City Columbus, Ohio First air date 2007 Callsign meaning Capital University | Broadcast area Worldwide Format College Radio Owner Capital University | |
WXCU Radio is a student-run internet radio station at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. WXCU Radio broadcasts exclusively online through its website, streaming 24/7. Offered as both a class or extracurricular, it is overseen by faculty from Capital University's Communications programs.
Contents
History
The program originally started as a nameless radio station played over a PA system in the cafe on campus. A wire-feed powered broadcast played in the university’s student center for decades. The station started to become what it is now when Dr. Stephen Koch, Department Chair in 1995, decided that the program needed to grow. He urged the university to pursue getting an FCC approved license. However, politics and bureaucracy led to challenges for those in the community-radio spectrum, leaving Capital’s ambitious radio station stuck on flypaper during the early 2000s. In 2006, Dr. Tom Baggerman became the program director for the radio station and it became WXCU. Baggerman turned the station into an online-only broadcast system that could be played anywhere. WXCU Radio went on to win best student-run internet-only radio station in the country from CMJ the following year.
Starting in 2007, the radio station began streaming online only with an alternative and indie rock format. In 2013, WXCU redesigned their logo and enhanced their reach. The stream can now be listened to online and on mobile through the TuneIn radio service. In March 2015, the station hosted their first 24-Hour Radiothon with all proceeds benefitting the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.
In mid-2015, WXCU started publishing their interviews as a downloadable podcast.
Programming
WXCU Radio holds a deep commitment to local music and independent artists. Students have the opportunity to host their own radio show and interview nationally touring acts. WXCU Radio frequently invites Columbus musicians and Capital University bands to perform, hosting multiple concerts each year. Additionally, the station also supports efforts of other groups campus-wide. The station takes music submissions and frequently features music produced by students.
WXCU Radio formerly used RCS software for scheduling, playback and automation. In 2015, RCS was switched out for StationPlaylist.
Awards
In October 2007, WXCU Radio was voted the #1 student-run internet-only radio station in the country by CMJ.
In December 2015, the station received a nomination from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) for best Streaming/Online only Radio Station.