Contributed by guest blogger Benn Watson, VP International Sales, GRB Entertainment

I often get a look of shock and horror from my US colleagues and friends when I reminisce about the 5 Free TV channels we had in Australia during my childhood, and in fact, most of my life. No, I’m not 100 years old (though I often feel like it) and weren’t from a remote outback cattle station desperate for entertainment. That was the merely the reality of the Australia television industry up until 1995 when Foxtel entered the market with the countries first Pay TV platform with an amazing 20 channels. At the time, take-up of the new platform was slow and they’re offering of 1970’s US sitcoms barely justified the high price so most household entertainment needs relied on the 3 commercial networks, 2 public stations and VHS videos from Blockbuster.

The International Radio Festival (IRF) named Brody Ramone  as the winner of the 2013 "Best US/Canada College DJ competition." She is a DJ on WBGU (88.1 FM) a non-commercial, college radio station located on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Ohio.  WBGU is a student-run radio station, focusing on independent, underground music. Brody will present her show at the 4th Annual IRF, taking place Sept 4-8 at the Schloss Silhberg in Zurich. The contest partner is iBiquity Digital, the creators of HD Radio™ Technology; and media partners are CMJ and Mixcloud.com.

Brody Ramone began as a DJ at WBGU 2 years ago and is now one of the station’s co-Music Directors. Brody produces and hosts the indie show, 'Dirty Glitter' which is in regular rotation on Thursdays 9 pm – midnight EST/6-9pm PST.  She is a majoring in marketing.  "College radio is a great platform for highlighting emerging and independent musicians. I'm very happy to represent WBGU and am grateful to IRF for this award. I look forward to meeting all the great global DJs in Zurich," said Brody Ramone.

Over 75 submissions from the US and Canada were received via mixcloud.com. Applicants were asked to upload one of their radio shows to demonstrate their skill, personality and musical knowledge. The panel of judges included the Co-Founders of the IRF, Darryl von Daniken and Miguel Alvarez along with input from the IRF Advisory Board headed by President Dominique Leguern.