By: Lathan Gil

Every summer at 107.7 The Bronc, we create a playlist to keep listeners engaged with content until the beginning of the new academic year. These promotions are thought up by the program directors at the radio station.

Our summer programming started 10 years ago with “107 Days of Summer” which played the greatest hits of summers past and present.  As the year’s changed, so did our approach with more music-themed summers like Caribbean Summer, Psychedelic Summer and Summer House Party on The Bronc; and Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Summer, Surf Rock Summer and Ska Summer on 107.7 The Bronc Retro.

This summer we’re going a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll with Summer Rodeo and Garage Grunge summer. All of our summer music promotions happen from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day weekend. This year from May 23 to September 1.

    

Why Summer Rodeo & Garage Grunge?

Program Director, Cassie Vaz ‘26 handpicked these genres. “I chose country music,  because it is my favorite genre! There are also a lot of new, up and coming artists who are so talented that The Bronc could help feature”

One of the new Music Directors, Bella Soto ‘27 sees the abundance of new country music as a big motivator to broadcast a genre like Summer Rodeo, “We knew that there were going to be a lot of country albums coming out this spring and summer, so we wanted to showcase all of the new country music coming out!”

You can define grunge as “a style of rock music that has a lot of guitar and lazy vocal delivery”, but the programming team has a different view for why they chose to showcase grunge this summer in WRRC2. For Cassie it was aas simple as this, “With Grunge, we are leaning towards that 80s and 90s feel. We have the library already, so we will definitely be able to feature it more extensively on the Retro station.”

A Recent Rise In Country Music

It would seem that after the release of Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé, a lot of new and current artists have been tackling country music. However, Cassie believes the rise of country started long before Beyoncé’s trendsetting album, “I don’t believe that album was country, I believe it was Beyoncés version of the genre- which is okay. But I believe country with the current artists that are out has been a mixture of country with pop, and that has been resonating more with audiences and that’s what’s getting more audiences of pop to pay attention to country.”

What Is Popular Right Now?

When asked what songs and country artists will be played as part of 107.7 The Bronc’s Summer Rodeo , Bella Soto had a laundry list of some old and newer music, “Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Meghan Maroney, Morgan Wallen.”

“We have over 200 songs, and that doesn’t even include big hits from people like Dolly Parton”, Vaz added.

Changing the station The Bronc Retro and the Grunge genre, we have a lot of classic hits from the 90s, which include Aneurysm by Nirvana, Man In The Box from Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins Today.“ Nirvana is easily one of the most, if not the most, popular grunge back of all-time. According to Soto, “Their work is timeless and will never get old.” The impact of Grunge bands and artists on the music world is transcendant.

Why On THESE Stations?

The selection of country and grunge on WRRC-FM and WRRC2 was inevitable. “There have been a lot of modern country artists that have really been popping off.” added Soto. With artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter dipping their toes into the country genre, it is spreading across America like wildfire, so having these artists showcased on the #9 College Radio Station in the nation, was going to happen at some point.

Grunge had a very big impact on the music industry from the 1980s to the 2000s, and for fans of the Retro station, you’re going to feel the same vibe you originally felt when these songs first came out.

The Takeaway

Whether you are a fan of the classic hits or prefer the biggest hits and best variety 107.7 The Bronc and 107.7 The Bronc Retro has everything to satisfy your diverse musical tastes! Get ready for the Summer Rodeo and Garage Grunge Summer all summer long from May 23 to September 1 exclusively on WRRC-FM and WRRC2.

By: Lathan Gil

107.7 The Bronc has two new student shows and they are on “track” to take you through music history; from the Beatles all the way to the Top 20 hits featured on this week’s the Billboard Hot 100!

The Music of Today!

20Track Takeover is all about today’s hits. Hosted by The Bronc’s student program director Cassie Vaz ’26, 20Track Takeover is live every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and it’s become Cassie’s passion, “20Track Takeover is a show comprised of the Top 20 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, we countdown from #20 to #1 every week, discussing the trends week-by-week as well as the artists and songs themselves.”

From R&B to country, this show is definitely for music fans who love pop music. In fact, 20Track Takeover is something that the programming team has wanted to do for its college demo, and that they can really get into, for quite a while, “A lot of the songs are newer and widely known, so you can tune in and sing along to almost anything that comes on.”


    

Cassie thinks this is a show that’s easy to enjoy, “I hope people will listen for the music, if you like pop– or anything that’s typically trending you’ll love this show, as well as learning new things about the artists behind each song and how well the music performs on the charts.” 

Some of the artists Cassie will be featuring this week on 20 Track Takeover will include: Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Gracie Abrams.

Learn everything you always wanted to know about today’s new and popular artists on the chart, so you can just relax and take back your Friday nights! 

Watch for 20Track Takeover’s new day and time coming this summer

Let’s Take It Back in Time!

Breakfast with The Beatles, hosted by Co-Production Director, Alli Burton ‘26, is exactly what the title says it is. It is early in the morning, every Friday at 8 a.m. and its full of Beatles love, music, info, and vibes!

