By Angelina Castro '16
Siena College’s 35,000-watt, commercial-free radio station 88.3-FM WVCR “The Saint” joined more than 700 college stations across the country in celebrating College Radio Day last Friday.
The international event began in 2010 to raise awareness about the many college radio stations in the United States. More than 50 stations in New York participated in the event, which organizers hope will attract new listeners and bring awareness to their stations.
College Radio Day brought excitement and energy to the WVCR studios which are located in the heart of Siena’s campus, the Sarazen Student Union. “It was exciting to participate in a much bigger scheme in unifying all of the college radio stations in the nation,” said WVCR General Manager Darrin Scott Kibbey. “It was a wild success and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”
Along with prizes and giveaways, the WVCR staff gave Siena students an unexpected treat,
the opportunity to be live on the radio speaking to thousands of people throughout New York’s Capital Region and beyond. WVCR also reaches parts of Vermont and Western Massachusetts.
“I absolutely loved it,” said Alexis Molnar ’17. “I have always wanted to speak on the air and this has got me interested in doing it more.”
Molnar and other Siena students have the opportunity get involved at WVCR, which is a professional, formatted and licensed public radio station. WVCR gives students hands on opportunities to develop communications skills, use radio equipment, learn about broadcasting and understand the business and sales aspects of the radio industry.
Kibbey is confident that there is a place for any student who is interested in getting involved with the station that “plays anything,” even if being on the air isn’t on their bucket list.
“If you’re willing to put in the time, if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can find a home here at WVCR. There’s a lot of fun behind the scenes as well,” Kibbey said.
Students can also earn credits by interning. Assistant Professor of Creative Arts Rebecca Taylor, J.D. runs Siena’s broadcast and society minor. She has steered many of her students to WVCR where they can learn under Kibbey. Students experience all aspects of the industry and some even have their own radio programs.
“I love working with interns,” Kibbey said. “I like to teach them the tools of what we do and then allow them to take their creativity and go with it.”
Psychology major Maddy Reed ’17 is one of the several students who started interning at WVCR this semester. She spoke live on the air for the first time during College Radio Day.
“It’s live, so everything is happening right now. It’s really fun,” Reed said.
Intern Samantha Voelker ’16 recently changed her major from management to creative arts. Since switching, Voelker has been taking broadcast classes, such as sports reporting and the radio internship. Interning at the station has given Voelker the opportunity to record a promo for a popular Siena fundraiser called Festavino.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Voelker said about her internship at WVCR. “I enjoy it, so I might pursue a career in this path.”
Whether it is experiencing College Radio Day or completing an internship at the station, WVCR is giving Siena students the opportunity to learn about an exciting industry and, in the process, tune in to new areas of interest.
Click here to check out the WVCR website.
