High School Radio Conference moves to Seattle

Courtesy of Leland Smith, Peninsula High School

Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, home of KNHC-FM, will host the annual Washington State High School Radio Awards and Conference on May 13.

Hosted the first years at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, the event is attended by over 200 high school-aged broadcasters from six Washington high schools.  Seattle-area radio personality Pat Cashman will be among the featured speakers during the event.

The one-day program involves guest speakers from within the broadcast industry, student seminars, lunch, and a closing ceremony featuring awards in 11 industry-related categories.

Recently-remodeled Nathan Hale High School is the home of KNHC-FM (89.5). KNHC-FM is operated by students of Nathan Hale High School and is the largest and most influential educational radio station in the country.

"We look forward to hosting the event," said Gregg Neilson, KNHC general manager and broadcast instructor. "The keynote speaker should be both entertaining and informative. The breakout sessions are always full of good information, anecdotes and practical experience. They also expand the minds of our students to include occupations that they may not have previously considered."

The goal of the program is to provide radio broadcasting students in Washington with a comprehensive awards program in which prepared news, production, on-air performance, and public service components are judged in accordance with industry standards. Meanwhile, students will have the opportunity to meet and visit with willing industry professionals who serve as mentors and event judges.

Additional mentor speakers and event judges are being sought for the event.  Cashman has had an inventive influence on the Seattle area broadcast industry since the early 1980s. A native of Bend, Oregon, Pat has done creative work for television, radio, print, cartoons and video games---in addition to being on-air talent and writer for the multi Emmy award-winning "Almost Live" sketch comedy show that ran for 15 seasons on KING TV in Seattle.

Additional financial support and sponsorship for the event is being sought from within Washington's broadcast industry. Broadcasters interested in providing assistance or sponsorship for the event can contact Leland Smith at KGHP-FM, Peninsula High School (253) 530-4556.