Alli’s love for The Beatles goes all the way back to her childhood! “I’ve been a fan of them ever since I can remember. My dad is a big influence on how I listened to them, how I’ve learned from their music, so I totally get the hype of Beatlemania, because if I was a teenage girl in the 60’s, I don’t not blame them whatsoever on being obsessed!” Alli hosts Breakfast With The Beatles to express her love for the band and to explain the insightful lore and fundamentals behind the group!

This show is the second student live show on The Bronc Retro. Alli has the creativity and the skill set to create her own brand, she adds her own sound effects, and she can include audio from video clips, including interviews and fan engagement.

She considers the opportunity to host Breakfast With The Beatles a very high honor. If someone who likes the 60s British Invasion and is up at 8 a.m. on Fridays they can “expect a fun, energetic, and very interesting show. I have a lot of energy as is, and to blast my favorite band is very fun for me.”

Alli’s first task with Breakfast With The Beatles is to feature ever Beatles albums in order of release. When asked about the future of the show, she makes a very interesting statement. “I’m starting to have different themes of each show. I will be adding more stuff as I continue, because this is something that’s still progressing.”

Why Should You Listen?

If you love music, whether you enjoy the classic hits or are into what’s hot on the Billboard chart, you will love these two new shows. They are the perfect complement to programs like Wake Up Rider on 107.7 The Bronc and Riding Retro on 107.7 The Bronc Retro.

The 20 Track Takeover is an ever-changing musical experience, depending on what songs are currently topping the charts, while Breakfast with The Beatles is a high energy start to a bright morning. Make sure to listen to 20 Track Takeover every Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Breakfast with The Beatles every Friday at 8 a.m.

By: Lathan Gil

The baseball season at Lawrence High School is swinging into full effect, and our 107.7 The Bronc Retro broadcast team: are stepping up to the plate. 

Former Sports Director, Matt Brown ‘25 has assembled another great team to cover this year’s Lawrence High School, Cardinals home and road games, including new Sports Director, Lindsay Scarola ‘27. Lindsay was a member of The Bronc’s Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Media Award-nominated broadcast team last season, and watching the Cardinals use the experience they developed last year and apply those lessons on the field in 2025, “What I am looking forward to this season is seeing how much the team has grown from last year because they lost two players. They are doing well so far and it’s been so good to see.”

Changes To The Sports Team!
    

Joining veteran play-by-play broadcaster Trey Wright and Lindsay on the mic this season is CJ Jackson ‘28, who was recruited to the baseball broadcast team as a freshman and after having a student show at 107.7 The Bronc. “My first semester I did a student show, and when they started seeing potential, they offered me the opportunity to do more. I thought it was a bit intimidating.”

CJ Jackson is one The Bronc Retro’s two, color commentators for Cardinals baseball and also creates the social media content for every LHS broadcast. When asked what he is looking forward to this season, CJ’s passion for the game took totally over. “I just love the sport. I don’t care who is playing or what level it is. It’s what I live for, I can’t get enough of it [baseball]. It’s awesome.”

After adding CJ as a new member to the team, Trey and Lindsay had to say goodbye to their graduating partner Matt Brown, “Although we wanted to do the broadcasts with Matt again, he made the decision to bring in somebody new, and I think he made the right decision. I think CJ was a great choice. He has so much confidence and he does great with his color commentary. Knowing I was in the same position last year, I understand how he could feel nervous in the beginning, so knowing that, I could help him more.” 

What Happens Before, During and After Every Game.

There’s a lot of planning that goes into broadcasting baseball on The Bronc Retro from coordinating the live broadcast with the athletic directors from each school to interviewing the head coach of LHS Baseball, Jim Maher, to prepping player facts and game stats.

The baseball broadcast itself consists of a play-by-play announcer (Trey Wright) and for our broadcasts not just one, but color commentators (Lindsay Scarola and CJ Jackson). As the play-by-play announcer calls the game as he sees, describing every pitch, at-bat and spectacular or not so spectacular play on the field; while the color commentators fill in the blanks offering analysis after every play.

The baseball broadcast itself consists of a play-by-play announcer (Trey Wright) and for our broadcasts not just one, but color commentators (Lindsay Scarola and CJ Jackson). As the play-by-play announcer calls the game as he sees, describing every pitch, at-bat and spectacular or not so spectacular play on the field; while the color commentators fill in the blanks offering analysis after every play.

For Jackson broadcasting baseball is actually really fun, even with all the stress it can induce, “You always have to know what’s going on and you always have ta be on your feet with what you say and how you say it. And making sure even people who don’t know sports, knows what’s happening.”

What to Expect This Season

“I am super impressed with the team. They are 7 – 2 right now, the fact they play competitive baseball and they aren’t getting killed every game makes it so much fun to watch.” CJ Jackson had to say about the current team and what to expect from them.

Lindsay Scarola is also expecting great things! “I expect them to go far! Last year they made it to the CVC finals and we got to broadcast at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton. They fight really hard, so I expect them to go far again.”

