CSUSB Students Win Golden Mic Award for Best Public Affairs Program
Above: My Awesome Empire, Arnold Robles, Adrian Silva Vizcaino, with Lacey Kendall
San Bernardino, Ca. – Although the “My Awesome Empire” radio program at Cal State San Bernardino has concluded its sixth and final season, the show ended on a memorable high note. Officials for the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System in New York named the CSUSB program as one of this year’s finalists for an international Golden Mic Award for Best Public Affairs Program.
The program that was recognized paid tribute to San Bernardino in the aftermath of the North Park Elementary shooting in 2017, focusing on the good things in the community. CSUSB graduate student Arnold Robles and communication studies undergrad Adrian Silva Vizcaino produced the edition. The show, titled “San Bernardino; Stories of Rebirth,” can be found online at Season 5, Episode #128.
“Being recognized internationally for my work on ‘My Awesome Empire’ was such an amazing feeling,” said Silva Vizcaino. “It feels great to know that even working behind the scenes or in a small production room really pays off — or even better, gets nominated for a Golden Mic Award. It was truly an experience in which I will never forget.”
In early March, Robles and Silva Vizcaino traveled to the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City to be honored. Robles has been the chief production engineer, correspondent and co-producer for the program since 2014. Silva Vizcaino has been a regular segment producer and correspondent since 2016.
The recognized edition of “My Awesome Empire” also featured stories about local residents who are helping to rebuild lives and the community in unique ways. San Bernardino’s “Generation Now” is featured in one story. The group has combined the efforts of student government presidents from various local universities and colleges, as well as young business and youth leaders. Together they are working on innovative business strategies for San Bernardino.
The episode also featured renowned poet Lydia Theon Ware I. After finding treatment for a chemical imbalance that caused her severe mental health issues and homelessness, she earned her college degree, became a facilitator working with the mentally ill and homeless of the Inland Empire, and is now a respected author.
“My Awesome Empire,” which was produced by the College of Arts and Letters and Coyote Radio and Advertising students, was broadcasted over eight Southern California radio stations. The program wrapped up its final season in late February.
“This is an extraordinary way to close out our program on a wonderful high note,” said Lacey Kendall, executive producer of the program and broadcast consultant to CSUSB.
“My Awesome Empire was such a great show because it told the stories of amazing people and their contributions and upbringings in the Inland Empire,” said Silva Vizcaino. “Their stories were very inspirational and motivating stories in which everyday listeners can hear and be moved by such greatness, to even inspire people to execute their own hopes and dreams.”
The Golden Mic Awards honor the nation’s top college broadcasters for media production. This was CSUSB’s third Golden Mic Award.
For more information about My Awesome Empire and Coyote Radio and Advertising, call (909) 537-3486.
Also visit the My Awesome Empire website at myawesomeempire.com to listen to archived episodes.
About Cal State San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its academic programs that is eligible has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.
For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit inside.csusb.edu.