Impact 89FM recognized as top college station in the state

WDBM-FM, Michigan State University's student-run radio and media organization has been recognized with the 2022 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation and Broadcast Music Inc. College Radio Station of the Year award. This is Impact 89FM's 18th time winning the award, which has been awarded to college stations in Michigan since 2000. The gold record marking the award was presented in a virtual ceremony on April 13.

The Station of the Year award was presented to the staff of Impact 89FM during their monthly staff meeting.

Also during the ceremony, Focal Point News at the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences was named the 2022 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation and Broadcast Music Inc. College Television Station of the Year.

“We pride ourselves not only on the quality of the broadcast and online programming, but also the opportunities offered to the staff of the station,” said Jeremy Whiting, station general manager. “Every student who expresses an interest, is willing to devote the necessary time, and follows the station guidelines has the opportunity to be part of the organization.”

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters also recognized three students with broadcast scholarships.

• Brandon DePouw: Gary A. Reid Scholarship
• Delaney Rogers: James H. Quello Scholarship, supported by Karole White
• Brendan Schabath: Leicinger-Biederman Scholarship, supported by Ross Biederman

The Station of the Year award was presented to the executive board of Impact 89FM as a surprise at their weekly meeting.

Several Impact 89FM students received individual awards in a variety of broadcast-related categories including audio production work, news reporting, sports broadcasting, talk shows and multimedia production. All work was broadcast in the Lansing area on 88.9 FM; it was also available through Impact 89FM's website at impact89fm.org and social media channels.

Current Events Story

• 2nd Place: The State 10/28/21- Rachel Fulton

 Daily Newscast/News Feature

• Honorable Mention: The Sci-Files 10/17/21
  • Chelsie Boodoo and Daniel Puentes

 On-Air Personality or Team

• Honorable Mention: Green & White Report: The Sparty Awards: Worst Sports Fans
  • Trent Balley, Henry Menigoz and Luke Sloan

 Promotional Announcement

• 1st Place: Holiday Gift Guide
  • Sophie Scheuerle

 Sports Announcing Team

• 1st Place: Michigan State Men's Basketball vs. Butler - 11/17/21
  • Zach Surdenik and Bobby Zeffero
• Honorable Mention: Michigan State Women's Basketball vs. Penn State - Big Ten Tourney - 3/10/21
  • Zach Surdenik and Bobby Zeffero

 Talk Show

• 2nd Place: The Sci-Files - 10/4/21 - Jenna Beffel About the Siblings of Children with Autism
  • Chelsie Boodoo and Daniel Puentes

 Use of Multimedia

• 1st Place: Comma Concerts: Broad Art Lab Concert
  • Josh Hornstein, Isaiah Johns, Henry Menigoz, and George Pham
• 2nd Place: Comma Concerts: Easter Concert
  • Josh Hornstein, Isaiah Johns, Henry Menigoz, and George Pham
• Honorable Mention: Comma Concerts: Valentine's Day Special
  • Josh Hornstein, Isaiah Johns, Henry Menigoz, and George Pham

Impact 89FM is one of the largest student organizations at MSU, with more than 150 students in paid or volunteer staff roles. It operates as a 24-hour broadcast and online media organization, with funding coming from students. MSU student radio traces its heritage back to the 1950s with the first AM carrier current stations which broadcast in the residence halls. On Feb. 24, 1989, Impact 89FM started broadcasting on 88.9 FM in the Lansing market under the call letters WDBM. A web stream and online presence were added on Oct. 5, 1999.