Station Spotlight: Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-fm

Special thanks to Waldy Diez, student station manager, for answering the questions!

Tell me a little history about your station and where your station is now?
The station began operating in 1964 in the basement of one the academic buildings on campus. Only a few members ran the radio station, and there are about 60 members who are actively involved. Rowan Radio is a 24-hour, non-commercial educational station that has a potential to reach 1.3 million people in the surrounding Delaware Valley. We also stream online and have had fan mail from all over the world.

What sets your station apart from other college radio stations?
Other than our manager, assistant manager, and engineer, Rowan Radio is a completely student-run station. The students schedule the music, create the promos and PSAs, and conduct interviews with community members and athletes. It is a great learning experience for us to learn valuable skills that we can use after we graduate.

Why did you choose radio?
I am studying journalism, and I chose radio, initially, because I wanted something fun to do over the summer; the school paper only runs during the school year. As I got into it, I fell in love with the music, the friends I made, and the various shows that I’ve hosted. My favorite show to host is our Early Bird Special because my cohost and I talk about all sorts of things ranging from pop culture and acting like little kids, to health and entertainment news.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for your station?
The craziest thing I have ever done for the station was being there for at least 16 hours on Election Day last year. Last year I was News Director, and I was on air for at least seven full hours during the day. Once election results came in, my assistant news director and I gave updates every half hour until about 11 p.m. If that’s not love and dedication, than I don’t know what is.

What’s the best part of college radio? And the hardest part?
The best part about college radio is being a service to the community. We cover news, weather, traffic, and sports. Rowan Radio broadcasts all of Rowan’s sports games, the Wilmington Blue Rocks’ baseball games, and live events in the community. The radio station also pairs up with various classes in the communications department. I don’t think the hardest part has happened yet; I think the hardest part will be not being at the station all the time after I graduate. I still plan on being around, but it will definitely be harder being away from something I put my heart and soul into for four years.