107.7 The Bronc gets Thunderstruck with new deal

By Kristie Kahl

“Take me out to the ball game” or just listen to it live from your own home.
Rider’s 107.7 The Bronc and the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced a three-year broadcasting partnership on Feb. 16.
Starting spring 2009, The Bronc will be the official broadcast station for the Thunder continuing until the 2011 season.
“107.7 The Bronc is proud to be a broadcast partner for the Trenton Thunder baseball,” said 107.7 General Manager John Mozes. “Combined with our outstanding coverage of Broncs basketball, this agreement continues to provide our students with excellent learning opportunities and is a great way to strengthen our listening base beyond Rider and into Mercer, Bucks and Burlington counties.”
Not only is this an ideal partnership for the furthering of a fan base for the Thunder, but it increases Rider’s ability to create multiple opportunities for its student-run activities. The new contract allows for hands-on experience as well as preparation for the real world.
“It is very important to Rider University to have this partnership because it shows our commitment to work with the community, our commitment to work with a Mercer County sports program and our commitment to giving our students the opportunity to learn in the special capacity with some of the best programs in the area,” said Dean of Students Anthony Campbell. “We’re excited about the opportunity for our students to work in a professional setting and part of a professional program.”
Mozes hopes for the deal to teach students how to plan, schedule, promote and manage all of the day-to-day activities and programming interruptions that go along with broadcasting 142 games per season.
“This really is a great learning experience for our students,” he said. “We are already a 24-hour radio station, but the students will get an idea of everything that is part of running a radio station with the Trenton Thunder.”
The Thunder hope to build a positive relationship with the Rider community over the next few years.
“Broadcasting via FM signal is a huge asset for Thunder fans listening on 107.7 The Bronc and over the Internet,” said Will Smith, the Thunder’s General Manager. “We work closely with Rider to host the MAAC Baseball Tournament and we look forward to expanding our relationship to include Trenton Thunder radio broadcasts for the next three years.”
Trenton Thunder broadcasts on 107.7 The Bronc will begin on Wednesday, April 8 as the Thunder host the Binghamton Mets at 7 p.m.