WCWS Web Site

"WCWS is one of the best activities that anyone who enjoys music or radio can get involved in. I love music, and having your own show during the week is one of the greatest freedoms a college student can have." Michael O’Neil, '03 Defiance, OH

If you're the kind of person who enjoys more than one type of music, then Wooster has the radio station for you: WCWS, 90.9 FM, The College of Wooster radio station.

Although radio at Wooster goes back to 1926, the current FM station called WCWS began transmitting in 1968. Today WCWS broadcasts at 1050 watts and, thanks to the wonders of "webcasting" on the Internet, can be heard all around the world.

Because WCWS is not a commercial station, it is able to carry a wider variety of music, from bluegrass, jazz and African to general college rock, techno, heavy metal, punk, folk, and hip-hop. Specialty shows on WCWS include Hip Hop Sundays, Bluegrass Show, Soul Shakedown Party, and C.O.W. Talk Live. In addition, the station broadcasts the Texaco-Metropolitan Opera, regular Associated Press News reports, and College of Wooster Forum lectures and sporting events.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of WCWS is that it is entirely student run. In order to be a disc jockey, students must complete COM 130, Radio Workshop, a .25 credit course offered through the Department of Communication. The main purpose of the course is to familiarize students with rules and regulations enforced by the Federal Communications Commission. Once they've completed the Radio Workshop, students can apply for any open time slots that are available.

"Not only has WCWS allowed me to gain experience in radio, it has inspired me to get into mass media ownership as a possible career. For those people that are interested in communication, mass media, or just music in general, WCWS in the place for you." Ravinder Rai, '02 Silver Spring, MD

One other important point: You do not have to be a Communication major in order to be involved with WCWS. The Department of Communication oversees the station, but all students are welcome, regardless of major or class year. So whether you plan a professional career in broadcasting or simply want to enjoy having your own show, be sure to check out WCWS, 90.9 FM.