By Matthew Cech

A group of 18 Kutztown University Radio members will be headed to the 74th Annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference in New York City. IBS is held from March 7 to 9 at the Hotel Pennsylvania across from Madison Square Garden, its home for the past 30 years.

The KUR members will be able to attend seminars about broadcasting and on Saturday, March 8, an awards ceremony. Awards will be given for both individual and group categories. KUR has finalists in four of the categories at this year’s awards ceremony.

One member, Shawn Thomas, is a finalist for Best Production Director. KUR’s Social Media Department is a finalist for Best Use of Social Media. KUR as a whole is also nominated for Best Station Contest or Promotional Event for last spring’s Battle of the Bands and Best College or University Station with under 10,000 enrollment.

KUR’s members will also be attending seminars that cover a variety of topics. This year’s seminars consist of over 150 speakers from the radio and broadcast industry. They will speak about their experiences, give advice and answer any questions that the attendees may have.

Some of this year’s speakers include ESPN Radio’s Justin Craig and CBS Radio’s Mark Chernoff. Last year, some special guests at these seminars were former Blue Oyster Cult drummer, Albert Bouchard, and Johnny Rosado, a member of Public Enemy, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2013, KUR had one award winner and two finalists. Mike Regensburger won Best News Interview, while Haley Bianco was a finalist for Best Newscast and KUR as a whole was runner up for Best Station with Over 10,000 Enrollment.

With over 1,400 attendees from college and high school radio stations from all over the world, IBS is a great opportunity for the members of KUR to further develop their knowledge of the broadcasting world. For more information on IBS visit their website at http://www.collegebroadcasters.us.