On top of broadcasting Lawrence High School baseball, the sports team at 107.7 The Bronc Retro also airs Lawrence High School and Rancocas Valley Regional High School football in the fall and Rider men’s and women’s basketball in the winter. All on WRRC2

You can listen to Lawrence High School baseball online at 1077thebronc.com as well as our free Apple, Google Play, Amazon Alexa, and Audacy WRRC2 apps and skills. To listen to past games go to 1077TheBronc.com/LHSBaseball. We have every game up and ready for you to download.

By: Lathan Gil

107.7 The Bronc is having a very eggtastic event happening on Tuesday, April 15! It is the annual Eggscellent Egg Hunt! The students  at The Bronc will be laying 10,000 eggs across the Campus Mall (located across from Dalys and the SRC) for students to win over $40,000 in prizes, including two HDTV’s, a Royal Caribbean cruise to The Bahamas courtesy of Josh Harry Travel  and, new this year, a 2.5 carat diamond pendant from Peroni’s Hidden Treasures.

Best Damn Sports Report anchor Ben Shinault ‘26, who was in the bunny suit during last year’s egg hunt Taking pictures with the kids and the organizations was very fun. Most of the work came before the day of the egg hunt. All of the social media, the countdown, and all that was very fun.

Marketing The Egg Hunt On Our Socials!       

  There are three things that go into the preparation for the egg hunt. The prizes, the eggs, the social Media. Social Media Director Emily O’ Connor ‘26, has created the social media for the Eggscellent Egg Hunt the past two years, and it has been a unique experience every time. “John [Mozes] loves the countdowns, so we did a 10 day countdown teasing the prizes, the food that’s coming, and hyping things up, overall. Last year was the first time I did the social media by myself, Adult Swim was very popular so we had some themes of that on the social media.”

In terms of social media, O’ Connor believes promoting past events like 107.7 The Bronc’s Scream Screen was less difficult than marketing and branding for the Egg Hunt. “Feeding into the fear, fun, and spooky stuff for Scream Screen made creating the social media easier. For the egg hunt it’s a lot harder, because we don’t have the fear and gore of Scream Screen.” 

We’re Prepared For You To Have Fun!        

Rosalyn Tiangco ‘26,  the current Student General Manager at The Bronc, really wants students to have fun. “I love seeing and knowing that this event could be something that makes someones day, week, or semester. But we need everyone to focus.”

The workload varies depending on what you are assigned to do at the Eggscellent Egg Hunt. Other student executive staff members like Production Director Alli Burton has had something different to do every year: “I’ve worked with the Egg Hunt for the past two years, and each year I’ve helped around doing different things to prepare. My freshman year I scooped water ice and ran an inflatable game. And then my sophomore year I was part of social media and I ran the photo booth with my roommate! It’s always so fun to see the entire campus have a smile on their faces when we run this event and it shows how much hard work we put into crafting and producing this fun event.”

There are 10,000 eggs on the Campus Mall, and every student worker at The Bronc has a job to do. According to co-Production Director Claire Palmer ‘25, it’s not all work and no play, “From the GM, Student GM, and Assistant GM doing most of the paperwork, checking the prizes, and checking with sponsors, to the staff members who are doing social media, The Egg Hunt, will be a day for guaranteed joy.”

Along with the Egg Hunt, and all the different prizes students can win including a CRUISE and a DIAMOND, there are also eight food trucks, games, inflatables and other activities, plus therapy dogs, puppies to adopt and our annual  petting zoo, along with many other surprises. 

After the Eggscellent Egg Hunt, there is the Spring For Life Blood Drive, which is a collaboration between The Bronc and Miller-Keystone Blood Center, and Crusin’ From Commencement, where undergraduate and graduate students, who are eligible to walk at Commencement in May, can submit a two and a half minute video about their experience at Rider to win a car, a cruise or a car! But for now, get ready, because The Eggscellent Egg Hunt is coming up! Lets see how many eggs you can find on Tuesday, April 15, from 11am – 2pm on the Campus Mall.

By: Guy Varela & Marissa Spencer

Wake Up Rider Hosts Celebrate IBS Media Award Win: An Inside Look at the Show’s Success

Wake Up Rider, the long-running morning radio show on 107.7 The Bronc, has earned significant recognition this year by winning the prestigious Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Media Award. This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work, creativity, and passion that the hosts bring to the airwaves weekday mornings. To honor their win, we chatted with three of the six award-winning morning show hosts—Alli Burton ‘26, RJ Seib ‘27, and Brian Tobin ‘27—to hear about their experiences, favorite moments, and what this award means to them.

On Saturday, March 8, The Bronc took on the Big Apple, where Wake Up Rider claimed the title for Best College Morning Show after three consecutive years of nominations. Alli recalls the picture-perfect moment the award was announced, “I blacked out from the adrenaline rush. When they called our name, I remember squeezing Jack and Ellis’s hands, hoping they would announce us. When they did, we all shot up and screamed so loud. I ran to the stage to grab the award—it was such a surreal and unforgettable moment.”

Alli Burton joined Wake Up Rider in Spring 2023 after immersing herself fully in the radio station. The former graphic design major fell head over heels for radio at The Bronc, and the rest was history. So much so that Burton is now a radio and podcasting major with a passion like no other. As for her most cherished memories on Wake Up Rider, “There are so many great moments to choose from, but I think winning the IBS Media Award stands out. Another favorite moment was when we sang karaoke on helium—it was spontaneous and absolutely hilarious.”

