“In tough times, we thrive.” was this year’s tagline for the 11th annual College Radio Day festivities. First founded by Dr. Rob Quicke at Brave New Radio’s homeground of William Paterson University, this year’s celebrations were a readjustment from the inactivity that 2020 had provided. That is not to say that 2020 did not have any programming for College Radio Day, however the jubilation from the celebrations were nonexistent as students and staff were mainly absent because of the danger that loomed from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though a pandemic was ongoing amidst this year’s holiday, there was a more vibrant, exciting mood for Brave New Radio, which allowed for more escapism and comfort as a way to forget about the strenuous adversity last year had brought on to the world. For this year, William Paterson University’s radio station students were provided delicious food and beverages for everyone to enjoy. Many of its members had socialized with many other members of its Marconi award winning association, had interacted amongst each other by playing fun games, such as Super Smash Brothers on the Nintendo Switch as well as Uno, and its on-air personalities had created specialized programming for the holiday. Among the programs were sports shows played throughout various hours of the day about different athletics such as baseball and football, programs that played music that is unusually heard on BNR such as country music, a show about guessing TV show theme songs, and latin music, primarily salsa. I had also participated in the programming last Friday by playing two hours worth of Rap Rock music for my new specialty show, Shuffle Play. It just so happened that at the same time my show was airing, several Brave New Radio members had engaged in a Hot Wing eating contest. The competition was filmed by multiple students associated with Brave New Radio and WPTV. Needless to say, everybody had lost in the eating competition.

When it's all said and done, Rob Quicke and Brave New Radio General Manager, Sebastian Escobar, were proud of the turnout, and so were all the students who make up this fantastic college station. Thus proving the dedication that Brave New Radio’s members have when it comes to providing a memorable celebration, along with creating exceptional programming for its fanbase to listen to. In spite of tough times, the members of BNR do thrive when creating an amazing holiday to be continued for generations to come.