Dr. Rob Quicke, professor and director of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University, has been honored with the 2025 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Textbook Award for his debut textbook, “Finding Your Voice in Radio, Audio, and Podcast Production.” The award recognizes outstanding contributions to media education and will be officially presented at the BEA annual convention in Las Vegas this April.
Published by Routledge, the text serves as a comprehensive guide for students and aspiring media professionals, providing practical insights into radio broadcasting, audio storytelling and podcast production. The book emphasizes hands-on learning, industry best practices and the evolving role of audio media in today’s digital landscape.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the BEA,” Quicke said. “This book was written to empower the next generation of audio storytellers, and I’m thrilled that it has been embraced as a valuable resource in media education.”
Quicke, a longtime advocate for college radio and media education, is also the founder of College Radio Day, an international event celebrating the impact of student-run radio stations. Now in its 15th year, more than 1,000 colleges and universities in 57 countries participate annually every October. His extensive experience in radio and podcasting has shaped his approach to teaching and mentoring students in the field. Quicke also serves as the founder and advisor to the Dead Podcasters Society, a student organization that creates podcasts and trains students in audio production.
“We meet in the James E. Morrow Library at midnight and by candlelight, so it’s a fun environment to create some cool audio content,” Quicke said.
There are also further plans for podcasting at Marshall including launching a new podcasting certificate and minor this fall.
The BEA is the foremost international academic media organization, recognizing excellence in media production, research and education. The BEA Textbook Award is given annually to a book that makes significant contributions to media instruction.