U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

Just under your ears

Community station fights for radio waves

By Adam Scoppa

For some, news radio has become an outdated medium cluttered with deejay chatter and incessant jewelry store commercials. Plenty of people have given up on it altogether, tuning into their personalized play lists during the traffic hour or browsing the web for news updates.

Yet, despite the obstacles facing radio broadcasts, WCRS is one local station that continues to serve the community - on the condition that would-be listeners can find the station on their radio dials.

Despite broadcasting on both 98.3 and 102.1 FM, WCRS has difficulties reaching a larger audience due to tower locations and height, among other things. Even station representatives will admit it's easier listening to the streaming audio on wcrsfm.org. Compounding things further, WRCS has two separate daily broadcasting blocks: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. The six-hour slot in between belongs to their timeshare station, Bexley's WCRX.

Setbacks such as these have not hampered WCRS' determination to become Central Ohio's best community run radio station, and in the two years since they began broadcasting for only five hours a day, much has improved.

To better understand WCRS as a station, some background on its left-leaning main sponsor, Simply Living, is necessary.

A non-profit activist organization established in 1992, Simply Living encourages citizens to "live responsibly and sustainably in joyful relation with the earth and with each other, rooted in principles of environmental, social and economic justice," according to its website. WCRS provided a broadcasting outlet for Simply Living in 2007, and both parties have benefitted since.

Indeed, much of WCRS' programming reflects the ideals of Simply Living. Ideas for improvement are explored through many different opinions and voices. "Danno, Talk of the Town," " Conscious Voices," and "Fair Trade Coffee Break," are just a few WCRS programs focusing on communal and/or environmental activism and involvement. Other programs provide a similar mix of news bits, volunteer information and interviews with politicians and activist leaders from the Central Ohio area.

WCRS offers something for those who turn to the radio solely to for tunes as well. Programs such as "The World Party," "Yesterday's Top Secrets," and "Pat Radio" cover an eclectic mix of world music, obscure oldies and alternative music, and local independent music, respectfully. Classical, jazz, hip-hop and everything in between can be heard on WCRS - for some students, it could be the best music they've never heard.

Anthropology major Meghan Hutchinson found out about WCRS a year ago and has been listening to it since. Besides her, only a few friends know about it or have tuned in. It may have something to do with the aforementioned broadcast range. "I can get [reception] in my car, but not in my house," Hutchinson said.

Nevertheless, student Lindsay Ciulla, a music major and former WCRS volunteer, champions the station's influence on listeners. "If anybody is looking for a way to be heard in the community, WCRS is the way to do it," said Ciulla, citing that more students should look into what the station has to offer.

"I receive lots of positive feedback," says Simply Living Assistant Director and Ohio State grad Jayme Richards, who oversees the daily operations of WCRS. "People are so relieved to have an independent media source in Columbus that represents the eclectic diversity of our community."

At 26 weekly programs strong - including non-English programming - the station strives to develop itself as a community resource. Now, with the website announcing plans to upgrade their broadcast towers to create a stronger signal, it shouldn't remain obscure for long.

The spirit of community to which WCRS and Simply Living adhere is the very thing that keeps them afloat, said Richards. "It's quite simple: without volunteers, the station wouldn't exist. Almost every aspect of WCRS is run by our dedicated volunteers," she explained. They currently have 50 volunteers, but are seeking more to fill positions ranging from technical support to fund-raising to programming. The station also depends on donations and business underwriting to propel its operations. All such contributions are tax deductible, which Richards said is "win-win for WCRS and supporting parties." Additionally, for eager students interested in a career in radio, work-study positions are available.

From simply tuning in to personally volunteering, there are plenty of ways to show your support for this valiant new voice of the community.

Originally Published: July 22, 2009

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