WPSC
Encyclopedia
WPSC-FM is William Paterson University's
non-commercial radio station
. Licensed to Wayne, New Jersey
, USA, the station serves the northern New Jersey
and western New York City
area. In 2011, WPSC was one of the top 25 stations nominated for the mtvU Woodie Award for Best College Radio Station.
to broadcast a weekly 2 hour pre-recorded program on WFMU.
Between 1974 and 1978, programming expanded to include hourly newscasts, live sports events, campus and community affairs, celebrity interviews, radio plays, alternative comedy, live concerts and other events all created and produced in house. Programming hours increased from 12 hours a day 5 days a week to 18 and a half hours 7 days a week.
Beginning in 1977, WPSC began broadcasting on UA Columbia Cablevision's Channel 3 bringing the station into tens of thousands of living rooms in Passaic
, Morris
, and Bergen
Counties. Programming was mostly AOR/Progressive Rock but also included some Top 40, Oldies, and Soul/R&B/Disco shows. All programming reflected the choices of the DJs on the air during their shift and also included phoned in requests. During this time, WPSC was entirely student staffed and operated with all funding coming from WPC's Student Government Association and supplemented by a small revenue stream from commercial advertising. Faculty oversight and involvement was minimal to non existent.
In December 1988, the station began broadcasting, as North Jersey's Independent Radio. Throughout much of the 1990s WPSC almost exclusively played top 40, causing harsh criticism from students and the college radio community. As of 2007, it is a part of William Paterson University's
Communication department and is staffed by students interested in careers in radio as well as alumni and community volunteers. Hobart Hall, the communication building on campus, houses the station. The signal tower is located in Pompton Lakes, NJ. It has since been relaunched as Brave New Radio WP 88.7 FM
launched the 'Bravery in Radio' Award. The inaugural award was presented to Les Paul
in April 2009 for his pioneering work on the Les Paul Radio Show in 1949 with his wife Mary Ford. In April 2010, Bruce Morrow
(Cousin Brucie) received the award in recognition of his track record of creating "inspirational programming and a lifelong commitment to the medium of radio." In March 2011, the award was presented live on the Howard Stern Show
to Howard Stern
and Robin Quivers
who accepted the award for their "pioneering work in the medium of radio." After some on-air ribbing of the award and the university, Stern then sincerely accepted the award by saying “Thank you very much for this beautiful award. I do appreciate it - I’m not so jaded that I can’t be complimented by the students.”
, New York
and Pennsylvania
. WPSC's mix of indie rock
, alternative
, punk
, indie folk
, classic rock
and jam bands has been termed "Braveology." There are often live band interviews and performances that take place right in the studio. The four classic rock shows that air Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are known as The Naked Brunch. The heavy metal
shows, collectively known as The 4 Horsemen air weeknights from 9 p.m. to midnight.
WP 88.7 FM also submits its weekly playlists to the College Media Journal's New Music Report which publishes the lists in a top 30 format.
show, "Just A Mood" airs Sunday nights from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is hosted by Stan Myers, a veteran jazz historian and disc jockey.
In the fall of 2008, The Morning Blend added an hour-long segment on Thursday mornings called Newlygreens with special guest cohost Greg Mattison, who hosts a Public-access television
cable TV show of the same name with his wife Connie. Since then the segment has become its own one hour a week show called Newlygreens on the Radio, and features Greg and Connie Mattison and former Morning Blend host Risa Pappas. Segments include Reusable News, which features "green" headlines about public policy, clean energy, climate change, environmentalism, and eco-friendly inventions; Greensprouts, which give listeners take-away tips on how to live more sustainably; and weekly interviews with experts from various industries directly or indirectly involved in "green" issues, actions, initiatives and services. Past interviewees include Larry Schweiger, CEO of the National Wildlife Federation
and Peter Sinclair, creator of Climate Denial Crock of the Week.
The Nightly Brew, airing weeknights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. features comedy talk and is hosted by different on-air personalities each night. Monday's Nightly Brew show is The Mixtape. Tuesday's show is Jersey Fresh, a show dedicated to only playing music by New Jersey artists
. Wednesday's show is called Random Play, hosted by Smokey, the Bandit and GoBot.
The Reading Circle airing Saturdays 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. has intelligent discussions on literature.
, loud rock, local music and more. Each show consisted of several different segments including News You Can't Use, Banished!, Epic Failures in History, Words of Wisdom with Patrick Boyle, 15 Moments of Misery, Random Artist of the Week, Wonders of the World, Ask Kevin Baxter, and many more. After graduating from William Paterson University the duo moved their legacy on to their very own website, TwoGuysOneMic.com
.
and Steel Train
, artists Jon Anderson
of Yes
, Dana Fuchs
, Bobby Valli, John Lloyd Young
and Frank Stallone
, comic Carol Leifer
, entertainer Penn Jillette
, and even chef and TV personality Lidia Mattichio Bastianich.
