What's new on the college radio

[softmachine]

College Radio in New Jersey!

A phrase that inspires hope in radio listeners! In New Jersey! In Ameeerrrrrricaaa!

Well...no.

A cuppla tings...

Let's start with something called 'Train Wreck Radio' with Keebler, WBZC's Sunday night offering.

Ya figure if the title of the show is self-deprecating, that the show is actually really slick, full of ideas and creativity, and when listening you'd say to yourself, "Why, this isn't a train wreck at all, this is really, really good!"

Well, you'd be wrong in that figgurin', mister.

Mr. Keebler has two other shifts, according to the station webpage. You would assume that somewhere along the way, the PD or OM would pull him aside and say, "Why not work on delivery? A speech coach, maybe? How about working on the production a bit, not taking so much from TV-MTV in particular-and movies, and maybe not reproducing stuff at AM fidelity? We are an FM station, after all."

Do they even teach production at this 'training institution'?

Drew Jacobs must be rolling in his...swivel chair. You'd think it couldn't get worse than the late 90s...yeeeesh, WBZC.

(By the way, Dancerev889, and Nick? I 'drove' the signal from NE Philly to South. Other than a few clear patches, it was unlistenable. The clearest reception was at the bottom of the ramp at Packer.)


WTSR-Open your mind.-(The unknown Sunday-night offering).

Really?

Really.

With that imploration, you'd assume that there is something to place there. Something subtle-delicate, even-like a Robin's egg. Or an uncut jewel; a diamond-in-the-rough. Somthin' special...

Go with the first metaphor. What is put forth emerges not from the mind, but a similar egg place. Think about some bird with a poor diet, consisting of cartoon parts and nostalgia for 8th grade dances and summer songs from...last summer. Are you serious? Dead, I'm afraid.

"Wait. The 'Surfin' Bird' bit is kinda funny..."

Yes. In the original context, it is. This guano ain't.

But here? A ham-fisted alteration. With a computer.

One does recall Ren and Stimpy. The Tick, even, as State-School radio fodder.

As a drop-in, not as the basis for a whole PSA.

For the birds.

