Why WGSU Matters!
Photo courtesy of Web Editor Rachel Turner
Tuning into campus life—WGSU broadcasts more than music, it broadcasts
While you are walking around campus, you might notice more than a few scattered, white and blue stickers that read “WGSU 89.3.” They can be found on the stairwell to the MacVittie Union, the silver letters outside Monroe Hall, and so many other hidden places. If you are anything like me, you probably see them, wonder what their deal is, and then proceed on your way to Mary Jemison dining hall. One day, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided that the chicken tenders could wait. Upon further investigation, I connected the dots and realized that the stickers belong to our local college radio station. I had heard vague details about this organization, but never knew where to find it or who to contact to learn more.
Kelli Sperino-Pease, WGSU’s new director, met with me so I could provide some more information on the station to The Lamron’s readers. Kelli has over 15 years of experience in communications after working at WCJW, a radio station in Warsaw, and is now transferring her skills to mentor students right here on campus.
The radio station itself was officially licensed in 1963, making Geneseo the first SUNY school to obtain an FCC license for a radio station in the Rochester area. You can find a more in-depth story about the station’s history on their website, geneseo.edu/wgsu, where you can also access the station itself by clicking the “Listen Live” button. In addition to this online option, Geneseo residents can listen to WGSU on 89.3FM.
The station plays mostly alternative pop music, but the beautiful thing about college radio is its versatility. Students can have their own show and express their unique musical taste. Some already existing ones showcase both jazz and local music. The local music show features small artists from the area looking to gain listeners.
Even when no one is manning the station, the radio has something called “automation mode.” This allows music to play through the late hours of the night and into early morning without someone physically being in the station. Not only does WGSU play music, but it airs talk shows as well. Students and staff involved with the radio station have the opportunity to create and host their own show. The topics of these shows range from sports to news and audio dramas; the possibilities are endless.
If you find yourself intrigued by WGSU, it is very easy to get involved, and no, it is not “too late.” You can email Kelli at ksperinopease@geneseo.edu. From there, she can refer you to the department director who is equipped to best coordinate with your interests. There are plenty of wonderful student leaders at the station: “They’re basically running the station, I’m just a mentor; this radio station is truly a student-run organization, which has become a wonderful thing,” states Kelli.
It is the goal of WGSU 89.3’s marketing department to be more broadly played across Geneseo. Someday they would like to be played at the campus dining halls, the bookstore, the MacVittie Union, and even local businesses.
Because there are so many departments at the radio station, Kelli advises, “If someone wanted to do an on-air show, that’s terrific, but if they didn’t, there’s still a lot of things they can do. They can be part of our marketing department.” Being involved with marketing specifically would mean working on expanding the radio station’s reach across campus and in the community. The other side to the marketing department is managing social media like WGSU’s Facebook @WGSU 89.3 and Instagram, @wgsu893.
There is plenty of room for growth at the station, and everyone is welcome to participate. And if you are ever looking for music to study, throw on WGSU 89.3 to simultaneously be productive and support a student-run organization. I finished writing this very article whilst listening live online!