Best sports program named “Leatherneck Insider”
March 13, 2025
MACOMB, Illinois – Western Illinois University’s weekly sports variety show, Leatherneck Insider, was named the Best Sports Program at the Intercollegiate Broadcast Systems Conference on March 8th.
“Leatherneck Insider” is produced by students from the WIU Sports Broadcasting Program. It is also live production of broadcast and journalism programs, including News3 TV and WIUS-FM’s “The Dog.”
Juniors Kaiden Strenz and senior Grace Zaythanmer traveled to New York City for a two-day meeting. They said receiving awards and networks with other students across the country was an incredible experience.
“The IBS meeting was amazing,” Strantz said. “You’re with people from all over the country who want to do what you want to do. We had sessions where we were just talking among others. It was great to meet people from William Patterson University and stayed connected with them. We had the great experience of New York City and we were able to hear Al Roker because the keynote speakers were pretty sweet.”
In addition to Leatherneck Insider, WIU was also a finalist in three other categories.
Best Newscast – “Live at Four” by News3 TV
Best Sports Interviews – Caiden Strenz, Junior
Best Special Radio Program – Grace Zeithammer, Senior
Peter Jorgensen, director of the School of Communications and Media, said this national perception reflects the quality of WIU students and faculty.
“We are extremely proud of the work that students produce. Whether it’s an individual project, such as Grace’s podcast, it’s a team effort demonstrated by Leatherneck’s insider crew,” Jorgensen said. “Our broadcast and journalism students are extremely talented and work hard on what they are doing, and it’s no surprise that, coupled with the advice and guidance of our excellent instructors, the quality of the creations of these students is worthy of public recognition.”
For more information about the WIU Broadcasting and Journalism Program, please visit wiu.edu/broadcasting.
Posted by: Aaron Viner (ap-viner@wiu.edu)
University Communication and Marketing Office
