WPNR 90.7 FM students have won 2 NYSBA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards

Several Utica University students and alums have been recognized by the New York State Broadcasters Assocation (NYSBA) for their work at our campus radio station. They were informed on Tuesday June 10th they have been awarded two 2025 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards for their work at WPNR 90.7 FM. The Pioneer Radio students won the following statewide college radio awards:

- 'Best Public Service Announcement' goes to Isabella (Bella) Yaghy '24 (voice-over) and James Hymon '25 (production) for a PSA they created for the Utica University Office of Campus Safety.

- 'Best Use of Digital Platforms' goes to Jenna Skutnik '26 for the social media campaign 'WPNR Staff Picks', a weekly posting that engages the local and campus community with a categorical song question and is followed up with an associated radio program. Honorable mentions to this award are given to Bella Yaghy '24, Alex Peckham '27, and Natalie Trophia '27 for their contributions to this campaign.

The NYSBA Excellence in Broadcasting Awards are graded independently by professional broadcasters from other state systems and WPNR competes against other well regarded college radio stations throughout the state. The students will be invited to a ceremony in Syracuse hosted by the NYSBA this Fall semester. There they will collect their award and be able to network with broadcasting professionals throughout the region and state. Please congratulate these students for their hard work and the dedication it takes to win these prestigious awards.