by Taylor Bryant and Tiffany Robinson
The WOLF Internet Radio at the University of West Georgia has been chosen to represent the United States during the College Radio Day 24-hour marathon, a traditional event of World College Radio Day. UWG is the only college in the U.S. to broadcast live on 700 stations in 43 countries on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
Each station will have the opportunity broadcast live for one hour starting at midnight in Italy. College Radio Day is also an opportunity for college radio stations to unite and raise awareness about the importance of college radio. This campus-wide event will take place outside of UWG’s University Community Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Our biggest goal is to create a festive atmosphere and to use fun to give back to the community,” says Shawn Isaacs, operations manager of The WOLF and College National Radio Day cabinet member. “One of college radio's positions is to make a difference in music, on campus and in the community.”
In 2012, The WOLF placed No. 2 as the best station out of 585 participating stations worldwide for College Radio Day 2012. The station also claimed titles for “Best On-Air Programming” and “Best Community Outreach” for the 2012 Spirit of College Radio Awards after a stellar performance on College Radio Day.
“We hope that the organizations we involve in this day cause the campus to take notice of the community around them and the opportunities that are available to them,” says Sarah Sulski, events promotions director of The WOLF.
To entertain and connect with loyal listeners, the Folklore Haunted House will be dressed in costumes, alongside The WOLF members, presenting and participating in interactive trivia games and prize giveaways. The WOLF is also encouraging UWG members and Carrollton residents to donate children’s books for the Dawnbreakers Rotary Club challenge of collecting books for Tanner Hospital’s ReadER program. Attendees can enjoy the acoustic performances from special guests of various bands from Little Big Jam 8, a locally operated music and arts festival held near Bowdon, Ga., each fall.
“College Radio is creativity at its core,” says Sarah. “Not regulated by mainstream influence, it gives young people the chance to talk about and listen to what they believe is important in a medium that caters directly to their demographic.”
College Radio Day will serve as an opportunity for UWG students to learn about new shows, vacant positions at The WOLF and The WOLF in Training program that aims to teach students the production of the radio industry. As a station managed by students, prospective students will get a chance to see how their peers gain experience by building their portfolios through hands-on involvement around campus.
“Ultimately, our position is to give students a full experience of life after college, while making this the most vivid experience while in college,” says Shawn. “If students can get jobs after graduating, then we have shown the truest reason of our need to exist.”