Alli is considering a future in audio editing and board operation, and her time on Wake Up Rider has been invaluable. “The experience I’ve gained from running the board, managing the hotkeys, and working as a producer has given me the skills I need to pursue this field.”

Now. RJ Seib, a sophomore Film and TV major, has made an impressive impact as a co-host on Wake Up Rider since joining the team in Fall 2024. His creative energy and enthusiasm have quickly become a key part of the show’s success. When asked about his favorite moments on the show, RJ is quick to mention one of his proudest achievements: the creation of the segment Good Night Pyongyang, “It really clicked with our audience, and it was a lot of fun.” This segment, which highlights both humor and creative storytelling, as many of the segments promote the show’s collaborative efforts with the comedy club, Catch a Rising Star. “You can always expect to laugh when tuned in,” he added. 

Hosting a morning radio show may seem routine at this point for such a seasoned group of hosts, but it’s not without its challenges no matter how many awards are won. For RJ, the unpredictability of live radio is one of the toughest parts of the job. “Live radio can be unpredictable, so balancing spontaneity with staying on schedule is a challenge,” he explains. “We want to keep it fun and fresh, but we also have to ensure the show flows smoothly.” 

RJ’s IBS memory rings similar to Alli’s, filled to the brim with adrenaline and nerves, “It was such an overwhelming feeling of excitement,” RJ recalls. “We all screamed and jumped around when our name was called—it felt like everything we had worked for had paid off.” That moment of recognition was a testament to the hard work and dedication the team has put into the show,” he exclaimed. The opportunity to entertain and connect with listeners is what keeps RJ coming back every morning. “Whether it’s humor, stories, or a great segment, I love knowing we’re making people’s mornings better,” he says. The energy of live radio, combined with the ability to make a difference in someone’s day, is what fuels RJ’s passion for the job. “I’d love to see us win more awards in the future.”

Being part of Wake Up Rider has been a game-changer for RJ’s collegiate career. “WUR has been a huge influence on my career,” he says. “I’ve learned so much about broadcasting, production, and handling the pressures of live radio. I feel like I’m on the right path to a future in media because of the experience I’ve gained here.” The skills RJ has honed during his time on the show will undoubtedly set him up for success as he pursues a career in the media industry.

Meet newcomer, sophomore Brian Tobin.  In his first semester on Wake Up Rider, Tobin has quickly become known for his infectious energy and enthusiasm, making him a perfect fit for the early morning program. 

For Brian, the most rewarding aspect of morning radio is the ability to positively impact a listener’s morning. “It’s all about bringing joy to people’s day,” he explains. “Whether it’s a funny moment, a cool interview, or just having fun with the team, I love knowing that we’re brightening someone’s morning.” His passion for creating a fun and uplifting experience for his audience is what keeps him energized and motivated every day.

The success of Wake Up Rider and its recent IBS Media Award win is a reflection of the dedication and passion these hosts bring to their show every day. With new segments, creative energy, and a commitment to keeping things fresh, the future of WUR is undoubtedly bright.

As Alli, RJ, and Brian continue to make waves in the world of college morning radio, listeners can expect even more exciting content, laughs, and surprises with the show’s plethora of energetic hosts. Tune in on weekdays from 8-10 a.m. on 107.7 The Bronc to catch all the fun and see what the crew has in store next. Here’s to many more years of success, creativity, and unforgettable moments on Wake Up Rider! Congratulations to the entire crew of Wake Up Rider. This win for The Bronc was made possible thanks to Alli, RJ, and Brian alongside the rest of the team, Nick Witkowski, Ellis Foreman, Owen Nelson, Claire Palmer, Owen McCarron, Jack Jock, and John Mozes.

The Eggscellent Egg Hunt takes home the gold for “Best Giveaway”

On the other hand, The Eggscellent Egg Hunt is one of 107.7 The Bronc’s biggest events on campus and was nationally recognized as the event winning ‘Best Station Giveaway’ at the IBS Media Awards on March 8! Last year, one lucky student found themselves going on a Royal Caribbean cruise to The Bahamas with the help of Josh Harry Travel.

Former 107.7 The Bronc student general manager Nick Witkowski ‘25 and social media director Emily O’Connor ’26 both worked on the IBS reel to hopefully get The Eggscellent Egg Hunt nominated. Nick wrote a description of this famed contest and all of its prizes, while Emily produced the reel that was eventually submitted. And as they like to say, “the rest is history”. We asked both Nick and Emily for an in-depth look into how the reel came to be and what The Eggscellent Egg Hunt means to them.

When you think about it, there aren’t any colleges that host an event like this, so Nick wanted to think of a way to make not just the grand prize but the entire event stand out when writing the reel. “How many college radio stations are giving away cruises? My thoughts were just to find a way to combine a really cool prize with a really cool event, and from there (regarding the reel), hope for the best!”

