On September 30, State Representative Leanne Krueger (District 161) read an official proclamation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on air at 98.5 WNUW, the radio station of Neumann University, recognizing October 1, 2021, as College Radio Day in Pennsylvania.
WNUW was one of more than 600 radio stations in 40 countries that celebrated College Radio Day and one of just two dozen stations that participated in a 24-hour marathon broadcast, led by students.
The celebration unites college radio stations from around the world to generate awareness of the work and value they bring to the broadcasting medium.
In part, Krueger’s proclamation read: “College radio stations are renowned for their sense of community, promotion of technology to the next generation, and commitment to volunteerism and public service … This medium unites universities and their surrounding communities by bringing forth social awareness, presenting an outlet for freedom of expression, and fostering shared values.”
Amanda Cunningham, a senior Communication and Digital Media major at Neumann, interviewed this year’s College Radio Day Ambassador, “Weird Al” Yankovic, on WNUW, joined by 90.3 WMSC’s Jared Tauber from Montclair State University. Yankovic reflected on his time in college radio and spoke about the importance of the media.
This year marks the 11th annual World College Radio Day, founded by Dr. Rob Quicke, professor of communication at William Paterson University of New Jersey. “We are delighted to celebrate our 11th event, even in these most challenging circumstances. Huge credit must go to the students, staff, and faculty that keep college radio stations going,” says Quicke.
Communication and Digital Media majors at Neumann receive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art professional technology from their first semester on campus.