In 2009, WPSC had its first simulcast with WXAV
, a college radio station in Chicago. The event, dubbed Unsung Underground Uprising, featured performances and interviews with We Are Scientists
, Band of Skulls
, and Very Emergency.
), Tom Stephens (WCBS 880), Kevin Burkhardt (WFAN
) and (SportsNet New York
), Tim Kennedy, Cora Ann Mihalik, Kathy Millar, Mike McGuire, Daniel Ambrose, Christopher Moore and Pat Blowers (WDHA
), Nikki Marra (WMGM
WPHT
, WJBR
).
William Paterson University
William Paterson University is a comprehensive public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey serving nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five colleges: , , , , and ....
non-commercial radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
. Licensed to Wayne, New Jersey
Wayne, New Jersey
Wayne is a Township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, located less than from midtown Manhattan. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township had a total population of 54,069....
, USA, the station serves the northern New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and western New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
area. In 2011, WPSC was one of the top 25 stations nominated for the mtvU Woodie Award for Best College Radio Station.
History
WPSC went on the air in 1967 through closed circuit on campus to several buildings and then also as a carrier current station (590 AM) as well. During the 1970s WPSC-AM continued to broadcast on campus, both over the air and piped into various buildings on campus while the quest for an FM frequency in the very crowded NY/NJ market began. For a time (1972–1974) WPSC also had an arrangement with WFMUWFMU
WFMU is a listener-supported, independent community radio station headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, broadcasting at 91.1 MHz FM, presenting a freeform radio format...
to broadcast a weekly 2 hour pre-recorded program on WFMU.
Between 1974 and 1978, programming expanded to include hourly newscasts, live sports events, campus and community affairs, celebrity interviews, radio plays, alternative comedy, live concerts and other events all created and produced in house. Programming hours increased from 12 hours a day 5 days a week to 18 and a half hours 7 days a week.
Beginning in 1977, WPSC began broadcasting on UA Columbia Cablevision's Channel 3 bringing the station into tens of thousands of living rooms in Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
, Morris
Morris County, New Jersey
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
, and Bergen
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
Counties. Programming was mostly AOR/Progressive Rock but also included some Top 40, Oldies, and Soul/R&B/Disco shows. All programming reflected the choices of the DJs on the air during their shift and also included phoned in requests. During this time, WPSC was entirely student staffed and operated with all funding coming from WPC's Student Government Association and supplemented by a small revenue stream from commercial advertising. Faculty oversight and involvement was minimal to non existent.
In December 1988, the station began broadcasting, as North Jersey's Independent Radio. Throughout much of the 1990s WPSC almost exclusively played top 40, causing harsh criticism from students and the college radio community. As of 2007, it is a part of William Paterson University's
William Paterson University
William Paterson University is a comprehensive public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey serving nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five colleges: , , , , and ....
Communication department and is staffed by students interested in careers in radio as well as alumni and community volunteers. Hobart Hall, the communication building on campus, houses the station. The signal tower is located in Pompton Lakes, NJ. It has since been relaunched as Brave New Radio WP 88.7 FM
The Bravery in Radio Award
In April 2009, WPSC and William Paterson UniversityWilliam Paterson University
William Paterson University is a comprehensive public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey serving nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five colleges: , , , , and ....
launched the 'Bravery in Radio' Award. The inaugural award was presented to Les Paul
Les Paul
Lester William Polsfuss —known as Les Paul—was an American jazz and country guitarist, songwriter and inventor. He was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar which made the sound of rock and roll possible. He is credited with many recording innovations...
in April 2009 for his pioneering work on the Les Paul Radio Show in 1949 with his wife Mary Ford. In April 2010, Bruce Morrow
Bruce Morrow
Bruce Morrow is an American radio personality known to many listeners as Cousin Brucie.-Radio work:...
(Cousin Brucie) received the award in recognition of his track record of creating "inspirational programming and a lifelong commitment to the medium of radio." In March 2011, the award was presented live on the Howard Stern Show
Howard Stern Show
The Howard Stern Show is an American radio show hosted by its namesake Howard Stern. It gained wide recognition in the 1990s when it was nationally syndicated on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005...
to Howard Stern
Howard Stern
Howard Allan Stern is an American radio personality, television host, author, and actor best known for his radio show, which was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2005. He gained wide recognition in the 1990s where he was labeled a "shock jock" for his outspoken and sometimes controversial style...
and Robin Quivers
Robin Quivers
Robin Ophelia Quivers is an American radio personality, most notable for being the long-running news anchor and co-host of The Howard Stern Show. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Quivers graduated from the University of Maryland with a major in nursing. In 1975, she joined the United States Air Force...
who accepted the award for their "pioneering work in the medium of radio." After some on-air ribbing of the award and the university, Stern then sincerely accepted the award by saying “Thank you very much for this beautiful award. I do appreciate it - I’m not so jaded that I can’t be complimented by the students.”