Emily created the reel, and she wanted to incorporate all of our graphics, on-air imaging, social media, and everything in between. Since this is one of our biggest events, Emily thinks it’s one of the things that makes Rider University so unique. “I was looking for a piece with a narrative that told everyone exactly what the Eggscellent Egg Hunt is all about, and then I paired it with visuals from our social media countdown, social media coverage from our events, and our poster. I hoped that we would win an award, especially as the social media director. I always wanted to market ourselves by winning an award, so it’s a dream come true to do that.”

When talking about The Eggscellent Egg Hunt, Nick believes that this event is truly one of a kind. With over 10,000 eggs, tens of thousands of dollars in prizes, and over 80+ students involved at The Bronc, Nick knows that this event is not just a staple for The Bronc, but the date is circled on every Rider student’s calendar at the beginning of the semester. “I can say this with full confidence. Last year, we had an unfortunate swatting event that affected the entirety of our campus just days before the Eggscellent Egg Hunt. However, just a few days later, on the day of the event, well over 1,000 students attended our annual event with smiles on their faces, anticipating the food trucks, petting zoo, carnival games, good vibes, and obviously, the egg hunt itself! This event isn’t just about The Bronc, it’s about Rider, and one of the many reasons that this school is truly so special.”

Emily knows that this is such an important community event because it brings us all together. “There is truly something for everyone to do, from the main activity, the egg hunt, to the food trucks, to egg dyeing and many other activities to choose from. Especially the petting zoo, which allows students to come together from different majors to enjoy some time out of classes while reigniting our greater Rider community.”

In terms of winning ‘Best Giveaway’ at the IBS Media Awards, it was a great way to close the book on Nick’s final chapter at 107.7 The Bronc. Nick said that it was important to mention that this award could not have been done without the Rider community or our Bronc staff. “If it wasn’t for the love and passion that everyone has for this event, we wouldn’t be able to lock down such fantastic sponsors and prizes such as Josh Harry Travel and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.” Nick feels proud to have been a part of an award like this because it wasn’t just him; it was everyone, and that is what 107.7 The Bronc is all about.

Lastly, Emily sees the recognition of this massive event as well-deserved. She thinks that this award will help 107.7 The Bronc immensely with our upcoming egg hunt and, hopefully, help us raise the bar. “We really focused on taking this event to the next level, from the layout of the event to the activities that are provided during the event, all the way down to the prizes. Having one of my personal favorite sponsors allow us to give away a Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas for two, which literally made our students very excited, was amazing!”The success of The Eggscellent Egg Hunt cannot be overlooked, and the recent IBS Media Award win shows our dedication and passion to hosting a campus-wide event for Rider University every year. The Eggscellent Egg Hunt is back on campus on Tuesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! This year, there’s over $30,000 in prizes, and it will be an unforgettable day of non-stop fun! The actual egg hunt will kick off promptly at 12:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

By: Lathan Gil

From March 28 through March 31, 107.7 The Bronc is hosting its first ever RADIOTHON! Bronc Alumni and current students are teaming up to provide 74 consecutive hours of live on-air entertainment and to raise money to help The Bronc with future endeavours, with the goal being $10,000.

The event was created by two current Rider students, former student general manager Nick Witkowski ‘25 and social media director Emily O’ Conner ‘26. Witkowski said that his inspiration and reasoning for wanting to create the Radiothon was that he saw it online: “It was mostly seeing long marathons to raise money on YouTube or things like that, or streams to raise money. And I thought, ‘Hey, We can make something out of this with the platform that we have!”

He then went to Emily O’Conner about the idea to help bring it to life, and she was very elated to do so. With her background in creating social media for the radio station, Emily really loved the idea, even though she knew it would bring a lot of hard work, “Being social media director, we see what everybody is doing, and we see a lot of stations have radiothons, and I would really love the chance to market a radiothon, and to create the social media for it. It would be a great way to connect alumni with current students … Who wouldn’t want to plan a 72-hour event!” And those are just some of the reasons O’Conner was excited about being one of the co-creators and participating in 107.7 The Bronc’s Radiothon.

Getting The Alumni Back! 

One of the main points for having the Radiothon (besides to raise money) is to bring WRCR, WWRC, WRRC and 107.7 The Bronc alumni back to Rider University to connect Broncs of the past to Broncs of the future. As Nick Witkowski says “it is a big celebration of what this radio station has done.”

It was Emily O’Connor who came up with the idea to do more  with WRRC alumni than just have them on the air, “I knew we were reaching out to alumni to get testimonials to help us raise money, and I thought this was a great idea, but I thought lets take it a step further and get videos of them at their jobs and videos of them talking about their Rider experience and then we can make that into social media promotion videos!” –

One of the alumni returning to do more than just a show during The Radiothon is Emily Stratton ‘14. She started at the radio station doing an internship. She was a co-host for Sustainable U, which was a radio show for three years on The Bronc. She then went on to become a production director, then the student general manager in her senior year. She is SUPER excited to be participating in the Radiothon because The Bronc gave her so many experiences and opportunities to meet students who are creating content and doing some of the same things she did for The Bronc, now.

