20 Killer Stations You Should Tune Into for College Radio Day

by Staff Writers

October 4, 2011

College radio stations are more than just venues for students to hone their on-air skills. They also prove amazing sources for music that you can’t hear anywhere else, can help you stay in the loop about new bands and even learn more about the local music scene. Unfortunately, many college stations are battling to stay on air, and some have already been pushed out by major stations sold or relegated to broadcasting online only. It’s clear that college radio is in crisis, and without major support from the public many stations may not last.

One way listeners can show their support is by celebrating College Radio Day on October 11th. Students, community members, and people from all over the world can tune in to college stations on air and online to show the value of college radio. If your community has an active college radio scene, give it a listen or check out one of our selections for standout college radio. Whatever you do, show your support for college radio this October to ensure college stations stay on-air for years to come.

1. CJLO, Concordia University

   Concordia University’s college station, found at 1690 AM in Montreal, is a volunteer-run, nonprofit station that was formed by the merger of two other college stations in 1998. Listeners will find a wide range of musical styles represented on the station as well as some engaging talk radio. The station streams live 7 days a week and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including “Station of the Year” at the 2010 CMJ College Day Awards.
   

2. KAOS, Evergreen State College

   Coming out of Olympia, Washington, KOAS 89.3 FM is a hybrid college-community station and provides broadcasting education any students at Evergreen or members of the community who want to learn. KOAS is live over the air and on the web, and offers up an exciting mix of musical styles and talk radio. The station is famous for an early appearance by the band Nirvana in 1987 as well as a solo appearance by Kurt Cobain in 1990. Today, the station maintains its dedication to independent music, and a full 80% of the music broadcast must come from sources other than major labels.
   

3. WICB, Ithaca College

   WICB was first established in 1947, operating from a Quonset hurt in downtown Ithaca. The station has since expanded and offers alternative music and news programming to the greater Ithaca area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The station has been the recipient of numerous awards over the past decade including the Ithaca Times’ “Best Radio Station” award, mtvU’s Woodie for Best College Radio Station, and the number one spot in the Princeton Review for college radio stations.
   

4. WERS, Emerson College

   WERS is one of two radio stations on Emerson College’s Boston campus, and while student-run is professionally managed. Those on the east coast can listen to 88.9 FM for shows that feature over 20 different kinds of music, as well as news, interviews, and live performances. WERS has been ranked the #1 college station by the Princeton Review over multiple years and is one of the most highly-rated college radio stations in the U.S. Those who want to listen to WERS can also find it on iTunes radio under the “eclectic” category.
   

5. KZSU, Stanford University

   Owned and operated by Stanford, KZSU 90.1 FM got its start way back in 1947 as an AM station that broadcast only in the evenings. Today, the station broadcasts to a much wider audience in the San Francisco area, but still pays homage to its rich history, including notable DJs like actor Adam West, journalist Daniel Pearl, and inventor Ray Dolby. The station broadcasts simultaneously on the web, so listeners can tune in to music, sports and news no matter where they are in the world.Continued