SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside’s student-led radio station, KMSC Fusion 93, received the honor of the Golden Slipmat Award after participating in this year’s Vinylthon. 

This award is bestowed to radio stations that are able to exclusively broadcast Vinyl records for the entire 24-hour period of the event. 

Spearheaded by KMSC Radio Station Director, Dreya Roberts, the Campus Media team came together to make the achievement possible. Roberts had been involved with Vinylthon through KMSC last year but was just short of the 24-hour goal. 

This year’s success was made possible through the collaborative effort of students and faculty. Relying on the time, effort, and records provided by those involved.

Being her senior year, Roberts made a concerted effort to reach the 24 threshold. “This year, I knew it was coming, so I had more time to prepare for it, asking for help and really pushing for that 24 hours. I’ve been calling it ‘my magnum opus’ slipmat.” 

Among those involved was professor of history, Dr. Gregory Guelcher, who came down to the radio station to share a large selection of records from his collection as well as his insight and appreciation for the medium as a whole.

This really takes [radio] back to the roots, where you have to pay attention and be selective about your music. You don’t have every song ever made at your disposal, and you’re not always sure what you might be about to listen to or discover. It’s a novelty.”

Guelcher also speaks to a sense of authenticity that vinyl records provide listeners, which can’t be replicated by modern digital means.

“The genuineness of the recording is lost in current radio. With computer technology, you can remove all the imperfections, you can even adjust the tone of voice. You can get these songs that are too perfect. With records, you still have those imperfections. You keep the humanity.”

Dr. Leslie Werden, Head of the Humanities Department and advisor for Campus Media, reflected on the weekend’s success.“Setting a goal and accomplishing it is great for the student leaders of Campus Media. Special shoutout to all those who were on-air and especially to Dreya Roberts, KMSC radio station manager, for coordinating the entire 24-hour period.”
Those interested in working with Campus Media, KMSC, or participating in next year’s Vinylthon can contact Campus Media Community Engagement manager, Jaden Carney at Jrc019@morningside.edu or Dr. Werden at werden@morningside.edu.