College Radio Day
WPSC is the national HQ for College Radio Day, the first of which is to be on October 11, 2011. The aim of College Radio Day is raise awareness of the many college and high school radio stations in America, and to celebrate the important medium of college radio.Programming
The programming on WP 88.7 FM is eclectic; music, news, talk and speciality shows are all represented throughout the week. A comprehensive schedule is found on the official websiteRock and Pop
The rock and pop genre dominate the shows that mainly air on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The DJs are encouraged to play newer music from independent artists, as well as local bands from New JerseyNew Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. WPSC's mix of indie rock
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
, alternative
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
, punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, indie folk
Indie folk
Indie folk is a music genre that arose in the 1990s from singer/songwriters in the indie rock community showing heavy influences from folk music scenes of the 50s, 60s and early 70s, country music, and indie rock. A few early artists included Lou Barlow, Beck, Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith...
, classic rock
Classic rock
Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on the hard rock genre that peaked in popularity in the...
and jam bands has been termed "Braveology." There are often live band interviews and performances that take place right in the studio. The four classic rock shows that air Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are known as The Naked Brunch. The heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
shows, collectively known as The 4 Horsemen air weeknights from 9 p.m. to midnight.
WP 88.7 FM also submits its weekly playlists to the College Media Journal's New Music Report which publishes the lists in a top 30 format.
Urban
The sole hip hop show on Brave New Radio, The Wrap Up, airs Friday night/Saturday morning 12am-3am, offering the widest variety of Hip-Hop and Rap on terrestrial radio. The show is hosted by "T.K."World
There are currently two distinct world music shows. Club Melting Pot, airing from 12 p.m. noon to 6 p.m. on Fridays, showcases world hip-hop, rap and dance. Libido Latino, airing every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. plays Latin rock.Jazz
The jazzJazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
show, "Just A Mood" airs Sunday nights from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is hosted by Stan Myers, a veteran jazz historian and disc jockey.
Gospel
Gospel shows air Saturday mornings (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and Sunday mornings (5 a.m. to 9 a.m.).Talk
There several talk shows at WP 88.7 FM. The Morning Blend airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and features different DJs each day.In the fall of 2008, The Morning Blend added an hour-long segment on Thursday mornings called Newlygreens with special guest cohost Greg Mattison, who hosts a Public-access television
Public-access television
Public-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
cable TV show of the same name with his wife Connie. Since then the segment has become its own one hour a week show called Newlygreens on the Radio, and features Greg and Connie Mattison and former Morning Blend host Risa Pappas. Segments include Reusable News, which features "green" headlines about public policy, clean energy, climate change, environmentalism, and eco-friendly inventions; Greensprouts, which give listeners take-away tips on how to live more sustainably; and weekly interviews with experts from various industries directly or indirectly involved in "green" issues, actions, initiatives and services. Past interviewees include Larry Schweiger, CEO of the National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation is the United States' largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization, with over four million members and supporters, and 48 state and territorial affiliated organizations...
and Peter Sinclair, creator of Climate Denial Crock of the Week.
The Nightly Brew, airing weeknights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. features comedy talk and is hosted by different on-air personalities each night. Monday's Nightly Brew show is The Mixtape. Tuesday's show is Jersey Fresh, a show dedicated to only playing music by New Jersey artists
Music of New Jersey
The American state of New Jersey has a diverse musical culture and history reflecting its diverse population and history.-Official symbols:New Jersey does not have a state song.The square dance is "the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey"....
. Wednesday's show is called Random Play, hosted by Smokey, the Bandit and GoBot.
The Reading Circle airing Saturdays 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. has intelligent discussions on literature.
Two Guys, One Mic
Hosted by Jersey John and The PHAT Man, Two Guys, One Mic was a talk/comedy show that broadcast from April 2008 until August 2011. The show consisted of talk comedy, heavy metalHeavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, loud rock, local music and more. Each show consisted of several different segments including News You Can't Use, Banished!, Epic Failures in History, Words of Wisdom with Patrick Boyle, 15 Moments of Misery, Random Artist of the Week, Wonders of the World, Ask Kevin Baxter, and many more. After graduating from William Paterson University the duo moved their legacy on to their very own website, TwoGuysOneMic.com
Radio newsroom
The newsroom at WP 88.7 FM records daily news reports from USA News Network by DJs at the station. These reports are broadcast on other college radio stations around the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
On-air guests
Over the years, WP 88.7 FM has featured notable on-air guests, including the bands WeezerWeezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
and Steel Train
Steel Train
Steel Train is an indie rock band from New Jersey. They have toured with Tegan and Sara, Girl in a Coma, Ben Folds, The Fray, Silversun Pickups, Hanson, The Format, Gomez, O.A.R., Barenaked Ladies, Fun and others...
