ĚýJohn Carroll University’s WJCU 88.7 FM received global recognition yesterday as representatives from the (ISBC) traveled from Australia to present the station with the 2024 ISBC Station of the Year trophy and banner. The award recognizes WJCU as the top college radio station in the world.
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The trophy presentation, held at 2 p.m. in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center, was broadcast live on WJCU and attended by a spirited crowd of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The celebration marks a significant milestone not only for the station, but also for the Tim Russert Department of Communication and the broader JCU community.Ěý
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“I can’t say enough about the talent, passion, and dedication of our students at John Carroll,” said Jasen Sokol, Director of WJCU. “Winning this award is a testament to the high standards they’ve set—not just in their programming, but in every aspect of the station. This year alone, they raised over $81,000 in our annual Radiothon to support WJCU. They’ve truly taken the station to the next level.”
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Adding to the fanfare, University Heights Mayor, Michael Dylan Brennan, issued a proclamation declaring April 14, 2025, as “WJCU Station of the Year Day” in University Heights.
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“The city celebrates WJCU,” said Mayor Brennan. “It enriches the culture of University Heights and offers a diversity of programming that isn’t found on other radio stations. Radio is alive and well in University Heights thanks to WJCU.”Ěý
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Among those in attendance was Terry Babic ’67, one of WJCU’s original founders, who continues to host his show “Music and Memories” every Saturday at 11 a.m. on WJCU 88.7 FM.
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“This recognition should encourage students to make a difference,” Babic shared.
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The ISBC team’s visit spanned two days and included a full schedule of activities with students and faculty. They hosted lectures and workshops on podcast development, digital storytelling, and media consumption habits of Generation Z.
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During the visit, Phil Vinciullo, Founder and Managing Director of the ISBC, shared his enthusiasm for WJCU’s success and the partnership ahead.
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“It’s clear that in 2024, JCU connected with audiences better than any other. I look forward to JCU and ISBC building a lasting relationship,” Vinciullo said.
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On Monday afternoon, the ISBC led a panel discussion in Donahue Auditorium titled “The Future of Media: Global Perspectives and Local Voices,” where they discussed everything from emerging career paths in media to advice on how students can become the next ISBC winners. While the ISBC recognizes a top radio station across the globe, it also recognizes students individually in categories such as sports broadcasting, audio production, news features, and social media execution.Ěý
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This week marks a historic moment for WJCU and underscores the station’s growing impact across the globe. The collaboration with ISBC opens new doors for student media at John Carroll, offering inspiration, international exposure, and hands-on learning experiences that will continue to resonate long after the trophy has found its place on the shelf.
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