***SPLAT***

~~~

I don't think any of these college radio people have any aspirations to be in 'the business'. No one should-there is no business to be had. But by the same token, are the loonies running the asylum? Can the mentors do more than ask them to cue up a file or a CD well? How about disabusing these jocks of the notion that their voices are enjoyable to everyone?

I guess the respective administrators are more focused on their 401K depreciation than the output of their 'work product'.

 

[bigtom101]

Since I'm the PD & chief cook and bottle washer at WRRC-FM (Rider University), I'll throw my two cents in. Most people who have a college radio show are there to play their favorite songs, talk about pop culture, or a mix of the two. Most don't want to go into radio, view commercial broadcasting with disdain, and balk at any attempt at have a professional sound. It is a hobby and a attempt at stroking their own ego, so any criticism is not wanted. Very few who come thru the door try to do a entertaining show or want to learn the ropes like I did, so I just deal with it the hour that they are on and try to schedule them so that they are on when it does the least amount of damage.

With that in mind, there are a few shows that I am proud to have on the air: the Brew with Brandi the Changing Times with Jordan, and Natural Steps. Brandi plays a mix of everything from the 60's thru today, and actually programs her show the night before so that it has a "flow" to it, and it sounds great. Changing Times is a progressive rock show, and Jordan's encyclopedic knowledge of rock makes for a great listen as well. One of our public service shows, "Natural Steps" with Bob Carson, is great for anyone curious about trying to reduce their impact on the environment in the community.

Aside from that, the only thing I love on the station are the "Solid Gold Weekends" which are all oldies - and I ain't talking about "classic hits". Only 2 70's songs per hour, rest is 50's and 60's. Lots of forgotten 45's and local favorites. Can't forget "Little Walters Time Machine" from 7 to 10 P on Saturday night, followed by "Backseat Memories" till Midnight. Since the kids go home, I have some fun playing the tunes that other stations in the area cant touch because of commercial concerns. Since Rider is a suitcase school, I drop the Variety Hits format and have my own fun with oldies all weekend. Believe it or not, I've gotten letters and emails from listeners who like the oldies.

It's not that the admins at the school aren't paying attention - they just don't know how a radio station works or what goes into making one work. Which is fine by me - less they get involved with the station, the more freedom I have.

 

[softmachine]

Since I'm the PD & chief cook and bottle washer at WRRC-FM (Rider University), I'll throw my two cents in. Most people who have a college radio show are there to play their favorite songs, talk about pop culture, or a mix of the two. Most don't want to go into radio, view commercial broadcasting with disdain, and balk at any attempt at have a professional sound. It is a hobby and a attempt at stroking their own ego, so any criticism is not wanted. Very few who come thru the door try to do a entertaining show or want to learn the ropes like I did, so I just deal with it the hour that they are on and try to schedule them so that they are on when it does the least amount of damage.

{Well, bigtom. I've just turned on your stream out of curiosity. What does 'The Bronc' mean?
Sounds like your stream is a tad overmodulated on the newer songs. You may want to re-dub that prostate cancer PSA-the mayor's voice is out of phase. Station sounds OK otherwise.}

The key word is 'try'. The examples I gave are entertaining-but for the wrong reasons. There are plenty of people who were never destined for commercial radio, but still understand the basics of the medium-from microphone usage, cutting a promo, and on-air presentation. Even a hobbyist improves over time. Guidance is helpful and often necessary. Mitigating the 'damage' by placing jock in the 'corner' does you nor them any favors. Make them step up, and they will. Otherwise, they are like an appendix-not needed, and no attention until they cause pain.

With that in mind, there are a few shows that I am proud to have on the air

...and these people prepare. Why not a whole team of them? They all don't have to be musicologists, or politically inclined in any manner-just good.

It's not that the admins at the school aren't paying attention - they just don't know how a radio station works or what goes into making one work. Which is fine by me - less they get involved with the station, the more freedom I have.

I don't think Rider's rep for its comm program precedes it, does it? But the other stations I've cited are attached to schools with some kind of developed comm atmosphere. With that in mind, the presentation is awful, even technically. So no scrutiny at all for hobbyists, or training? I just want to have more information on their processes. What happened?

With the freedom you have-by the way-why automate so 'mersh?

 

[bigtom101]

softmachine: thanks for the critique - Rider is not known as a comm school, but has treated the radio station as the red-headed stepchild to the TV station/studio for many years for a variety of reasons that I really can't get into on a public forum. This has changed over the past year - the fact we have a basic website and are streaming is a testament to that. But most academics don't know about what it takes to set up clean sounding station - WRRC has a Omnia 3fm turbo for a audio processor, and it really makes a difference. Most college stations don't have engineering people who know the forest for the trees when it comes to anything technical. Keep in mind the term "those who cant do, teach", and it will explain why some college radio is bad from a technical end. Nobody at the comm dept at Rider, except the recently hired station advisor, has worked in radio. They know what the textbook says, but actually doing it? Nah. Nobody has experience writing liners or doing production work. Because I work in commercial radio, I knew what to buy as far as technical equipment and production libraries. They couldn't google themselves a clue when it comes to anything radio related aside from turning one on.

The other stuff: 'The Bronc' is the school mascot. I was not for branding the station as such, but was overruled. The jury is still out on if it has made a difference in how we are perceived - only programming change has been a tilt towards Rhythmic AC, and the addition of Trenton Thunder baseball.

One of the problems is that the basics of radio from a nuts & bolts point of view are never covered in any of the classes, and the station is open to people from all majors/minors. Some of it is my fault - unless someone comes to me, I don't give advice because the few times I have, it came back to me that I was being "*nal retentive" and not "college radio" enough for peoples tastes. And by my own admission, I am a commercial broadcaster at heart - I work for WJRZ/WMTR/WMGQ and HATE when I hear sloppy radio. I have a hard time explaining the concepts of "hitting the post" and "segue" and how to construct a break. Not to mention whenever I send out memos to the staff about said points of basic radio, they are ignored or mocked. Sometimes by the exec staff itself. The few who have come to me for advice are the ones who prep and keep things tight and on time...the others I cant worry about because I already have enough ulcers in my mouth.

As for why so much automation? Because its the only time the station sounds tight and is on time. And that's because 90% of all the audio files were created, trimmed & toned by me. Not to mention the fact that the only reason we have so many jocks is so they can play their own music - if I told them to play what was scheduled, I'd be told to take a flying eff at a rolling doughnut. Radio ceases to be fun when your told what to play. I already get enough grief for playing oldies on the weekends - never mind the fact that nobody is on campus to care about what I put on the air.

And that's why I suggest to anyone looking to get into radio to get a job as a promotions assistant out of HS, and work your way up from there while you goto school. Find someone who can school you on how to do radio (thank you Russ, Anita & Jay), then try your damnedest to work whatever fill in shift is thrown your way to hone your skills. And make sure anyone who critiques you doesn't spare your feelings - it will hurt you in the long run. If it wasn't for whipping my ass into shape with a sharp toung, I would not have gotten anywhere in radio. Except maybe at the college station.

 

[nd2023]

Well, if you don't like the shows on those two college stations, tune in a few hours later and you'll hear a different show.

I have a show on my college station, 90.3 The Core, and I play dance music. Our station is the only place to hear dance music on Friday nights in most of our listening area (the northern fringe gets Pulse 87 stronger). I play mostly dance hits that aren't played on the CHR stations. I played Lady Gaga's Just Dance last summer when it was brand new and played it a lot until that song hit the CHR charts, then I stopped playing it when it was in the top 10. And I sound like a commercial DJ on the mic, trying to hit the post, talk about stuff besides what songs I played, and even have a radio voice completely different from my normal voice.

The station is run as a student activity and anyone is welcome to join, even non-students. In the summer, almost anyone who applies for a show gets one because there are not many students around.
Our station's music department frowns on "commercial" music and I can see their point. There's no need to sound like another one of the 7 CHRs we can hear. Most of the music programming during the day is rock. I am lucky to hear any songs I know any given hour that isn't in the dance block on Friday nights. That to me is both good and bad. It's good because I discover music that I like and wouldn't have heard elsewhere. It's bad because I'm not familiar with most of the music. Playing familiar songs = more cume + TSL. I admit, I do listen to commercial radio a heck of a lot more than I listen to my own college station, but that's because I like hearing music I know. But when I'm in the mood for hearing music I do not know, below 92 is where I go. The DJs get to choose about 70% of the music to play, the remaining has to be chosen from a CD collection of new releases. College Music Journal is bad on dance music, it's best for indie rock, and that is where we get most of our music.

Most of the DJs talk on the mic only a few times an hour, just reading the names of the songs they played. Some of them ramble on and on. I feel like the best balance is to talk up the intro of every other song. We share time with a local high school for a few hours each day, and the high school DJs tend to talk a lot and play commercial music. I know most people who work at my station don't want to work in radio after graduating. I don't want to either, given the bad economy, but I wouldn't mind doing broadcast engineering. College radio doesn't just prepare you for a career in radio. You learn important communication skills, and lose your fear of public speaking, and you learn how to plan for your show to make it sound good.

As for 'RRC, whenever I'm traveling through the area, I enjoy the oldies programming on WRRC that I can't hear anywhere else. Same goes for the dance programming on Z88.9. Yes, in downtown Philly, there will be static on 88.9, and all the other Philly stations due to multipath. It just affects 88.9 worse because its signal is further away. It's branded as a Burlington County station, not a Philly station. On I-95, 88.9 is clear. If you like dance music on the radio, you'd be willing to listen through the static.

 

[Dancerev889]

College Radio in New Jersey!

A phrase that inspires hope in radio listeners! In New Jersey! In Ameeerrrrrricaaa!

Well...no.

A cuppla tings...

Let's start with something called 'Train Wreck Radio' with Keebler, WBZC's Sunday night offering.

Ya figure if the title of the show is self-deprecating, that the show is actually really slick, full of ideas and creativity, and when listening you'd say to yourself, "Why, this isn't a train wreck at all, this is really, really good!"

Well, you'd be wrong in that figgurin', mister.

Mr. Keebler has two other shifts, according to the station webpage. You would assume that somewhere along the way, the PD or OM would pull him aside and say, "Why not work on delivery? A speech coach, maybe? How about working on the production a bit, not taking so much from TV-MTV in particular-and movies, and maybe not reproducing stuff at AM fidelity? We are an FM station, after all."

Do they even teach production at this 'training institution'?

Drew Jacobs must be rolling in his...swivel chair. You'd think it couldn't get worse than the late 90s...yeeeesh, WBZC.

(By the way, Dancerev889, and Nick? I 'drove' the signal from NE Philly to South. Other than a few clear patches, it was unlistenable. The clearest reception was at the bottom of the ramp at Packer.)


WTSR-Open your mind.-(The unknown Sunday-night offering).

Really?

Really.

With that imploration, you'd assume that there is something to place there. Something subtle-delicate, even-like a Robin's egg. Or an uncut jewel; a diamond-in-the-rough. Somthin' special...

Go with the first metaphor. What is put forth emerges not from the mind, but a similar egg place. Think about some bird with a poor diet, consisting of cartoon parts and nostalgia for 8th grade dances and summer songs from...last summer. Are you serious? Dead, I'm afraid.

"Wait. The 'Surfin' Bird' bit is kinda funny..."

Yes. In the original context, it is. This guano ain't.

But here? A ham-fisted alteration. With a computer.

One does recall Ren and Stimpy. The Tick, even, as State-School radio fodder.

As a drop-in, not as the basis for a whole PSA.

For the birds.

***SPLAT***

