WGSU program schedule deepens
Photo courtesy of Nathan Hubbard
Since 1963, 89.3 WGSU-FM has graced the Geneseo area. WGSU acts as SUNY Geneseo’s college radio station which broadcasts from the bowels of Blake Hall, and is run mostly by students who have an interest in broadcasting or the behind-the-scenes work done within a radio station. The opportunity of a college radio station to have students running it is undeniable to both listeners and those who help make the station run.
Headed by the department of communication, WGSU offers students the chance to explore a different type of media. With television broadcasting no longer being available on campus, the radio offers students a unique opportunity to explore audio media and—oftentimes—combine it with visuals as well.
Over the past few semesters, WGSU has grown exponentially, with several new shows and more students interested in joining and assuming both on-and-off-air positions such as hosting, marketing, and operating the sound board. This year, WGSU also re-started the broadcast of Ice Knights’ home hockey games, allowing listeners to follow along with the game without having to be present. The live broadcasts of the games are in collaboration with Geneseo’s athletic communications department, one of the several collaborations WGSU has around campus.
In 2023, WGSU first aired Full Circle, a show developed in part with The Lamron. Full Circle is a 30-minute informational program that currently covers several articles from that week’s edition of The Lamron, has a debrief segment hosted by the Disabled Student Alliance, and often contains an interview with a notable member of the Geneseo community. The show airs on Mondays at 6 p.m., right before Chalk Talk.
Chalk Talk is an hour-long sports talk show that covers Geneseo athletics, other collegiate sports, and professional topics around the sports world as well. It is one of the longest-running shows currently on WGSU, having aired for over a year. The show often features guests and interviews with both Geneseo coaches and professional athletes.
Every other Monday, Chalk Talk is followed by a brand-new show entitled Yap City Central. Described as a “variety talk show,” Yap City Central first aired in early 2024 and joined Chalk Talk as one of only two talk shows currently aired on WGSU.
The station features many DJ shows, as well, including Spill Yer Lungs, Schlau Soup, Palate Cleanser, Off Your Face, Encouragement Hour, and Jazz House. DJ shows feature music and commentary, often based around a general theme. Each one is curated by the DJs and emulates their interests and tastes in music, truly giving the station a wide variety of sounds.
People think of WGSU as just a radio station, but it really can be used as a creative outlet for students and alumni alike who have an interest in radio and music. All students are encouraged to stop by and get a feel for the studio, and can even start their own show if they feel so inclined.
Naturally, the thought of speaking on the radio could be scary, but other roles are necessary to make WGSU run smoothly and expand into an even greater media outlet in the Geneseo area are always needed. The abilities required to be on-air, however, are easily transferable to any field, as on-air talent will naturally improve public speaking, script-writing, and general communication skills. As more students and alumni join the station, WGSU will continue to grow and hopefully continue to be a staple on campus for years to come.