An exciting new fall season awaits the Longwood radio station as they prepare to start broadcasting in their brand new studio, located in French Hall, with a different staff than last year.
The chosen WMLU staff for the 2014-2015 school year is completely different from last year, considering six of the eleven staff members are new to the positions and roles for the station.
Along with this major change for the WMLU members, the radio station was moved to the renovated French Hall building, whereas they were previously located in Hiner. The approximate 41,452 square foot building went from a residential building to a technology center, assessment and research office, editing lab, TV studio, and most importantly, the new house of the WMLU station.
The staff is motivated to start and is working on ways to improve the quality of their station. WMLU general manager, Keith Baldwin, stated that “program director Jason Tsai, [and I] are working to improve the format of the shows to have a more solid program.”
It is clear that the WMLU members are viewing these changes as an opportunity to take the radio station to the next level, a more professional one.
As an advisor and information specialist at WMLU, Bryan Roethel noticed that this year has already been “a lot more professional than it was in previous years.” He then went on to say, “The mentality now is quality over quantity.”
The motivation found behind the members is largely due to its new setting in French Hall. It is an exciting new project that is a game changer, as it will be equipped with new machines and tools. Baldwin shared that WMLU will “be getting new mac computers, new microphones and a new [mixing] board.” These materials will only broaden the members’ abilities to do more things at the radio station.
“The new equipment and facilities include a live performance studio. Potentially, student DJs may be able to host live acts, local talents, especially on air. The two editing studios will also enhance our ability to create sound bites, bumpers and other more advanced creative elements. We might even be able to podcast student programming, hosting content on a 24 hour platform someday,” said Tsai.
According to Roethel, the new station will also give WMLU more visibility being in French Hall. “Mass media students walking by the studio will watch the broadcasters and encourage them to join the station,” stated Roethel. Since French Hall is now working as a building where some classes and meetings will be held, students will be walking by the radio station regularly.
The new location is also helping publicity for WMLU. The radio station is a lot bigger than last years’ station, which was in Hiner. With great excitement, Baldwin discussed the benefits of the new studio, explaining that “one aspect that is available now that wasn’t available before is that there is a separate production room for news that is large enough to fit a band to come play for live shows via broadcast through 91.3 FM.”
It is no secret that WMLU will only continue to grow with the investment of the new station at French Hall with the new leaders and board members, which have already started improving and changing the station for the better.