Some advice Stratton has for the current Broncs is as easy as this: “Take every opportunity that presents itself. Network, and learn from every opportunity.” Emily is currently working with one of the station’s current co-production directors, Owen Nelson ‘27, to create all of the audio imaging for The Bronc’s first-ever Radiothon.

The Technical Side! 

Student Chief Engineer, Owen Mccarron ‘26 is in charge of the training all of the alumni  for their on-air return and he has a plan to make their studio experience a success, “We are going about it like how we train our students. We are going to get them on one of the spare boards and show them all of the functions of the board…I have recruited a team of eight or nine other people at the station who will help me efficiently train everybody.”

All alumni will be will be getting trained the day they go on air! They are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled show time to receive their training. According to McCarron, “There will always be a two-person team at all times. One person on the team will train, the second person on the team will shadow them, so if they run into something, the person on air can ask them questions.”

The station will also keep students on call just in case something sudden happens and the person hosting a show can’t make it to the studios on time,  so we don’t miss a minute of our 74 consecutive hours of live programming.

The Takeaway 

When asked if he thinks the Radiothon is going to come back next year and become an annual event, co-creator Nick Witkowski doesn’t think so. “I wouldn’t say every year, there’s a lot that goes into it, and pretty tough to put together. I think a celebration every three to five years seems right. There would be a proper jump between alumni and students.”

107.7 The Bronc’s first-ever Radiothon starts on Friday, March 28 at 8 a.m. with Wake Up Rider. Now that we’ve hit the $10,000 mark, we’re upping our goal to $15,000! Click here to donate and listen live from March 28 to 31 to help us reach our new goal to maintain and upgrade our station computers and equipment while enhancing our student experience all at the same time.

By: Guy Varela

The finish line is in sight, and the race toward graduation is on! We recently announced 107.7 The Bronc’s Cruisin’ From Commencement contest, and one lucky graduate could roll off campus in a brand new 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross L All Wheel Drive SUV, courtesy of Team Toyota of Princeton.

This year is extra special, because it’s the 10th anniversary of Cruisin’ From Commencement! We’re celebrating a decade of unforgettable memories, and celebrating those who made this event possible starting all the way back in 2016!

If you want to know what it’s like to be a winner just ask Connor O’Neil ‘17. This Customer Service Representative and Data Entry Operator at Top Knobs, won Cruisin’ From Commencement in 2017. He won both a brand new Toyota and a cruise! “It was such a humbling experience for me. You don’t just etch your name in history, but the circumstances were different at the time, technically (feeling like) a double champion at the time.”

The experience felt so rewarding for Connor, and he looks back on this event thinking that students should take the opportunity to enter Cruisin’, since there’s no risk in submitting a video, “Why not give it a shot? What’s the worst that can happen? I’d rather take the risk trying something, then just letting a moment pass me by. You get scared of taking that chance in life, but it really would be so much more beneficial not just for me, but for my family too.”

For Josh Harry, Vice President of Operations At Skyzone in Hamilton and Travel Guide For Josh Harry Travel, is sponsoring Cruisin’ For Commencement for the first time by giving away a Royal Caribbean cruise for two to The Bahamas, to our second place winner! Josh has been working with The Bronc since 2021, and hasn’t looked back since. “Working with The Bronc is much better than (working with) traditional legacy radio stations. This radio station shows how much the students are involved, and SkyZone and (Josh Harry) Travel resonate more here with the students.”

A three to four night cruise from Florida to The Bahamas sounds like a great time, and Josh can’t wait to see the Top 10 Finalists come May 16. “It’s such an exciting thing to happen. The car is a huge prize, but the cruise brings (the contest) to another level. I can’t wait to see who wins, because it’s all about giving back to the community here at Rider. Even if you don’t get first, to get second or third, or even further on, it’s a no brainer, (I feel that) the students will put in a lot of effort into their submissions.”

After working with The Bronc for the past six years, Doug Zenzel, Director of Marketing at Team Toyota in Princeton, see’s how much effort each student puts into their submissions for Cruisin’ From Commencement. “It’s great to be a part of the community in general. We want to help the youth and see the submissions of what the students put in, because It’s all about building relationships with our customers, and we can foster that business. You’re getting a brand new vehicle, and it’s one less thing you have to worry about once you graduate.”

The Grand Prize is that shiny new Toyota Corolla Cross L, plus two years of ToyotaCare for maintenance and roadside assistance. Doug loves supporting The Bronc every year with a brand new Toyota, since he’s seen how much Cruisin’ has grown since he started to work with The Bronc. “It feels great to see the momentum through the years, especially with the opportunity to win a brand new car once graduating college.”

Lastly, John Mozes, General Manager of 107.7 The Bronc, has seen it all when it comes to the creation of this contest, to now celebrating its 10th anniversary! “Anytime you reach a milestone in life, you need to celebrate in big fashion. We’ve given away cars to college graduates for over 10 years now. This year, there are more prizes and more opportunities to celebrate this 10th anniversary. The best next thing to do was to give away a car, a cruise, and the $1000 as our top three prizes, then the catering and $100 gift cards to th #GetForky Gretalia Hospitality Group of restaurants.”

