University News

Caiden Strenz and Grace Zeithammer attended the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Conference and Awards in New York City. WIU's "Leatherneck Insider" was named the Best Sports program at the conference.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

"Leatherneck Insider" Named Best Sports Program

March 13, 2025

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's weekly sports variety show, "Leatherneck Insider," was named the Best Sports Program at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Conference on March 8.

"Leatherneck Insider" is produced by students in the WIU Sports Broadcasting program. It is also a live production of the Broadcasting and Journalism program, which includes News3 TV and WIUS-FM's "The Dog."

Junior Caiden Strenz and senior Grace Zeithammer traveled to New York City for the two-day conference. They said it was an incredible experience to receive the award and network with other students from around the country.

"The IBS conference was amazing," Strenz said. "You're with people from around the country who want to do what you want to do. We had one session where we were just conversing amongst others. That's where we met some people from William Paterson University and stayed connected with them. It was great though, we were able to experience New York City and build connections — listening to Al Roker as the keynote speaker was pretty sweet too."

In addition to Leatherneck Insider, WIU was also a finalist in three other categories:


  • Best Newscast - "Live at Four," by News3 TV

  • Best Sports Interview - Caiden Strenz, Junior

  • Best Special Radio Program - Grace Zeithammer, Senior

Peter Jorgensen, director of the School of Communication & Media, said this national recognition is reflective of the quality of students and faculty at WIU.

"We are immensely proud of the work that our students produce, whether they are individual projects such as Grace's podcast or whether they are a team effort as demonstrated by the Leatherneck Insider crew," Jorgensen said. "Our Broadcasting and Journalism students are very talented and work hard at what they do and when coupled with the advice and guidance of our excellent instructors it is not surprising that the quality of these student creations are worthy of earning national recognition."

To learn more about the WIU Broadcasting and Journalism program, visit wiu.edu/broadcasting.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing