The number of people working in our industry who started out in college radio may be too large to fathom. Once a year, College Radio Day celebrates this unique segment of the media, not only for the careers it has launched, but also for its unique programming and commitment to localism.
College Radio Day, this Friday, Oct. 6, will be “Passionately Vocal, Seriously Local,” with a special one-hour simulcast to be played starting at 2 p.m. EDT. The program will be put together by numerous radio industry professionals, and aired by over 400 stations. Paul Rotella, president/CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association adds, “College radio is much more than just a ‘farm team’ for broadcast, it gives our audiences innovative and entertaining content, often not found anywhere else. To be sure, its continued success is vital to the future of our industry and society.”
A participant in the 2016 College Radio Day, KTXT
The goal of College Radio Day is to raise greater awareness of the many student radio stations that operate around the world, by encouraging people who would not normally listen to college stations to give them a try. Stations across the country are planning special programming and events that include live music from local artists, on-campus festivities and inviting alumni back onto the airwaves.
The annual event is sponsored by the nonprofit College Radio Foundation. Founded in 2011, it has been growing steadily, and is now celebrating its 7th year. As CRF founder Rob Quicke explains, the event is also a fundraiser. “We take nearly all of the revenue generated through sponsorship of College Radio Day and give it straight back to college radio stations in the form of grants that are well needed by many stations. The rest of the money goes towards keeping us operational throughout the year. We are entirely run by volunteers, so those funds are put into paying the bills and keeping us going.”
