WSU’s Student Radio Celebrates 50 Years With Week of Activities
OGDEN, Utah – In 1965, the FCC granted licensing for, what was then, Weber State College to operate a 10-watt, non-commercial, educational FM radio broadcasting station.This year, the student radio station is celebrating the 50th anniversary of KWCR 88.1 with a number of events, which culminate April 13-17 with live remote broadcasts, a birthday party and concert.
Over the course of 50 years, KWCR has changed its name, its music, its studio location, but what has remained unchanged is its mission: prepare students to work in media and serve the local community.
The station’s current general manager grew up on the sound of KWCR. “We all listened to the station as kids,” said Juan Pedro “JP” Orquiz. “When I was in elementary and middle school, it was known as ‘The Beat.’ We listenedto KWCR because that’s where we could hear the music we wanted to hear.”The station has been known as “The Beat,” “The Edge,” “Weber FM,” and currently, “KWCR.” Student DJs have played a variety of genres, including pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, “anti-corporate” and this year indie rock.
Staff members sift through approximately 50 albums received weekly from record producers. They listen for new sounds and great talent. They always give preference to local artists.
“Unless the FCC would object to the lyrics, local music is probably going to get on the air here,” Ortiz explained. “A lot of students are musicians, and all they have to do is get us their music, and we promote it, and that’s huge. That’s enormous.”
For 25 of its 50 year history, associate communication professor Ty Sanders advised the station. He encouraged students to try every aspect of radio production, including on-air performance, promotion, programming, management and sales.
“It’s been so much fun to watch students come in,” Sanders said. “They are so green but have a lot of raw talent that needs to be cultivated. It’s been a great thing to help them develop and then leave the university and become successful, productive members of society.”
For more than 20 years, KWCR also has provided Spanish-language programming. Currently, they offer four hours of music on Sunday and broadcast a weekday show on Wednesdays dedicated to recruiting students to higher education.
“It’s KWCR’s mission to serve the community to make sure we offer what listeners cannot get in other places,” Sanders said. “In addition to Spanish language, the station features local artists and local news. One of the things we’re most proud of is providing some women’s basketball and volleyball coverage. We put special emphasis on women’s sports because you’re not going to find that any other place on the radio dial.”
The current advisor, assistant communication professor Eric Harvey, said students have to learn and do more than ever to keep the station relevant and accessible.
“The station has to keep pace with technological advancement and industry reorganization,” Harvey said. “We have a vibrant online presence with various social media platforms and live streaming on KWCR.org. You can’t hold back the tide of innovation and change. I have no doubt KWCR will proceed through the next half of a century as strongly as we have the first.”
April 13, Downtown Ogden 10 a.m.-noon
- Live remote
- Live remote
- Giant (root) beer pong
- Live remote in conjunction with the Department of Communication “Comm Fest”
- KWCR birthday party and concert
wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2015-photos/April-2015/i-KLKj7Zr/0/X2/WSUA%20ADR007012%20%282%29-X2.jpg
wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2015-photos/April-2015/i-Jz2SJgs/0/X2/JP%201-X2.jpg
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu - Contact:
- Eric Harvey, KWCR advisor
801-626-7704 • ericharvey@weber.edu
Juan “JP” Orquiz, KWCR general manager
801-920-4976 • juanpedroorquiz@weber.edu
Felix Baca, KWCR promotions director
915-471-7502 • felixbaca99@gmail.com