Simmons University announced today that its student-run radio station, The Shark, has won two Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media (IBS) Awards.
Simmons was recognized by the IBS for Best Spot News Coverage and Best Streaming-Only station (under 10,000 students). The spot news coverage award was a collaboration with the University’s student-run newspaper, The Simmons Voice.
“I’m so proud of our students, who have worked incredibly hard to find, cover and produce stories that are vital to our community during this pandemic,” said Erica Moura, Assistant Professor of Practice, and faculty advisor for The Shark and The Simmons Voice. “Our student journalists have really risen to this moment – producing innovative coverage that features varying perspectives and illustrates the challenges our community has faced and overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Shark received six IBS nominations this year, including:
- Best Streaming-Only Station Under 10,000 students
- Best Station Logo — Designed by Kelly O'Hanlon '18
- Best Documentary: “Defining Time” — Lennon Sherburne ‘22
- Best Spot News Coverage: "Breaking: Spring Courses Online" — Sarah Carlon ‘21
- Best Podcast: “Food Insecurity on Campus” Episode 1 & Episode 2 — Molly Jean Henebury ‘20
- Best Podcast: “Welcome Home” — Abby Vervaeke ‘21, Sarah Carlon ‘21, Iz Indelicato ‘21 and Katie Cole ‘22
During the past year, students working with Simmons Radio and The Simmons Voice had the goal of partnering and producing more student-driven media.
“When we were sent home in March due to the pandemic, the goal of student-driven media that was already on our minds, to connect and inform the Simmons community, became more clear and more urgent,” said Isabelle Indelicato, General Manager, Simmons University Radio: The Shark. “The successes of The Shark and the Voice show how hardworking, dedicated and innovative we have been, and we were so proud to win Best Streaming-Only Station (under 10,000) and Best Spot News Coverage along with our four other finalist awards. These are our first wins in years, and to have them come during a year when there was so much uncertainty with everything shifted under our feet makes it even sweeter.”