~~~

I don't think any of these college radio people have any aspirations to be in 'the business'. No one should-there is no business to be had. But by the same token, are the loonies running the asylum? Can the mentors do more than ask them to cue up a file or a CD well? How about disabusing these jocks of the notion that their voices are enjoyable to everyone?

I guess the respective administrators are more focused on their 401K depreciation than the output of their 'work product'.

Buddy, do you feel proud of yourself ripping on a student? Do you really? I mean come on. The student that does that does a great job with our main format and the sports show. He is trying something new and learning. This student also was a finalist at the Philadelphia Air Awards this past year for his production work. It wasnt the college awards it was against the big commercial stations. Our production level is top notch. We take pride at this radio station and have taken this station to another level. What other college station has been up for 7 Philadelphia Air Awards(not the college awards)? Answer none. Do our jocks sound the best, no but they are learning and they are getting better. Its a learning institution. They are going to mess up.

Drew Jacobs hasnt been here in years and quite frankly this station is a completely different since he has been here. This station continues to evolve and get better. The station has a great presence in the community and more people actually listen to this station than they ever have before. Glenn Kalina has worked here as an Assistant Program Director and still voices the station. Ask him about the station, but I guess his 30 years in the business does mean a thing. Ask Chio from Wired, whom we have given several interns to and actually was out at the station. We are one of the most aggressive college stations in the state.

I along with my staff give everything to this station and our students.


What is your beef? I have told you once and I will tell you again if you have an issue with this radio station contact me. Im easy to reach:


Brett T. Holcomb
WBZC Program Director
601 Pemberton-Browns Mills Rd
Pemberton, NJ 08068
Parker Building Rm 301
609-894-9311 ext. 1189
[email protected]

 

[myke25]

Well, if you don't like the shows on those two college stations, tune in a few hours later and you'll hear a different show.

I have a show on my college station, 90.3 The Core, and I play dance music. Our station is the only place to hear dance music on Friday nights in most of our listening area (the northern fringe gets Pulse 87 stronger). I play mostly dance hits that aren't played on the CHR stations. I played Lady Gaga's Just Dance last summer when it was brand new and played it a lot until that song hit the CHR charts, then I stopped playing it when it was in the top 10. And I sound like a commercial DJ on the mic, trying to hit the post, talk about stuff besides what songs I played, and even have a radio voice completely different from my normal voice.

