WZBC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

WZBC (90.3 FM) is the Boston College student-run and FCC-licensed 1000 watt radio station. The station broadcasts alternative and indie rock during the day, and then branches out to more diverse styles (ranging from funk to lounge to middle eastern) in the early evening. At night, the station focuses on experimental music, which it calls "No Commercial Potential." WZBC is located in Newton, Massachusetts at the corner of Beacon and Hammond on Boston College's main campus. WZBC also broadcasts sports for the Boston College Eagles, including basketball, football, hockey, baseball, and softball.

Contents 1 History 2 In-Studio Performances and Interviews 3 Random Factoids 4 External links

[edit] History

Originally founded as WVBC, the voice of Boston College, the radio station began in 1960 as a carrier-current AM station, broadcasting solely to the university community through the electrical wiring of on-campus buildings and dormitories. After operating in this capacity for 13 years, Boston College Radio took a big step by applying for a license to open and operate WZBC-FM, a nine watt, educationally-oriented station at the frequency 90.3. With the advent of WZBC-FM, the radio station expanded its listenership to begin serving the outside community. Through locally based programs, WZBC proposed to link area residents with the university.

WZBC has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 1973. A power increase was given to WZBC in 1974, bringing the station up to its current output of 1000 watts and allowing once again for an expansion in listenership. Another important touch was added in 1979 when the broadcast signal became stereo. However, arguably the most important change in WZBC history occurred later that year, or perhaps the following one (depending on whom you ask), when the station changed its format to something called modern rock. The frequency formerly home to James Taylor and his ilk became inundated with innovative new bands which commercial radio would not touch. At approximately the same time, WZBC also began broadcasting more experimental music under the moniker 'No Commercial Potential', thus changing the future of WZBC irrevocably. Since the initial format change, WZBC has grown to become one of the most influential and respected college stations in the country.

As it stands now, WZBC is actually two fully functioning broadcast entities. Besides the FM frequency, there is also WZBC-AM, which operates on a carrier-current, much like the station's predecessor, WVBC. The signal is pumped directly to the Eagle's Nest cafeteria, as well as being simulcast with the community events calendar on the BC cable system.

[edit] In-Studio Performances and Interviews

Nirvana, The Police, Elliott Smith, Helium, Mikey Ramone, REM, Gillian Welch, Crispin Glover, Gomez, Jed Parish, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Einsturzende Neubauten, Sisters of Mercy, Shonen Knife, Spoon, Dentists, Spiritualized, Six Finger Satellite, Milkweed, Pavement, Wolfgang Press, Heathen Shame, Ben Lee, Jack Drag, KMFDM, Branford Marsalis, Guided By Voices, the Legendary Pink Dots, Sufjan Stevens, Paula Kelly, Neptune, Sigur Rós, Interpol, Low, and many more.

[edit] Random Factoids

• WZBC has been named in the top ten college stations in the nation by Rolling Stone Magazine.
• R.E.M.’s “Radio Free Europe” was mixed in the WZBC studio, and at least one past member has participated in the production of R.E.M. videos.
• The Police came for an interview at ZBC and begged listeners to come to their show at The Rat.
• A former WZBC DJ, Magnus (Monday nights 7-10 PM), was allegedly the first DJ in Boston to play hip-hop on the radio, and allegedly the first DJ in the country to have a rap/hip-hop show.

[edit] External links

• Official Site
• WZBC Fan Site