI, not real.
The annual WERG tradition after a show is to eat dessert, and that means taking a late night trip to Juniors for Cheesecake. I actually decided to grab some ice cream, rather than cheesecake. My cookie monster sundae was rather yummy, and slightly freezer burned. Our Adviser even mentioned it was my birthday, so I got free whipped cream and a lovely serenade from the staff members – to which I apologize, considering I was the fourth person that evening they sang to.
Everything led up to the big moment, the award ceremony on Saturday night when the winners of Best College Station in the Nation would be revealed. For the fourth consecutive year WERG has been nominated as a finalist for the category, and in 2014 our station won the prestigious award. However, we only walked away with the finalist trophy, in addition to our six other awards. Shout out to the other
staff members and PTSG for bringing home the following awards:
National Champions:
Best Use of Sound Effects: Lauren Sovisky (Haunted House)
National Finalists:
Best College Radio Station, University Under 10,000 Enrollment
Best Morning Show: Lauren Sovisky/Brian Bowersox (Sonic Sunrise)
Best Event Promo: Brian Bowersox (Heathers: The Musical)
Best Promotion Video: Prime Time Sports Guys (No Sleep)
Best On-Air Schedule: Molly Cooke
Best Training Manual: Chet LaPrice
The weekend rounded up with a fancy dinner at Uncle Jack’s, where we all stuffed our faces with surf and turf and decadent chocolate mousse, until Sunday morning when more city exploration began.
I took my first subway trip up to central park, and was surprised by how efficient public transportation in the city was. Our stop toward midtown even included a serenade of “My Girl” to which this broke college student proudly acknowledged with a crisp dollar bill. Luckily, unlike Pittsburgh, GPS works throughout the majority of the city, and it even has directions when you get to the subway to tell you how many stops you sit for! Technology is amazing, seriously.
Central Park is truly a beautiful escape within the city. Surrounded by tall trees, and then even taller buildings, it’s amazing to be able to find this paradise in the midst of a bustling city.
We ventured into the Central Park Zoo where the movie Madagascar accurately depicts the show biz quality these animals possess. As we wondered toward each animal, a seal would do a fancy jump, a swan would swim close by and I don’t even want to start on all the birds that followed us around in the tropic exhibit. My personal favorite was the red panda, because all pandas are adorable. To show my appreciation, I bought a stuffed one. I know. I’m a child.
After a weekend in the city, it makes me happy to be back home in Erie. While yes it is a city as well, it’s nice not to hear horns honking at 1am, or see lights from brightly lit billboards shine through your window.
For those interested in radio or joining WERG for a broadcasters conference in NYC next year, contact Chet LaPrice at laprice002@gannon.edu.