John knew that Cruisin From Commencement was a way to grow the station’s brand, and engage the Rider community. This was something that other colleges and college radio stations have not done. “Little did we know that Team Toyota of Princeton would be with us for 10 years giving away a different car every year. (With their help) it’s made Cruisin’ From Commencement a campus tradition here at Rider University along with many other events we put together.”

To qualify, you must be a graduating undergraduate or graduate student eligible to walk at Rider’s Class of 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 17. Entries are due by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., with the Cruisin’ From Commencement Finale happening on Friday, May 16, at 5 p.m. on the Campus Mall.

This contest is made possible by our amazing sponsors: Team Toyota of Princeton, Josh Harry Travel, Gretalia Hospitality Group and Fulton Bank. So graduates, why not take this opportunity to show how four years attending Rider University helped make an impact on your life? Start brainstorming, grab your camera, scroll through your pictures, and let your Rider story shine. Your ultimate Commencement ride is calling, graduates! Click here to learn more about this legendary contest.

By Marissa Spencer

At 107.7 The Bronc, two twin brothers, Ellis and Jaden Foreman, have taken the initiative to honor Black History Month, African American culture, and music through 107.7 The Bronc’s annual Milestones in African American History. With a shared passion for storytelling and culture, these Film & Television students have crafted an engaging month-long series that highlights the contributions of Black figures who have left an indelible mark on American history. 

Sophomore Film and television major, Ellis who doubles as the station’s Assistant Promotions Director, was motivated to lead the programming out of a deep respect for the trailblazers who paved the way for him and others. “I chose to write and produce Milestones to highlight the important contributions that African Americans have made to the United States. As an African-American student, I feel like I have a certain responsibility to uplift the people who came before me and made it possible to be where I am today,” he shared. 

Undertaking a project of this scale came with its obstacles. “The biggest challenge was writing two to three paragraphs of interesting information for 31 different individuals,” Ellis explained. “The second challenge was diversifying the amount of talent recording each and every milestone. We wanted as many people as possible to read and engage with these stories.” Jaden echoed similar sentiments, “Not only did we have to find fantastic individuals to highlight, but we also had to navigate the logistics of recording. Since much of our staff and on-air talent were away during the winter break, a lot of the recordings were complete just days before publishing,” he added. Despite the hurdles, their dedication paid off, and the project successfully aired, bringing awareness to lesser-known, yet equally significant, African American figures featuring every one of The Bronc’s executive staff members. 

Born and raised in Union, NJ, Ellis and Jaden’s heritage is a blend of Jamaican and African-American roots. They celebrate Kwanzaa annually as a way to reflect, grow, and uplift their community. “African-American culture was the dominant culture surrounding me growing up,” Ellis said. “I learned many valuable life lessons, recipes, and song lyrics through it.”Jaden added, “Music is a huge part of our culture. Even though I’m not religious, Gospel music helped us get through decades of oppression. Jazz, Hip Hop, and Soul continue to push the boundaries of Black success in the world.”

Ellis and Jaden both credit Black artists and historical figures who came before them for shaping their perspectives and passions. For Ellis, Gil Scott Heron and Michael Jackson stand out. “They both left a lasting impact on the way people view art and how future generations create it.” Jaden finds inspiration in a variety of musicians, from Dr. Dre to Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis. “These artists not only paved the way for future generations but also spoke about issues facing the community through their music.” 

Beyond music, Ellis admires Hiram Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Congress. “Despite facing opposition for the color of his skin, he fought back and worked to improve life for African Americans post-Civil War.” Jaden sees Black influence everywhere. “I don’t think I can choose just one person. From politics to music, engineering to activism, African Americans have shaped the modern world in countless ways,” he exclaimed with pride.

When choosing which historical figures to feature, the brothers were intentional about selecting individuals who might not be widely known to give them the coverage they deserve. Many BHM events feature the likes of those we’ve learned about in history books; however, it was up to the Foreman’s to show our listeners a broader impact of the Black community. “We started by searching for ‘the first African-American elected to Congress’ and ‘the first African-American registered architect,’ and from there, we discovered even more names,” Ellis explained. Jaden emphasized the importance of bringing these figures to light, “Many in the world want the general population to be oblivious to the greatness that is Black History, so we must keep pushing it forward to new audiences.” 

While Ellis sees himself continuing with more programming at 107.7 The Bronc in the future, Jaden enjoys focusing on his role as Promotions Director but remains open to similar projects. Be sure to catch Jaden and Ellis the first Thursday of the month at 107.7 The Bronc’s Club Pub to get a glimpse of their DJing in action! 

Regardless of where their careers take them, both brothers are committed to storytelling and ensuring Black history remains at the forefront of conversations. Through Milestones in African American History, Ellis and Jaden have given a platform to voices of the past, educating and inspiring listeners today. Their efforts at 107.7 The Bronc demonstrate the power of college radio as a tool for representation, awareness, and change within one’s community. 

You can listen to Milestones in African American History every hour, from now until February 28 exclusively on 107.7 The Bronc and 107.7 The Bronc Retro. Click here to listen live; or here to listen to every milestone on-demand.

