It’s the start of the 2025 season for men’s and women’s basketball here at UWGB, and there’s going to be a new addition to the broadcasting. The student-run radio station, Radio GBX, is preparing to host its own live radio broadcast for home basketball games. This is the first time Radio GBX has ever done a sports broadcast, as it’s more recognized for students and their creative radio shows. Head of Radio GBX, Dr. Bryan Carr, GBX Sports Director Tristan Wendt, and others are working together to produce a live radio broadcast.
Watching a UWGB basketball game requires purchasing an ESPN+ membership, as it’s not nationally televised. This radio broadcast is a free, online option for people who want to tune into the game without having to pay any money. For students who want to tune into the game but have school, Radio GBX is their best friend.
The live broadcast is more than an option for people to tune into basketball games; it is also an opportunity for students to build their portfolios and get some on-air experience. Riley Studinski, a student on Radio GBX, has expressed his appreciation for the new broadcast. “It’s a great opportunity provided by the school that can help me gain experience in the field in an area I want to work in down the line.” The broadcast offers play-by-play, color commentary, board operating, sports reporting, and social media management. All are excellent opportunities for students to get some hands-on experience.
The station has already recruited a good handful of students and is still looking to add on some extra help. Many believe that this is a big step for the communications department, as they’re not only providing opportunities for students right now but also for future generations of students. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to get hands-on, high-impact experience at all levels of radio sportscasting,” said Carr.
Some also believe that this can benefit UWGB Athletics, as this has the potential to be a broadcast for other sports as well. Carr said, “This partnership will allow athletics to more closely work with our educational curriculum and offer a unique experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.” UWGB Athletics aren’t as big as other schools like UW-Madison or Ohio State; therefore, it can be hard to find options to tune into games. Radio GBX gives the opportunity to bring in new listeners and give UWGB Athletics more recognition.
The station, for now, plans to cover only home games this year for both men’s and women’s teams, with the chance of covering away games and more. The broadcast table will be behind the student section, overseeing the court with two commentators doing play-by-play and color. The third person will be operating the board back at the radio station. The broadcast will provide a pre-game show, halftime show, and press conference coverage after the game. There will also be a social media page where highlights, quotes, and stories will be posted.
Carr believes this is a big step in the right direction for the station. “More, more, more. More games on the air, more opportunities for our students, and more support for the station’s growth.” He also expressed an opportunity to provide an app and upgraded equipment for the station as well. “I see this as just the beginning for the partnership between the station and Green Bay athletics,” said Riley Studinski. Studinski also believes that this broadcast will be a huge internship opportunity for future students as well.
The station will debut on November 3rd for UWGB women’s basketball against Stevens Point. The game starts at 6 PM CST at the Kress Events Center. The broadcast will be live on https://www.uwgb.edu/gbx/.