The station is run as a student activity and anyone is welcome to join, even non-students. In the summer, almost anyone who applies for a show gets one because there are not many students around.
Our station's music department frowns on "commercial" music and I can see their point. There's no need to sound like another one of the 7 CHRs we can hear. Most of the music programming during the day is rock. I am lucky to hear any songs I know any given hour that isn't in the dance block on Friday nights. That to me is both good and bad. It's good because I discover music that I like and wouldn't have heard elsewhere. It's bad because I'm not familiar with most of the music. Playing familiar songs = more cume + TSL. I admit, I do listen to commercial radio a heck of a lot more than I listen to my own college station, but that's because I like hearing music I know. But when I'm in the mood for hearing music I do not know, below 92 is where I go. The DJs get to choose about 70% of the music to play, the remaining has to be chosen from a CD collection of new releases. College Music Journal is bad on dance music, it's best for indie rock, and that is where we get most of our music.

Most of the DJs talk on the mic only a few times an hour, just reading the names of the songs they played. Some of them ramble on and on. I feel like the best balance is to talk up the intro of every other song. We share time with a local high school for a few hours each day, and the high school DJs tend to talk a lot and play commercial music. I know most people who work at my station don't want to work in radio after graduating. I don't want to either, given the bad economy, but I wouldn't mind doing broadcast engineering. College radio doesn't just prepare you for a career in radio. You learn important communication skills, and lose your fear of public speaking, and you learn how to plan for your show to make it sound good.

As for 'RRC, whenever I'm traveling through the area, I enjoy the oldies programming on WRRC that I can't hear anywhere else. Same goes for the dance programming on Z88.9. Yes, in downtown Philly, there will be static on 88.9, and all the other Philly stations due to multipath. It just affects 88.9 worse because its signal is further away. It's branded as a Burlington County station, not a Philly station. On I-95, 88.9 is clear. If you like dance music on the radio, you'd be willing to listen through the static.

Nick,

Well said my friend...... Your show is very enthusiastic, a good source for new music and a vital staple in this community. The people that tune in to your show religiously know the value of our station and the appreciate it.

I also have a show on 90.3 The Core, Friday Nite Fresh Beats, Friday nights 8-10p and then I turn it over to Nick. Between Nick and I, we're constantly trying to spread dance music around this area to anyone who'll listen. Nick and I have an undying passion for dance music that's been overlooked by most commercial radio. We also take great pride in knowing that we can deliver this local and worldwide. In fact, many of my loyal listeners are in Germany, London metro and Sydney, Australia.

College radio doesn't always sound like college radio. I agree with him, some stations and some dj's either say nothing, stutter, say too much or cocky/nervous laughter. With that being said, Nick sounds like a very, very, very commercial DJ on the mic. Off the air, yes, it's different. He trained himself very well to sound pro and he performs like a pro.

I hope Nick will give me an honorable mention or a teensy-tiny bit of praise for my performance. I started out in radio very young, stuck with it, took a break, came back to this tiny college station (thru Nick of course...) thinking it'd be short-term. I wanted to see if I still had the same passion minus the pay. 2 1/2 yrs later, older, seasoned.... the times I'm tired, nothing makes me more alive than opening up that mic. Nick and I... we sound very pro and what we do is very pro. Community or student, the core is diverse and we take pride in that. Many voices, one station. Yes, they frown upon commercial sounding music. 90% is the typical AAA format that's folky, different, experimental. However, in the dance world, we do play commercial, radio friendly dance. It's commercial for he and I because the genre's not exposed to bigger commercial outlets.

The Core bases most of its playlist on the CMJ. While I see the CMJ as an advantage for breakthrough acts and indie music, they terribly lack any real knowledge of dance music. Their electronica/dance tends to be slow, new age, trance like infused with guitar strings, harps, weird beeps and dots, the sounds of sheep crying, etc. we've had some adds that really stood out and became instant favorites.... ladyhawke, new roysopp, ting tings, jupiter rising, etc. unfortunately, most of our RPM playlist is garbage IMHO. i find it sleepy. far from Hi-NRG.

The Core is truly unique in what it does for people and the places around it. Yes, we're suffering from a lack of dance music but we make the most of it and we are grateful for being that outlet to turn to when you wanna get up and move.

z-88.9 is fantastic and always a favorite when i'm heading down south. 90.5 the night's nice if i feel like a calming drive through the woods of central monmouth county with a pumpkin spice latte and WRSU does nothing for me. Princeton's 103.3 I've never been able to figure out. I guess that's why they have a following and money.

ok, i'm done now. =)

 

[softmachine]

softmachine: thanks for the critique - Rider is not known as a comm school, but has treated the radio station as the red-headed stepchild to the TV station/studio for many years for a variety of reasons that I really can't get into on a public forum. This has changed over the past year - the fact we have a basic website and are streaming is a testament to that. But most academics don't know about what it takes to set up clean sounding station - WRRC has a Omnia 3fm turbo for a audio processor, and it really makes a difference. Most college stations don't have engineering people who know the forest for the trees when it comes to anything technical. Keep in mind the term "those who cant do, teach", and it will explain why some college radio is bad from a technical end. Nobody at the comm dept at Rider, except the recently hired station advisor, has worked in radio. They know what the textbook says, but actually doing it? Nah. Nobody has experience writing liners or doing production work. Because I work in commercial radio, I knew what to buy as far as technical equipment and production libraries. They couldn't google themselves a clue when it comes to anything radio related aside from turning one on.

