WPNR FM Radio Wins 3 Statewide Awards Fourth Consecutive Year in NYSBA Winners’ Circle

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WPNR FM Radio Wins 3 Statewide Awards Fourth Consecutive Year in NYSBA Winners’ Circle

Maria Longeretta at board in Pioneer Radio WPNR

Fourth Consecutive Year in NYSBA Winners’ Circle

Gabriella Hudziak 22 and Isa Hudziak 23, winners of NYSBA Excelence in Broadcasting awards for WPNR. — Gabriella Hudziak 22 and Isa Hudziak 23

Utica University’s radio station, WPNR 90.7 FM Pioneer Radio, has won three awards from the New York State Broadcasting Association (NYSBA), marking the fourth consecutive year that WPNR has garnered Excellence in Broadcasting awards from the statewide organization.

The awards were Outstanding Promotional Announcement by Gabriella Hudziak '22 and Isa Hudziak '23, Outstanding Public Affairs Program by Angeline Viti '23, and Outstanding Use of Digital Platforms by Gabriella Hudziak '22.

Angeline was the WPNR Public Service Director while Gabriella was WPNR's station manager. Isa is the current Editor-in-Chief of the Utica University Tangerine Newspaper.

What makes these awards so special, says station adviser Douglas Croft, is that they are voted on by working broadcasters throughout the state.

First hitting the airwaves in 1946, the radio station offers more than “DJ” experience to students; they have the opportunity to provide commentary during live broadcasts of Utica University sports, create and staff new talk shows, debut the latest music, and more.

Abin Boris ‘22, who went on from Utica University and his time at WPNR to work in news broadcasting, said, “WPNR opened so many doors for me during my time at Utica. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. It helped me branch out and find my true self. I will forever be grateful for WPNR and all it did for me.”

“Everyone is welcome at WPNR. We had students from all majors, all years, and even different countries. WPNR is a place where people who might think their values do not fit the mold can go to feel safe.”

Angeline Viti '23, winner of Best Public Affairs Program by NYSBA. — Angeline Viti '23

Behind the station’s continued success is Croft, who is a lecturer in communications as well as the chief operator and station adviser. Croft can often be found working behind the scenes to enable students to have a positive experience year after year.

Boris says, “Doug is there for you 24 hours a day and if you have a problem, he has a problem. He is an amazing person who helped me so much. I could not have asked for a better experience.”

WPNR 90.7 Pioneer Radio offers varied programming including music, live sports, interviews, talk shows, and they even promote events all around campus. More than just a radio station, the staff of WPNR have something special going on behind the scenes and they form a bond that will be cherished forever.

WPNR welcomes new members and encourages student participation. The station’s consistent success speaks for itself. For more information, visit pioneerradio.org/

written by Tanner Deveans '24, PR Intern