This New York Times article speaks about 91.1 WRVU, the college radio station at Vanderbilt University. The university sold the radio station to the local public station in order to provide for other student media groups.
“Value, especially in an academic setting, can’t be reduced to simple economics. As a powerful forum for ideas, college radio stations are vital parts of student and community life.”
The radio station at Binghamton University, WHRW 90.5 FM has been around for 45 years and has a rich history. WHRW and WRVU both share a long history of playing music of all kinds and of providing a forum for political and community issues. Also, the DJs are both students and community members, providing a forum for both groups to come together to create something incredible, forging a bond and shared interests.
Furthermore, while radio listeners may be on the decline, this article recognized a very important aspect of having a college radio station – the loyal listeners in the surrounding community who tune in year after year.
WHRW has been an amazing place for me to share my thoughts, music and campus or community events with whoever may be listening. I’m looking forward to the fall when I will start my shows again.
Do you still listen to the radio? What does the future hold for college media organizations, in light of the internet as a source for information and media?
Lens by Sarah 