Five Towns College Students Attend the

Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference

FTC Student Matt O’Leary

In the beginning of March, Professor Eugene Free led the Five Towns College constituency to the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference in New York City.   Five Towns College student Matt O’Leary was one of the lucky attendees who joined with other students from around the country to listen to a variety of speakers in the radio industry. The Keynote Speaker was Emmy Award winning radio personality, Lionel. Lionel used his great storytelling ability to not only entertain but to also inspire everyone in the room to get into the industry.

One of FTC’s most familiar student radio personalities is Matt O’Leary. Many would recognize him as a regular presence behind the microphone in radio headquarters, WFTU. Matt has a big   interest in sports radio so he went to hear Justin Craig (Program Director of ESPN New York) at the IBS Conference. There, he learned about changes in sports radio and what the future holds for the industry. Matt reported to FTC folks that expert panelists discussed how important creating good content was to gain listeners’ attention. Also, integrating and using podcasting, simulcasting and social media have a great impact on the radio industry.

In 2016, traditional broadcasts are not enough. The more ways that radio industry leaders can spread the news, the better able they will be to become distinguishable from the competition.

The broadcasting industry is very competitive. For those that missed out, try to attend the conference next year! Also, anyone with questions should check out Matt, behind the mike, @ WFTU or speak with Professor Free.