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Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting

Podcast #336 – Educational Radio and the Beginnings of Public Radio

On this edition of the show, we explore public radio history, specifically the origins of public radio in the United States, including the important role played by college and university-based stations. Josh Shepperd joins to talk about his new book, Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting, which examines the intersections between […]

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Photo of black flag with image of white flag with WPIR logo on it. At college radio station WPIR Pratt Radio. Photo: J. Waits

Radio Station Visit #173: College Radio Station WPIR Pratt Radio

The phrase “The neighbors complain,” circles around what appears to be a black WPIR pirate flag. This imagery on the website for college radio station WPIR Pratt Radio alludes to rumors and half-truths about student radio’s legacy and mysterious history on the Brooklyn, New York campus of the Pratt Institute. As is the case at […]

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Wall of college radio station WSVA. Photo: J. Waits

Radio Station Visit #172: College Radio Station WSVA at The School of Visual Arts

With killer views from the 7th floor of a building in the heart of New York City, it’s no surprise that DJs at The School of Visual Arts’ (SVA) college radio station WSVA joke about wanting to live at the station. “I would love to have this as my apartment,” said Michelle Mullin, WSVA’s Manager […]

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photo at college radio station BSR. Banner reads BSR Brown Student and Community Radio. Shelves of CDs are behind the sign. 2023 Photo: J. Waits

Radio Station Visit #170: College Radio Station BSR at Brown University

Tucked away on the 3rd floor of the Campus Center at Brown University is a college radio station with a fascinating history. BSR (Brown Student and Community Radio) currently broadcasts online and over 101.1 FM in Providence, Rhode Island, with call letters WBRU-LP, but it is the descendant of likely the first AM carrier current […]

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WJCU TBTC Alt Colors

Clock Tower Becomes Radio Station Again at John Carroll University “Turn Back the Clock” Event

The clock tower on the campus of John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, has been unoccupied for more than 14,000 days (over 38 years), though once housed the school’s radio station. The station returns this coming Tuesday, March 28, for a six hour broadcast beginning at 6 PM EDT. WJCU 88.7 FM will host […]

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photo of high school radio station KBPS. Photo: J. Waits

Happy 100th to High School Radio Station KBPS

High school radio station KBPS AM in Portland, Oregon is celebrating a very special anniversary this week: 100 years on the air. It’s an accomplishment that few radio stations can lay claim to. And it’s especially remarkable that this particular radio station has always been a student-focused educational radio station. It’s very likely the longest-running […]

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WRUC Alternative Power 89.7 FM sticker at college radio station WRUC. Photo: J. Waits

Radio Station Visit #168: Union College Radio Station WRUC

To say that my visit to college radio station WRUC 89.7 FM at Union College in Schenectady, New York was eagerly anticipated is an understatement. Rumored to be the “first” commercial college radio station, its predecessor stations have a fascinating history, making Union College an important stop for every college radio historian. Lucky for me, […]

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Wall mural at college radio station WRPI. WRPI in red letters. 91.5 FM Troy is below it in black letters. It's all on a white wall. Photo: J. Waits

Radio Station Visit #167: College Radio Station WRPI at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

College radio stations are generally very welcoming spaces, so much so that I often have to tear myself away at the end of a visit. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s WRPI 91.5 FM in Troy, New York had that effect on me. It had it all: comfy couches, the requisite Leo Blais sign, shelves of vinyl records, […]

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