, artists Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson is an English singer-songwriter and musician best known as the former lead vocalist in the progressive rock band Yes...
of Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
, Dana Fuchs
Dana Fuchs
Dana Fuchs is an American singer, songwriter, actress and voice over talent most famous for her performance in the 2007 film Across the Universe, in which she played the role of Sadie.-Early life:...
, Bobby Valli, John Lloyd Young
John Lloyd Young
John Lloyd Mills Young is an American actor and singer. In 2006, he won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as Frankie Valli in Broadway's Jersey Boys. He is the only American actor to date to have received a Lead Actor in a Musical Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics...
and Frank Stallone
Frank Stallone
Frank P. Stallone, Jr. is an American actor, singer/guitarist and Golden Globe and Grammy Award-nominated songwriter. He has appeared in many Hollywood films and television. He is the younger brother of Sylvester Stallone.-Early life:...
, comic Carol Leifer
Carol Leifer
Carol Leifer is an American comedian, writer, producer and actor whose career as a stand-up comedian started in the 1970s when she was in college. David Letterman discovered her performing in a comedy club in the 1980s and she has since been a guest on Late Night With David Letterman over...
, entertainer Penn Jillette
Penn Jillette
Penn Fraser Jillette is an American magician, comedian, illusionist, juggler, bassist and a best-selling author known for his work with fellow illusionist Teller in the team Penn & Teller, and advocacy of atheism, libertarian philosophy, free-market economics, and scientific skepticism.-Early...
, and even chef and TV personality Lidia Mattichio Bastianich.
Events
Every year WPSC hosts a "Braveathon", a day of fundraising for the station featuring 15 live, local artists. The 2010 Braveathon featured local artists Waking Lights, Murph, Reinvent Me, Jersey Fresh, The Victory, Exit She Calls, My Arcadia, Fantazma, My Eyes Fall Victim, Control, Sherazada, Fall to the Queen, Van Damme and Flying at Hendon.In 2009, WPSC had its first simulcast with WXAV
WXAV
WXAV is the college radio station of Saint Xavier University in Chicago. WXAV serves the south and southwest side of Chicago, Illinois and its surrounding suburbs.-History:WXAV was started in 1977 by Saint Xavier student Chuck Floramo...
, a college radio station in Chicago. The event, dubbed Unsung Underground Uprising, featured performances and interviews with We Are Scientists
We Are Scientists
We Are Scientists is a New York-based indie rock band that formed in Berkeley, California in 2000. Originally formed of Keith Murray on drums, Chris Cain playing bass guitar and Scott Lamb providing vocals and guitar, before Michael Tapper became drummer and Keith became vocalist and guitarist...
, Band of Skulls
Band of Skulls
Band of Skulls is an alternative rock band from Southampton, England, consisting of Russell Marsden , Emma Richardson , and Matt Hayward...
, and Very Emergency.
Notable former staff
Former station staff include Rich Kaminski (WLTWWLTW
WLTW is a radio station with an Adult Contemporary format in New York City.The station is often number one or close to it in Arbitron ratings for New York City. From 2002 to 2004, the station generated more revenue than any other radio station in the New York market...
), Tom Stephens (WCBS 880), Kevin Burkhardt (WFAN
WFAN
WFAN , also known as "Sports Radio 66" or "The FAN", is a radio station in New York City. The station broadcasts on a clear channel and is owned by CBS Radio...
) and (SportsNet New York
SportsNet New York
SportsNet New York is a New York City-based regional sports cable network which airs in the New York metro area and all of New York state, and nationwide via satellite. It is owned jointly by the New York Mets, Time Warner Cable, and NBCUniversal...
), Tim Kennedy, Cora Ann Mihalik, Kathy Millar, Mike McGuire, Daniel Ambrose, Christopher Moore and Pat Blowers (WDHA
WDHA
WDHA-FM 105.5 FM is a rock music station licensed to Dover and Morristown, New Jersey. WDHA is owned and operated by Greater Media and serves the northern New Jersey region....
), Nikki Marra (WMGM
WPHT
WPHT
WPHT is a CBS Radio station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, broadcasting on 1210 kHz. A 50,000-watt clear-channel station, it broadcasts in an omnidirectional pattern that allows it to cover most of the eastern half of North America at night. It uses the nickname "Talk Radio 1210 WPHT." The...
, WJBR
WJBR-FM
WJBR-FM is a Wilmington, Delaware-based Adult Contemporary music formatted radio station. Although the station is broadcast from Wilmington, the signal is strong enough to be a competitive station in the Philadelphia radio market as it is Philadelphia's only radio station to have a similar format...
).
External links
- The Bravery in Radio Award website, http://www.braveryinradio.com