Try and remember the last time you turned on the radio. Maybe your forgot your aux cord, or the Bluetooth wasn’t working? To be honest, I hardly ever listen to the radio. In the age of Spotify and MP3 players, we really don’t need radio in order to listen to music in the car, or discover our next music obsession. Through the internet, we can listen to our favorite song at the click of a button. So who needs it?
WCWM is the College of William and Mary’s radio station. We began in 1959, and although radio has changed drastically over the past 50 plus years, we are still thriving. What makes our station unique in comparison to other college stations across the country is that we are not just on the internet, but you can tune in on your stereo at 90.9 FM.
College radio is so awesome and incredibly fun. Going into the studio and having my show each week is one of my favorite parts of college. What I like best about radio though is that every person involved with the station has his or her own taste in music. Not once since I’ve been involved in radio have I felt the need to like that indie band or thattype of music. My tastes are appreciated and accepted by others.
One issue that I have come across since my time at college is WCWM’s presence on campus. Although we try to publicize our station as much as possible through hosting events and plastering promotional flyers everywhere, a lot of people do not know we even exist. When I mention to people I meet on campus that I’m “in radio,” I’m sometimes met with a blank expression of confusion. I don’t expect people to religiously listen to their college radio station -- even I don’t -- but I wish there was more awareness of them on campus.
Because radio can never compete with the instant play of your favorite song, I see radio going in a new direction in the foreseeable future. Instead of having an emphasis primarily on listeners, I believe the focus of college radio should be promoting music on campus by hosting concerts and other music related events. Since 2012, we have hosted WCWM Fest each semester where we bring bands from all over to come to Williamsburg. In a town where concerts are not easily accessible, it is even more important that we bring acts on campus to provide live music to the student body.
Even though I know that I will never become a famous radio star from my show here at William and Mary, I absolutely love having my own show and being a part of WCWM. If you have any intention on becoming a part of your campus radio station, I highly recommend that you join it. Regardless of whether you like Top 40, or jazz, your tastes will be valued and appreciated. You won’t regret it.
Tune in to WCWM here and like us on Facebook!