The other stuff: 'The Bronc' is the school mascot. I was not for branding the station as such, but was overruled. The jury is still out on if it has made a difference in how we are perceived - only programming change has been a tilt towards Rhythmic AC, and the addition of Trenton Thunder baseball.

One of the problems is that the basics of radio from a nuts & bolts point of view are never covered in any of the classes, and the station is open to people from all majors/minors. Some of it is my fault - unless someone comes to me, I don't give advice because the few times I have, it came back to me that I was being "*nal retentive" and not "college radio" enough for peoples tastes. And by my own admission, I am a commercial broadcaster at heart - I work for WJRZ/WMTR/WMGQ and HATE when I hear sloppy radio. I have a hard time explaining the concepts of "hitting the post" and "segue" and how to construct a break. Not to mention whenever I send out memos to the staff about said points of basic radio, they are ignored or mocked. Sometimes by the exec staff itself. The few who have come to me for advice are the ones who prep and keep things tight and on time...the others I cant worry about because I already have enough ulcers in my mouth.

As for why so much automation? Because its the only time the station sounds tight and is on time. And that's because 90% of all the audio files were created, trimmed & toned by me. Not to mention the fact that the only reason we have so many jocks is so they can play their own music - if I told them to play what was scheduled, I'd be told to take a flying eff at a rolling doughnut. Radio ceases to be fun when your told what to play. I already get enough grief for playing oldies on the weekends - never mind the fact that nobody is on campus to care about what I put on the air.

And that's why I suggest to anyone looking to get into radio to get a job as a promotions assistant out of HS, and work your way up from there while you goto school. Find someone who can school you on how to do radio (thank you Russ, Anita & Jay), then try your damnedest to work whatever fill in shift is thrown your way to hone your skills. And make sure anyone who critiques you doesn't spare your feelings - it will hurt you in the long run. If it wasn't for whipping my ass into shape with a sharp toung, I would not have gotten anywhere in radio. Except maybe at the college station.

Ah...OK I understand the commercial angle you take. I was curious about the 'mersh' (commercial) music selection-I understand the automation: no one for the spot. I think you answered my question. But you could throw in some unusual stuff (non-pop songs from movie soundtracks, for instance) to break it up. That is, as long as the machine don't mind.

 

[njradiomaven]

Why the need for the harsh and sarcastic comments, Softmachine? You are awfully critical of stations that are modest in resources, staffed by people who are mostly under 21, and whose purpose is to train the unskilled.

I agree with you that some college radio is unlistenable. Some commercial radio is unlistenable too, but that’s another discussion. Not enough college stations think about their audience first. A lot of kids are just there to play what they like and have a good time. That is OK up to a point, but if no one listens to a station then it is a waste of the frequency. But attacking them won’t change them. When was the last time yelling at or insulting a teenager or someone in their early 20s made them change their behavior?

I still find college radio to be full of surprises and often more interesting that commercial radio, even if the DJs sound unpolished. There are some great, well run, good sounding, college stations in New Jersey. WBJB, WSOU and WPSC come to my mind as consistently good in their on-air sound. As a former commercial radio guy, John Mozes is trying to improve WRRC. Unfortunately, few stations have a former pro like John to guide them. Perhaps those of us who are retired from the business or are still in it should be sharing our expertise with college stations much more than we do.

To all the college kids on who have posted here – keep it up! If you passionate about what you are doing, the listeners will respond.

 

[softmachine]

Buddy, do you feel proud of yourself ripping on a student? Do you really? I mean come on. The student that does that does a great job with our main format and the sports show. He is trying something new and learning. This student also was a finalist at the Philadelphia Air Awards this past year for his production work. It wasnt the college awards it was against the big commercial stations. Our production level is top notch. We take pride at this radio station and have taken this station to another level. What other college station has been up for 7 Philadelphia Air Awards(not the college awards)? Answer none. Do our jocks sound the best, no but they are learning and they are getting better. Its a learning institution. They are going to mess up.

Brett-why is it when you feel you/your organization is under 'undue scrutiny', you whip out the awards card or the ratings card? That is a really curious reflex. Unfortunately, that dog won't hunt in other areas of life.

'Trying something new'? He's doing radio at other times! Other than choosing his own music and the AM sounding MTV clips, what's the diff? Is he learning production?

I go by what I hear, and I posted about it. if you're really proud of your work product, place some links of this award winning material up for all to hear.

Drew Jacobs hasnt been here in years and quite frankly this station is a completely different since he has been here.

You're obviously humorless about this whole thing, so I won't bother explaining.

This station continues to evolve and get better. The station has a great presence in the community and more people actually listen to this station than they ever have before. Glenn Kalina has worked here as an Assistant Program Director and still voices the station. Ask him about the station, but I guess his 30 years in the business does mean a thing. Ask Chio from Wired, whom we have given several interns to and actually was out at the station.

Nice-flogging of other people's resumes. Kalina's web page says 25 years. Plus he's an 'event host'. What is that, exactly? Gotta eat, I suppose. Never heard his show.

