On March 8 Southern Miss Today, WUSM’s student-run news show, received their first national award at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System College Radio Awards in New York for first place in Best Community News Coverage.

The station was also in the finalists category for Best Event Promo and Best Music Specialty Show.

Assistant manager of WUSM and four-year member of Southern Miss Today community Courtney Ingle said she was confident in the station’s winning ability.

“I was surprised that we got first place on our first national competition, but at the same time I knew what we were capable of,” Ingle said. “I feel that WUSM has a unique stance. We’re (a) campus, student-ran radio, but we are also the only community radio station in the Pine Belt. We’re a hidden gem, (and) now we’re getting to shine.”

Although this will be WUSM’s first national award, it only complements the many other awards the station has received locally. Both Southern Miss Today and Wise Guys Sports Show, WUSM’s two live shows, as well as Drew’s News and Drew’s Sports Fix, have received recognition.

Ingle said despite the station’s recent success, she still hopes to see WUSM strive for improvement.

“I feel that in all areas, news, interviewing, producing, etc., we can do better,” Ingle said. “My ultimate goal is for us to continue to go up from here. We’re a valuable asset to the community, the university and the future career of our students. By continuing on the track we are on, we’re only reaffirming why we are here.”

Ingle said she is excited that this year the department was able to add Advanced Audio Production to the list of available mass communications and journalism classes. She hopes the class will generate new contest material for future competitions.

“The students did this. I only guided them,” Ingle said. “I have been in their shoes. I’ve been the producer, the engineer, the host and the newsreader. I know what they are doing, how it works, what they need to do. But they made the decision to do their best and exercise their talent. That’s why we are where we are now.”

Listeners can like WUSM 88.5 and Southern Miss Today on their Facebook pages for more information. They also stream worldwide at www.southernmissradio.com to make requests and keep up with events.