
By Marissa Spencer

Meet Nick Witkowski, one of 107.7 The Bronc’s longest-serving and most dedicated student leaders, and a true pillar of support to everyone who passes through the radio station’s doors. As he prepares to graduate this spring, Beyond the Mic sat down with the former Student General Manager to reflect on his time at Rider University and his journey through media, leadership, and college life.
“Rider was the only school I applied to because of the radio station. I went to the station, met John, and kind of just locked it in after that,” says Nick Witkowski, recalling the early days of his college experience. With a passion for radio already ignited, freshman Nick was determined to get behind the mic. “I decided to skip a precalc class, go to the station, and record a commercial. And the rest was history.”
That first interaction at the station with General Manager John Mozes set Nick on a path that would shape the rest of his college career. “You are now a student of the game,” John would say to him—words that resonated deeply. Nick absorbed all of John’s wisdom like a sponge, learning the ins and outs of media, production, and leadership. Nick’s passion for the craft drove him to take on multiple roles, not only at the station but across campus as well. As the former Vice President of Theta Chi, Nick’s leadership skills extended far beyond the airwaves. “A lot of my time at the Bronc was consumed by being a production director and general manager, but I did a little bit of everything,” he added.

Nick’s work at the station spanned numerous facets of media. He helped pioneer 107.7 The Bronc’s nationally acclaimed morning show, Wake Up Rider, and anchored the business, sports, and news as part of the station’s various news teams. Nick was also responsible for producing The FeinLine and hosted his own music shows, showcasing his diverse passion for rap, hip-hop, and 80’s tunes. When he wasn’t on the air, Nick was contributing behind the scenes as a manager, production director, and engineer, ensuring that the station ran smoothly. His journey at The Bronc was one of growth and discovery, from assistant general manager under Rider alum Taylor Tunstall ‘24 to becoming the Student General Manager for the 2024-25 academic year.
Nick’s involvement with Wake Up Rider was particularly significant. “I was the second student to be on the show, alongside my fraternity brother Trey,” Nick recalls. “When it was me, Trey, and Owen at the end of my sophomore year, that’s when I was most passionate about the show.” For Nick, the camaraderie of sharing the airwaves with two of his closest friends and fraternity brothers turned into a powerful dynamic that would evolve the show. “At the time, it was just three fraternity guys kicking it every morning, and I thought that was so cool. I took it upon myself to expand beyond the three of us, and it’s been really cool to see the progression of the cast,” he says. Under his leadership, Wake Up Rider has grown and become the cornerstone of The Bronc’s daily programming. It has just been nominated for an IBS Media Award for Best Morning Show the third consecutive year.

“The show appeals to everyone, and that’s something I’m proud of—creating a legacy at Rider that reflects how and what I learned about media,” Nick says. He credits production as the key to unlocking many of his opportunities, especially during challenging times. “Whenever something went wrong, I would rise to the occasion,” he adds. As staff changed at the radio station, Nick was always ready to step up, putting in the extra hours needed to keep things running. “You’ve got to be able to delegate tasks well and put in the extra work to make it happen,” Nick reflects. As a first-time executive staff member, his role as production director opened doors that allowed him to explore every facet of the station, from behind-the-scenes production to on-air hosting.
In his senior year, all of Nick’s hard work came to fruition when he received an offer to intern with Fox News, working on the Neil Cavuto team as a news intern. “Adaptability is my number one strength,” Nick says, describing the skills he relied on during his transition from radio to television. “I’m a preparer, and I have great time management skills.” Nick’s work on the Neil Cavuto Live show—a two-hour weekend newscast on Fox News—was a massive leap forward in his media career. On the team, Nick was responsible for various production elements, including recording audio, creating graphics, and producing business reports that were distributed to over 2,000 Fox affiliates worldwide. “It’s a pretty big process,” Nick adds.
Preparing for the interview at Fox News was just as intense as his role. “I took an hour out of each day to listen to the show and its segments,” Nick shares. “They actually have one-on-one interviews with you, and that is the best interview you could ever have… you’re not in front of a camera; you’re actually talking to somebody.” This one-on-one interaction allowed Nick to showcase his passion and determination, which led to him being hired on the spot after just one round of interviews. “I was being a student of the game so that I could be in the game,” Nick concludes.

As Nick transitioned from his college role at The Bronc to the professional world at Fox, he quickly absorbed new lessons on accountability and media responsibility. “In the media, there is no room for error. If you make a mistake, you own up to it and fix it,” he emphasizes. “You’ve got to take accountability for yourself.” After four years of dedicated work at the Bronc, it’s clear that Nick is now a master at problem-solving, both in and out of the workplace.
For students who aspire to follow in Nick’s footsteps and break into the media world, Nick has some solid advice: “Put your hand into everything and understand that it’s okay to step away from something if you don’t like it. Pour your talents into what you’re passionate about because that will open other opportunities.”
Nick Witkowski’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and adaptability in the fast-paced world of media. His legacy at 107.7 The Bronc at Rider University, and his continued success in the industry prove that when you invest in your craft and remain true to your goals, incredible opportunities follow.