COD Radio Students Shine with Golden Mic Awards for Best Specialty Music Show and Best Podcast

College of the Desert’s online radio station, COD Roadrunner Radio, has been awarded the prestigious 1st Place Golden Mic Award for Best Streaming Online Community College Radio Station in the Nation. The esteemed recognition was announced on March 8, 2025, at the 2025 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference in New York City.

In addition to the station’s outstanding achievement, two COD radio students earned top honors for their individual programming. Dante Grasseschi was awarded the Golden Mic for Best Specialty Music Show for his program “Music Seeking Movie,” while L. Angelo Benavides claimed the award for Best Podcast with his show “The Popcast.”

The success didn’t stop there. Several other COD students and staff members were also recognized among the nation’s top contenders, placing in the top 5% of nominees across multiple categories. Notable recognitions include:

• Martha Hackett as a finalist for Best Student On-Air Personality

• Cynthia Portillo-Rodriguez for Best Sports Pre-Game/Post-Game Show (The Firebirds – Hockey)

• Vanessa Braden for Best Student Social Media Director

• Celina Gentry, COD Media Center Lab Technician, for Best Community Volunteer Program

Scott Colwell, Manager of COD Roadrunner Radio, expressed his pride in the students’ hard work. “I am not surprised by these achievements. These students come to us eager and ready to learn, dedicating countless hours to perfecting their skills and creating relevant content for the station. Their hard work has been rewarded, and they truly deserve this honor,” Colwell stated.

The recognition of COD Roadrunner Radio and its students underscores the strength and impact of College of the Desert’s media program. It is a testament to the talent and dedication fostered within the program and highlights the significant contributions of the students and faculty to the growing world of college radio.

This accomplishment marks a new milestone for COD Roadrunner Radio, further solidifying its reputation as one of the leading online community college radio stations in the nation. With the support of passionate students and a dedicated staff, the station is poised to continue its journey of success in the years to come.