#IBSNYC2026!

We're back from The Big Apple after another successful immersion into the media environment of the biggest city in the country!

Amtrak gets us there and back on the Lake Shore Limited - a scenic 11-hour ride through New York State (featuring the freedom of being able to move about the train, and no stress of missed flights).

After disembarking Penn Station in New York City, we hopped on the Uptown E to the 53rd & 5th Avenue stop, and walked to our hotel: the Sheraton Times Square.

After getting settled-in, it was a two jam-packed days of panels and networking with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System... followed by the IBS Media Awards ceremony on Saturday night! 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) 

Anna Skinner, a senior and 90.5 WERG's general manager, attended for the 4th time. "My time in New York City was great! I really enjoyed the panel about joining SAG/AFTRA and what that all entails, as I never knew much about prior when it comes to working at stations. I was able to explore areas such as 5th avenue shopping, the show 'Chess' on Broadway, and the Rockefeller undergrounds. The conference taught, and the city entertained!"

Chance Cope, a freshman and 90.5 WERG's Music Director, enjoyed his first trip to Manhattan. "The conference was very educational and motivational for what I want in my career and here at 90.5 WERG. My favorite session was a video simulcasting panel. It was also a cool feeling being a 'known' station. When I told people where I am from and that I am the Music Director, it would spark interest, which allowed me to network with some really cool individuals that could help me in the future as I branch into my career. My favorite stores were definitely the Lego, Nintendo, Grandslam Sports, and Disney stores. It was cool to see Madison Square Garden, next to the train station we departed from. Having authentic New York food was so amazing as everything tasted so good. All-in-all the trip was a great experience for me that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t at Gannon. I cannot wait to go again next year and bring home some hardware."

After the awards ceremony, 90.5 WERG Operations Manager Dr. Chet LaPrice treated the gang to an extravagant dining experience at Tony's Di Napoli in Times Square. The following day, they hopped back aboard the Lake Shore Limited and rolled out of town just ahead of the Nor'easter.

"I'm very proud of our students and WERG's entire staff," Dr. LaPrice 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. Plus, we have an enthusiastic group of freshmen who are ready to take the reins as station leaders. So, a pretty good year."