By Marissa Spencer

Needless to say, 107.7 the Bronc has spent a great deal of time getting hyped this college basketball season. From our student broadcaster, who you’ve heard hanging out on the scene, giving you all the play-by-play, to our executive team engineering the broadcasts back in our state-of-the-art studios, we’ve been able to experience it all this basketball season. However, two current students have been able to switch up the scene and provide all Bronc basketball fans with the ultimate pre-game experience: The Hype.

The Hype originated from an idea pitched by General Manager John Mozes. While Mozes had previously proposed a pre-game project involving a collaboration between the radio station and Rider Athletics, this time the concept was entirely new. As is often the case with collaborations, the station reached out to the athletic department to make it happen. They met with Karin Torchia, the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator, to bring the vision to life.

Torchia has been working in the Rider Athletics department for 25 years making her the most pivotal point of contact for this project. As a longtime colleague of Mozes, and a former collaborator of the station from previous sports broadcasts, once the perfect pitch was proposed the show was ready to hit the road. “We knew we wanted to create an enhanced fan experience when we started offering alcohol sales,” said Torchia.

_{Kadie and Zach on the mic}

“We wanted the SRC to become the sort of place where everyone would go before a game and sit around and listen to The Hype…the pregame show…It was kind of a no-brainer,” she added. And a no-brainer it was to collaborate. We’re merging the pro athletes of the future with the pro broadcasters of the succeeding mediasphere. “John does a really terrific job of bringing in students who are really knowledgeable and passionate about broadcasting…They are so professional…it goes a long way to what John does with the students teaching them,” she said.

The Hype has a lot of exclusive content in store for the fans that get to the court early. In addition to elevated concessions, this pre-game show offers exclusive interviews with the assistant coaches. “It’s great! They’re the ones who do a scout of each team that they then present to our players and head coach. “They get an idea of what to look for at the games and to have a different perspective for each game is pretty unique,” said Torchia who believes, “Having The Hype as a part of our Bronc’s Fan Zone really adds to that atmosphere and knowledge that the fans can get before they actually come in and see the game.”

_{Karin Torchia}

As for Torchia, and her career at Rider, she’s shared her most beloved moments on staff working with not only the athletes, but the student body as a whole, “Getting a chance to have an impact on the 450 student-athletes that we have; and knowing once they leave Rider that we’ve created memories and a good positive experience for them…knowing that you get an opportunity to shape someone’s future,” shared the acclaimed athletic director and longtime friend of 107.7 The Bronc.

Meet your Hype hosts, Kadie DiGiuseppe and Zach Jones. Both are no strangers to the court, studying sports media here at Rider. With a deep passion for the sidelines, they’ve honed their craft and elevated their insights through their new show. “I always want to be a sideline reporter,” said Sophomore, Sports Media major, Kadie Digiuseppe. “Asking questions to coaches and broadcasters has helped me develop the kind of knowledge-driven questions that can provide our listeners with insider information—a skill I hope to refine even further in the future.” Senior Radio and Podcasting major, Zach Jones, who’s also minoring in Sports Media has learned a lot, “The Hype’s allowed me to polish my skills as an interviewer and host.”

This year marked the first sales of alcohol at Rider basketball games, while fans sat and sipped drinks something was missing, “With alcohol now being sold at the game, the athletic department really wanted a pregame show to complement everything else,” Jones added and DiGiuseppe agreed, “We wanted to enhance our engagement with our student listeners by doing a live broadcast before the games. It also gives our listeners insider information since we interview other broadcasters and coaches.”
_{Zach Jones}

Overall this show has not only provided entertainment to our listeners and fans alike, but those behind the mic as well, with this broadcasting duo constantly being able to polish their craft, these two have sure learned a lot. “Getting to know the coaches and other broadcasters has been really great. It’s opened up my eyes to new sides of the team and the media surrounding it,” shared DiGiuseppe. “I’ve been able to see the different perspectives on the team and the games with the many guests we have,” added Jones.

With the rest of the season well underway, there’s still so much in store for listeners of Rider Broncs’ Basketball on 107.7 The Bronc Retro and The Hype. Zach Jones shared his excitement about the future of the program and his plans for the rest of the season, “I’m excited to get creative with the process, figuring out what we can do more or less of—and just enjoying the journey.” As the Broncs gear up for the MAAC tournament, Kadie is equally thrilled about what lies ahead. “Getting to interview new people and uncover more information as the team sets its sights on the tournament,” she said, reflecting on how this season has truly been a standout moment for her.

As the basketball season continues and the hopes for postseason play heat up, The Hype has proven to be a game-changer for Rider fans and athletes alike, and with the momentum continuing to build, there’s no doubt this pre-game show will become a staple for Rider Basketball from here on out. The Broncs’ journey to the MAAC tournament is just beginning, and The Hype, along with your hosts Kadie and Zach, will be right there to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Go Broncs!

The Hype broadcasts an hour before every Rider Men’s basketball home game live from the SRC Atrium and live on 107.7 The Bronc Retro, WRRC2. Click here for all the ways you can listen live this season

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.