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海角直播’s 90.5 WERG Earns National Recognition in New York City

Published: 03/04/2026

WERG students and advisor in NYC

海角直播’s 90.5 WERG, a student-operated radio station for more than 50 years, earned national awards for at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System’s (IBS) media conference in New York City from February 19 to 22. 

Three 海角直播 students – Anna Skinner, Connor Foster, and Chance Cope – accompanied 90.5 WERG station operations manager Dr. Chet LaPrice to the annual IBS media conference.  More than 1,000 students from academic institutions all over the country attended the Sheraton Times Square from February 19 to 22. 

At the IBS Media Awards ceremony, 90.5 WERG came away as a top-five national finalist in four different content categories this year:

  • Best Giveaway: Hippo Campus tickets (Andrew Lupejkis ‘25)
  • Best Station Promo: Fright Knight 2025 (Alyssa Baker)
  • Best Sports Talk Show: The Prime-Time Sports Guys (Connor Foster, Jaiden Howland, Chance Cope)
  • Best Event Promo (Video): WERG Interviews Stations at IBS 2025 (Andrew Lupejkis ‘25) 

Skinner, a senior and 90.5 WERG's general manager, attended the awards for the fourth time. 

"I really enjoyed the panel about joining SAG/AFTRA and what that all entails when it comes to working at stations," Skinner said. "I was able to see the show 'Chess' on Broadway. The conference taught, and the city entertained."

Cope, a freshman and 90.5 WERG's Music Director, enjoyed his first trip to New York City for the conference.

"My favorite session was a video simulcasting panel. It was also a cool feeling being a 'known' station. When I told people [I was from WERG], it would spark interest, which allowed me to network," he said. "The trip was a great experience for me that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t at 海角直播. I cannot wait to go again next year and bring home some hardware."

LaPrice took the students to dinner at Tony's Di Napoli in Times Square following the awards ceremony. 

"I'm very proud of our students and WERG's entire staff," he said. "In addition to the national recognition at IBS2026, 90.5 WERG also earned an award from the Public Relations Society of America - that was for Bill Page and his morning show. And, in the Erie Reader "Best in Erie" survey we were voted Erie's Favorite Radio Station. That's a reflection on every single person here."