February 25, 2010
CBI Station Profile: WPTS at the University of Pittsburgh
This is a continuing series of station profiles conducted by Student Representative Caila Brown of the Savannah College of Art and Design. If you would like to be featured in a station profile, please email Caila at cbrown40@student.scad.edu.
In this installment, Caila interviews Sean McCann, Station Manager of WPTS at the University of Pittsburgh.
Station Name: WPTS 92.1 FM
Station City & State: Pittsburgh, PA
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Describe the programming on your station.
Progressive music from a wide variety of genres (indie, hip-hop, rpm, metal, rock, etc.)
What makes your station unique?
WPTS is Pittsburgh’s Progressive FM. While each DJ hosts a unique show, they are all unified by the ideal of playing music that is progressive. This allows out DJ’s to be creative with their show, while maintaining a cohesive radio station.
How does your station prepare students for post-graduate opportunies?
In addition to teaching students the technical and communication skills necessary to broadcast, we also teach students to work in a professional environment. Through working in one of the departments of WPTS, students learn to work on a team, meet goals, accept and respond to criticism, etc. WPTS is comprised of 11 departments, each with a director and many with at least one assistant director. Students applying to these positions gain experience going through an application and interview process. Once hired, directors gain valuable experience as a leader and manager of a staff.
How does your station keep students motivated and involved?
In order to have a radio show, all DJs are required to help with station work outside of their shows. This helps to transfer some of the passion students have for their music and shows to other areas of the station. Staff members who help the most are selected to work at WPTS concerts, and thus get to attend for no charge.
Why do you think collegiate broadcasting is important?
Collegiate broadcasting is one of the few areas of broadcast where DJs are able to craft their own shows. Unlike most radio today, college radio is still creative and not pre-programmed. This allows WPTS (and other college stations) to play artists that are doing new, intelligent things with their music.
How has your station benefited from being a member of CBI?
Several of our directors have had the opportunity to attend the National College Media Convention every year. At the convention, they gain valuable insights from other CBI members/advisors which they are able to bring back to the rest of our students.
Finally, please share any interesting stories, facts or events your station has had.
In Fall of 2009 WPTS was voted as one of the top five college radio stations in the country by an mtvU listeners’ poll.
CBI is a member-driven organization serving students and advisers of student media. Through events, programs and a network of expertise, CBI fosters experiential learning, professional opportunities and advocacy for the success of student media programs.
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