Finding a way to relax and be herself, WCU Sophomore Kendall Harris, a volunteer at WWCU FM, speaks about a variety of topics on her podcast, “Kickin’ It with Kendall.” She uses her air time to talk about college life, experiences, and funny stories. Harris originally wanted her own show to provide something as a distinguishing standout on her resume; however, her show has turned into a stress reliever, and it has give here a time to enjoy herself and talk about her life. Harris explains that in order to have a successful show, the topics, guests and music need to be something that inspires and excites her.
Planning is also a large factor in the show’s success. Producing an attention-grabbing and engaging show is not something that should be done without preparations. Harris uses her free time to plan for her podcasts, and because they are prerecorded, she is able to have more freedom in her planning and recording schedule that works with her busy life as a student.
The other volunteers and administration at the station have been nothing but supportive to Harris, and she describes them as very encouraging and helpful. Due to the fun environment with people she feels comfortable around, Harris articulates her decision to apply for and create her own show at WWCU FM as “one of the greatest decisions I’ve made so far here at Western!”
From Japanese techno to alternative rock, Western Carolina University’s student-managed radio station, WWCU FM, provides something unique for every listener. However, listening is just part of the fun; any student, faculty or staff can gain real station experience and apply for their own show. Radio shows can come in many forms like news-based, talking-based or music-based, and they can also be formatted as live shows or podcasts, which are gaining in popularity. The application process involves in-station training; and WWCU FM General Manager, Peyton Schrader, says, “To apply for a live radio show, you have to train with either the General Manager or Program Coordinator to be able to run the equipment correctly. After you’re trained, you come up with what style of show you’d like.”
Air-time is from 6:00 p.m.- midnight and anyone who has been trained can select any two-hour time slot to be on air. The radio station’s volunteers’ voices are heard all around Jackson and Haywood County, with the station reaching over 150,000 residents in the region.
WWCU FM provides a place for students to have a voice and speak about what interests them and engage their listeners, a large population of whom, are their fellow students.Station volunteers can connect to the public in an endless variety of ways. Talk show topics have included LGBTQ+ rights, conspiracy theories, local news, sports, and many more. At WWCU FM, there is truly a place for all styles of music and topics.
The station is always in need of more live shows, and it hosts a variety of time slots to work with busy schedules. Gaining experience in live radio broadcast is priceless for broadcasting communication majors, but also can act as a creative outlet for any major on Western’s campus. No prior experience is necessary, and all the required training is provided. Let your voice be heard and play what you want to hear with your own radio show.
For more information and how to contact Western Carolina University’s WWCU FM volunteers visit http://www.wwcufm.com.