WKNC Earns International Broadcasting Awards

WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2 received multiple accolades in the second annual International Student Broadcasting Championship. Launched in October 2023 by Australian-based company RAMP Media, the aim of the competition is “to find the best emerging talent in the world and expose them to the industry and potential employers on a global level.”

Abdullah Najjar, a graduate student in international studies and WKNC podcast content creator, earned first place for best new podcast. Najjar hosts “In The East Wing,” which promises “stories of espionage, war, and politics, with a primary focus on the Middle East.” Started in August 2024, the podcast has received downloads from 26 countries and more than 4,000 views on YouTube. Guests have included war journalist Kathy Gannon, military official Harrison Mann and CIA officer Ric Pardo.

Najjar and “In The East Wing” was also a finalist for best podcast talent, best interview and people’s choice podcast.

“I’ve always had a deep attachment to [the Middle East/North Africa] region, partly because it is where I’m from, and predominantly because of the different experiences I’ve had in the said region,” said Najjar. “’In The East Wing’ brought me closer to the ones who have had even more eccentric experiences in the region, experiences that are typically unexplored.”

“Not only do I feel honored and privileged that my guests are willing to open up about their peculiar experiences, but I’m also grateful that WKNC supports this podcast and that it is worth receiving the awards by ISBC.”

Katie Quesinberry, a fourth-year student studying chemical and biomedical engineering and WKNC video content creator, was a finalist in two categories. Quesinberry and Claire Conklin, a May 2024 graduate and former WKNC program director, were finalists for best audio production-sponsorship for their McKay’s Used Books donor announcement.

Quesinberry and Rose Kelley, a fourth-year student studying political science and WKNC’s general manager, were recognized for best video execution for “WKNC 2024 Station Tour.”

Griffin Cunningham, a fourth-year student studying English, and Stone Boylan, a fourth-year student studying business administration-finance, were finalists for best sports presenter. The duo are podcast content creators for WKNC and host “Light It Red,” which focuses on NC State sports.

The next two finalists are for WKNC’s news team. Public affairs content creator Ellie Feaga, a May 2024 graduate, was a finalist for best news broadcaster for the Jan. 29, 2024 weekly news for “Eye on the Triangle.” Feaga received third place in College Media Association’s Pinnacle awards for the same submission.

Public affairs director Emilia Rivadeneira, a fourth-year student studying political science and communication, earned recognition for best news feature for an “Eye on the Triangle” story about this summer’s heat wave across North Carolina.

Sarah Hernando, a third-year student studying civil engineering, was a finalist for best music director. Hernando has worked as WKNC’s Daytime (indie rock) music director since May 2024.

WKNC’s last finalist was for best station website for WKNC.org. The website WKNC.org averaged over 26,200 page views and 12,100 users per month during the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to hosting its online stream, playlists and charts, WKNC.org also features video performances of visiting and local artists, as well as podcasts and other student-produced content.

Entries in the International Student Broadcasting Championship are judged by a panel of more than 50 experts representing 21 counties.