More 'award wining' personnel. Is the A.I.R. award a lapel flair or a trophy? The only 'award' I know of is money and ratings.

And Chio visited-so what? Did he lay hands upon you? Did he swath you in his satin 'Wired' jacket?

You gave him interns-news flash: THAT'S WHAT A COLLEGE IS SUPPOSED TO DO!

You forgot Tearson. What has he won?

We are one of the most aggressive college stations in the state.

What does that mean, exactly? Are you declaring war on other college stations, and taking over their frequencies?

How about being aggressive about language skills or diction? How about extensive training? What does your training manual look like? I'd like to see it.

I along with my staff give everything to this station and our students.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

What is your beef? I have told you once and I will tell you again if you have an issue with this radio station contact me. Im easy to reach:

This forum is fine, and I'd like you to explain the whole process-from training to deciding air shift placement.
You keep telling this forum how good you are, how good the station is, but the output doesn't represent your wishes. That's the beef. I know you're a 'training institution'. Break down the process.

 

[bigtom101]

Ohhhh! Why so much commercial music in the automation? I guess because i like to keep the automated hours familiar and friendly. I do play allot of forgotten titles - mostly from the 70's & 80's, along with some oddball cuts from modern artists. I let the jocks play the noncom/indie tunes.

Nick does a great job at Rutgers - he's another one that has a passion for radio and will be going places.

 

[softmachine]

Why the need for the harsh and sarcastic comments, Softmachine? You are awfully critical of stations that are modest in resources, staffed by people who are mostly under 21, and whose purpose is to train the unskilled.

Ms. Maven:

My understanding is BZC has a substantial budget compared to other college stations.

If you read my postings carefully, my criticism are not directed only at the on-air people, but at the processes that allow them to be placed there.

I agree with you that some college radio is unlistenable. Some commercial radio is unlistenable too, but that’s another discussion. Not enough college stations think about their audience first. A lot of kids are just there to play what they like and have a good time. That is OK up to a point, but if no one listens to a station then it is a waste of the frequency. But attacking them won’t change them. When was the last time yelling at or insulting a teenager or someone in their early 20s made them change their behavior?

I fear what this molly-coddled lot has to offer in the coming years.

I'm sure some kid-gloved administrator or adjunct has been well-trained in the area of constructing a criticism in a positive manner. Maybe step it up a bit. What's the worse consequence, that the unqualified lose a show? This solves a lot of issues.

I still find college radio to be full of surprises and often more interesting that commercial radio, even if the DJs sound unpolished. There are some great, well run, good sounding, college stations in New Jersey. WBJB, WSOU and WPSC come to my mind as consistently good in their on-air sound. As a former commercial radio guy, John Mozes is trying to improve WRRC. Unfortunately, few stations have a former pro like John to guide them. Perhaps those of us who are retired from the business or are still in it should be sharing our expertise with college stations much more than we do.

Funny that at least one of the stations you mentioned has on staff some 'recently graduated' commercial jocks-which is fine. But it is a reason they sound better than the others, and were not the ones I happened to hear in my travels.

 

[softmachine]

Well, if you don't like the shows on those two college stations, tune in a few hours later and you'll hear a different show.

Sorry, not possible. Travelling.

I have a show on my college station, 90.3 The Core, and I play dance music. Our station is the only place to hear dance music on Friday nights in most of our listening area (the northern fringe gets Pulse 87 stronger). I play mostly dance hits that aren't played on the CHR stations. I played Lady Gaga's Just Dance last summer when it was brand new and played it a lot until that song hit the CHR charts, then I stopped playing it when it was in the top 10. And I sound like a commercial DJ on the mic, trying to hit the post, talk about stuff besides what songs I played, and even have a radio voice completely different from my normal voice.

Well, great-but you understand that the song would've charted with or without you, right? You could ignore the 'hits' if you can smell them. But if you're aim is to sound commercial, go for it.

The station is run as a student activity and anyone is welcome to join, even non-students. In the summer, almost anyone who applies for a show gets one because there are not many students around.
Our station's music department frowns on "commercial" music and I can see their point. There's no need to sound like another one of the 7 CHRs we can hear. Most of the music programming during the day is rock. I am lucky to hear any songs I know any given hour that isn't in the dance block on Friday nights. That to me is both good and bad. It's good because I discover music that I like and wouldn't have heard elsewhere. It's bad because I'm not familiar with most of the music. Playing familiar songs = more cume + TSL. I admit, I do listen to commercial radio a heck of a lot more than I listen to my own college station, but that's because I like hearing music I know. But when I'm in the mood for hearing music I do not know, below 92 is where I go. The DJs get to choose about 70% of the music to play, the remaining has to be chosen from a CD collection of new releases. College Music Journal is bad on dance music, it's best for indie rock, and that is where we get most of our music.

CMJ is loathsome for many reasons. It shouldn't even exist.

My experience below 92 has been mixed; I do hear a lot of stuff I recognize-which is disappointing; I also hear a lot of religious crap with an unnecessary signal.

Most of the DJs talk on the mic only a few times an hour, just reading the names of the songs they played. Some of them ramble on and on. I feel like the best balance is to talk up the intro of every other song. We share time with a local high school for a few hours each day, and the high school DJs tend to talk a lot and play commercial music. I know most people who work at my station don't want to work in radio after graduating. I don't want to either, given the bad economy, but I wouldn't mind doing broadcast engineering. College radio doesn't just prepare you for a career in radio. You learn important communication skills, and lose your fear of public speaking, and you learn how to plan for your show to make it sound good.

