Radio Tidbits: Student Media Overhaul, Bill Ayers on BC station, High School Radio, and 25th Anniversary of Boston College Radio DJ

Here's a round-up of some college radio-related stories in the news this week:

University of Utah Student Media Overhaul

An article in the Salt Lake City Tribune discusses a proposal to converge all student media at University of Utah (including campus radio station KUTE) and the campus newspaper's concerns about how this could limit their freedom.

"Proponents say reforming the way the university supports, funds and oversees student media will benefit the campus radio station, which has operated for years on a diminishing budget that has shrunk to $15,000, as well as some 20 other media outlets.

'We're going to have a consistent source of funding until we become financially viable, then money will be spread to other publications that need it,' said KUTE station manager Sean Halls. 'This will give us more freedom to get the word out and improve the quality of our service.'"

Bill Ayers on Student Radio, But Not on Campus

There was some controversy at Boston College last month after a planned lecture by Bill Ayers was canceled by the university. Ayers ended up chatting over the air on the campus radio station (WVBC, the cable and online-only sister station of WZBC-FM) this week, according to an article in the Boston Phoenix. That's pretty awesome that the station billed as a "training ground" for WZBC ended up with the interview. Nice job!

New High School Radio Station in Ft. Worth

According to an article on PegasusNews.com, high school students in Ft. Worth, Texas now have the opportunity to participate in student radio via a new radio training program. The "station" is currently on cable and will soon be heard online. The article states: "The district unveiled its student-run radio studio, the final piece of their Advanced Media Program (AMP), Tuesday at the district's Professional Development Center in Fort Worth."

It's always nice to hear about new radio stations starting up, especially at high schools!

Festivities for 25th Anniversary of DJ at WMBR

It's amazing how long some DJs have been doing college radio. In the San Francisco Bay Area, there are definitely some DJs who've been on the air since the 1980s at KUSF, KFJC, KSCU and KZSU. And, now, a DJ (Jon Bernhardt, who also plays theremin in the Lothars) at MIT's station WMBR is throwing a big bash to celebrate his 25 years on the air. According to a press release:

"WMBR disc jockey Jon Bernhardt will celebrate his 25th anniversary with the morning Breakfast of Champions radio program on Friday, June 26, from 8 - 10 a.m. To mark this auspicious occasion, he has convinced the bands that have been played the most on his program to perform at a pair of benefit concerts at two Boston area clubs. UK legend Bevis Frond will play in his only U.S. appearance on Sunday, June 21 at TT the Bear’s along with the Condo Fucks and Sleepyhead. Versus reunites to play Church with Rebecca Gates (The Spinanes) and more guests TBA, on Saturday, June 27. Proceeds will benefit WMBR. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

On his June 26, 2009 anniversary program, Bernhardt plans to count down the 33 songs he's played the most over his 25 year career...Bernhardt spent 18 months typing all 25 years worth of playlists into a database, so that he could figure out which bands and songs he played the most. Many of those bands will be heard on the June 26 program, and some will probably be as much of a surprise to listeners as they were to Bernhardt himself."

I love the idea of tallying playlists to come up with the most-played songs. And it's quite the impressive lineup of bands who are playing for these anniversary shows.