Engineering is a good area to get into.

College {anything} doesn't prep effectively for real-life situations. It mainly teaches that it is in charge, and your money doesn't even talk. Internships are the key.

As for 'RRC, whenever I'm traveling through the area, I enjoy the oldies programming on WRRC that I can't hear anywhere else. Same goes for the dance programming on Z88.9. Yes, in downtown Philly, there will be static on 88.9, and all the other Philly stations due to multipath. It just affects 88.9 worse because its signal is further away. It's branded as a Burlington County station, not a Philly station. On I-95, 88.9 is clear. If you like dance music on the radio, you'd be willing to listen through the static.

It's actually the near-fringe area for WBZC on 95. Multipath is possible when a strong signal is present enough to cause cancellation. The signal is diminished to a point as not to be a factor, but it is possible that structures on the east side of 95 are obstructive to the signal traveling west.

 

[softmachine]

As for 'RRC, whenever I'm traveling through the area, I enjoy the oldies programming on WRRC that I can't hear anywhere else. Same goes for the dance programming on Z88.9. Yes, in downtown Philly, there will be static on 88.9, and all the other Philly stations due to multipath. It just affects 88.9 worse because its signal is further away. It's branded as a Burlington County station, not a Philly station. On I-95, 88.9 is clear. If you like dance music on the radio, you'd be willing to listen through the static.

It's actually the near-fringe area for WBZC on 95. Multipath is possible when a strong signal is present enough to cause cancellation. The signal is diminished to a point as not to be a factor, but it is possible that structures on the east side of 95 are obstructive to the signal traveling west.

Plus, it's the way the signal is polarized that has an effect on propagation.

 

[njradiomaven]

Softmachine:

“Ms. Maben”?

I don’t recall giving any indication as to gender in my post. Rather presumptuous on your part.

I did read your posts carefully and your tone was quite clear, which is what I was responding to. Have you tried reading your posts out loud to hear how they sound? They come across as hostile, mean and judgmental, whether that is your intent or not. You feel quite comfortable making judgments and demands of others, but what have you done to make a difference? If you feel stations like WTSR and WBCZ lack adequate training programs, why not volunteer to help create better training protocols? If the stations refuse, well shame on them.

And why not take up Brett’s offer to talk one-on-one with him? I disagree with you when you say “this forum is fine” for you to rip apart WBCZ and ask Brett to cater to your demands for explanations. That is not an appropriate role for a message board, in my opinion, when there are avenues for direct communication. To do otherwise is just the easy way out.

Regardless of gender, that's my 2 cents. Which is all I have in this economy.

Happy listening!

 

[Dancerev889]

Buddy, do you feel proud of yourself ripping on a student? Do you really? I mean come on. The student that does that does a great job with our main format and the sports show. He is trying something new and learning. This student also was a finalist at the Philadelphia Air Awards this past year for his production work. It wasnt the college awards it was against the big commercial stations. Our production level is top notch. We take pride at this radio station and have taken this station to another level. What other college station has been up for 7 Philadelphia Air Awards(not the college awards)? Answer none. Do our jocks sound the best, no but they are learning and they are getting better. Its a learning institution. They are going to mess up.

Brett-why is it when you feel you/your organization is under 'undue scrutiny', you whip out the awards card or the ratings card? That is a really curious reflex. Unfortunately, that dog won't hunt in other areas of life.

'Trying something new'? He's doing radio at other times! Other than choosing his own music and the AM sounding MTV clips, what's the diff? Is he learning production?

I go by what I hear, and I posted about it. if you're really proud of your work product, place some links of this award winning material up for all to hear.

Drew Jacobs hasnt been here in years and quite frankly this station is a completely different since he has been here.

You're obviously humorless about this whole thing, so I won't bother explaining.

This station continues to evolve and get better. The station has a great presence in the community and more people actually listen to this station than they ever have before. Glenn Kalina has worked here as an Assistant Program Director and still voices the station. Ask him about the station, but I guess his 30 years in the business does mean a thing. Ask Chio from Wired, whom we have given several interns to and actually was out at the station.

Nice-flogging of other people's resumes. Kalina's web page says 25 years. Plus he's an 'event host'. What is that, exactly? Gotta eat, I suppose. Never heard his show.

More 'award wining' personnel. Is the A.I.R. award a lapel flair or a trophy? The only 'award' I know of is money and ratings.

And Chio visited-so what? Did he lay hands upon you? Did he swath you in his satin 'Wired' jacket?

You gave him interns-news flash: THAT'S WHAT A COLLEGE IS SUPPOSED TO DO!

You forgot Tearson. What has he won?

We are one of the most aggressive college stations in the state.

What does that mean, exactly? Are you declaring war on other college stations, and taking over their frequencies?

How about being aggressive about language skills or diction? How about extensive training? What does your training manual look like? I'd like to see it.

I along with my staff give everything to this station and our students.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

What is your beef? I have told you once and I will tell you again if you have an issue with this radio station contact me. Im easy to reach:

This forum is fine, and I'd like you to explain the whole process-from training to deciding air shift placement.
You keep telling this forum how good you are, how good the station is, but the output doesn't represent your wishes. That's the beef. I know you're a 'training institution'. Break down the process.

Im standing up for my students, thats what Im doing. You dont know who Glenn Kalina is? Wow, for someone that knows everything about how a radio station sounds, thats pretty bad. The guy is one of the most respected radio personality and program directors in Philadelphia. I guess you wouldn't remember stations like WCAU FM, Q102, Alice 104.5, Max 95.7, and currently he is the morning show host on 97.5 NOW.

Tearson doesnt work with our students he does a pre-taped show.


Again I have posted my contact information on here, feel free to contact me. Heck Nick has visited the station before and so have other posters from these message boards. I am not going to debate you anymore because its not worth it Our students, listeners and the administration are happy with WBZC. Thats what matters not someone who posts on a message board.

 

[softmachine]

Softmachine:

I don’t recall giving any indication as to gender in my post. Rather presumptuous on your part.

“Ms. Maben”?

Maven, actually.

I just call it by the shibboleth.

I did read your posts carefully and your tone was quite clear, which is what I was responding to. Have you tried reading your posts out loud to hear how they sound? They come across as hostile, mean and judgmental, whether that is your intent or not. You feel quite comfortable making judgments and demands of others, but what have you done to make a difference? If you feel stations like WTSR and WBCZ lack adequate training programs, why not volunteer to help create better training protocols? If the stations refuse, well shame on them.

I insist that well-funded educational institutions compensate me. I also feel free to comment as I've paid for an education in New Jersey, and I've paid taxes in New Jersey.

Mean? Hostile? The world is full of fluffy bunnies and candy-cane forests, so yeah, I guess I come off as mean and hostile when I'm telling the truth with colorful language.

And why not take up Brett’s offer to talk one-on-one with him? I disagree with you when you say “this forum is fine” for you to rip apart WBCZ and ask Brett to cater to your demands for explanations. That is not an appropriate role for a message board, in my opinion, when there are avenues for direct communication. To do otherwise is just the easy way out.

On the contrary: for me to discuss this with Brett on the phone is the easy way out. If he chooses to back up his remarks with a substantive rejoinder, that's on him. I offered my point of view, he offered his assertions and claims. I would like some facts, Falbo. I mean Maven.

Regardless of gender,

{on the nose, me}

that's my 2 cents. Which is all I have in this economy.

Happy listening!

Good luck.

 

[njradiomaven]

Maven, actually.


Typo. It happens, even to old geezers/geezettes like me. But I appreciate the shibboleth reference.

I am sorry that you feel you must be paid to help mentor a young person. Personally, I find it quite rewarding, even without the cash.

Good luck to you too.

 

[softmachine]

Im standing up for my students, thats what Im doing. You dont know who Glenn Kalina is? Wow, for someone that knows everything about how a radio station sounds, thats pretty bad. The guy is one of the most respected radio personality and program directors in Philadelphia. I guess you wouldn't remember stations like WCAU FM, Q102, Alice 104.5, Max 95.7, and currently he is the morning show host on 97.5 NOW.

Tearson doesnt work with our students he does a pre-taped show.


Again I have posted my contact information on here, feel free to contact me. Heck Nick has visited the station before and so have other posters from these message boards. I am not going to debate you anymore because its not worth it Our students, listeners and the administration are happy with WBZC. Thats what matters not someone who posts on a message board.

Brett, are you kidding with this response?

Kalina isn't even germane to the discussion. I looked at his web site. Big deal. I don't know him, and I never heard of him before aside from your last mention of him on this very site. Seems like an OK guy.

I can name a bunch of New York-based personalities that I've been in the room with, too. Who cares.

I didn't understand your point about dragging peripheral people and specious logic into a discussion about my description of a late-nighter. I still don't understand the 'award-winning' remarks.

Your comments are deflections, not really responses-in-kind.

I asked you to do something as simple as post a link to the material YOU brought up.

You won't-and I won't call you.

Back to your ensconcement.

Good luck.

 

[nd2023]

What do you have against college radio? Were you kicked out of your college station? Does it play music you don't know? You bashing college students is like football fans booing a college quarterback for throwing an interception. It could be the first time in their life on the air. What if the students you bashed find your post on this board, then decide to quit radio because of it? I am going to listen to those shows you mentioned and call in to show support.

Almost all commercial DJs and staff come from college stations. Yes, I agree CMJ is garbage that we pay hundreds a year for just a few good CDs and the right to "chart" to them, but there are a few exec staff members at my station that swear by CMJ. Many college stations have CD libraries overflowing, or throw out CDs they get in the mail.

For indie bands, CMJ is great. It's the easiest way to get their music sent and played on college stations around the country. The good bands catch on, and college radio gives them exposure to people that want to hear their kind of music.
However, for dance music, CMJ is awful. College stations have to ask dance labels directly to send their music, and they are reluctant to do so because they assume they will get no spins on college radio. I'm sure WBZC's mailbox is overflowing with dance music because they play that music 16 hours a day. My station has 4-5 hours of dance music a week, and that is more than 99% of the college stations out there that have 0 hours of dance music.

If you really have an axe to grind with Brett, why don't you just take a drive over to Burlington County College and say it to his face. Or better yet, Z88.9 doesn't need listeners like you to succeed, so just change the station. Your iPod never plays music you don't like and doesn't have "annoying" DJs so go listen to that.