Joanna Linares is the outreach assistant station manager WPTS RadioThe station’s community and environment is what makes it so special to her.
“The friendships I have made at WPTS are the friendships you hope to build when you are on your way to move-in day for your dorm freshman year and are terrified of having to meet new people,” Linares, a junior applied developmental psychology major, said. Although this is technically my job on campus, it doesn’t feel like a terrible job because I am constantly surrounded with people who are passionate, supportive, and radiate positivity.
WPTS, Pitts’ on-campus radio station was established in 1984. The station managers consider it a student-run, all-hands-on-deck organization. Their website says that they WebsiteWPTS is a major college radio station in the United States. Students and the community can tune in at 92.1 FM or online. iHeartRadio.
Evan Rubin is WPTS’ station manager and a senior sociology and psychology major. He said their mission was to provide Pittsburgh with engaging, inclusive and inclusive radio shows.
Our goal is to improve the local community. Rubin stated that this means promoting local content, such as music, sports, and news. This includes giving students the tools to create their own content. We want everyone to have an opportunity to influence media output, regardless of their experience.
Rubin stated that WPTS strives to make everyone feel welcome. One way they have tried to do this is by engaging in local organizations.
Rubin said that there are segments on Saturdays where different student organizations and community members host the show, sometimes in different languages to highlight the variety of cultures in the Pitt community.
Despite Pitt allowing for fully-in-person activities now, the station faced many difficulties managing shows and projects when the pandemic began, according to Olivia Marlowe who is content assistant station manager.
“Such a big part of our jobs at WPTS involve creating personal relationships with our staff, facilitating a meaningful experience for them, Marlowe, a senior urban studies major, said. We experienced a significant loss in station culture, staff retention, and it was even more difficult to include those who were already integrated in station activities, as well as those on the fringes who we want to learn more about.
Marlowe stated that she has learned many personal skills at the station including how to DJ, create meaningful content, and develop production skills.
WPTS is special to my because I feel like my efforts are being reflected on-air. I can hear my voice and hear the music that I love and feel that I am doing something that matters, Marlowe said.
Rubin stated that, along with having creative and passionate station members who are willing to go on air, a large part of the production process for radio shows is technical aspects such as sound. He stated that it is important that the mix and sound quality of their radio shows are professional to ensure that the hosts and music do not sound too harsh to their listeners.
Yarmi, a sophomore majoring in computer science and philosophy joined WPTS to be a DJ for Burnt Orange in October. Kalokoh stated that part of her role as DJ is curating weekly playlists, which contain 14 songs that follow the stations format. This includes manually censoring explicit lyrics before they are broadcast on air.
“The job is honestly rewarding in every way, but I would say the most rewarding part is when people tell me they like a song I played or just the show in general.” Kalokoh said. “I work really hard in putting together setlists that are meaningful and diverse, and it is so fulfilling to have that recognized.”
Kalokoh is usually multitasking during her shows that air on Mondays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Kalokoh also handles technical responsibilities, such as changing between the automator’s laptop and the microphone to adjust volume and switching between them. Account Twitter playlist. This account allows listeners follow the current broadcasts of songs.
Kalokoh also serves as genre director for hip hop and assistant music director for WPTS Recommends.
Alex Randall is a junior communications major and sports director. He said broadcasting football games was especially exciting. He stated that he was privileged to have broadcast three Heinz Field games and the Peach bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The atmosphere was incredible, and it was an experience I will never forget. Imagine broadcasting games from the press box..” Randall said.
Kalokoh stated that all ideas are welcome at WPTS for students who want to be show hosts, DJs or genre directors.
“The station is full of all kinds of personalities with different tastes in music, and that is what makes us so great! Kalokoh said that it can be intimidating to work at a radio station or radio station, especially considering how much we do on campus. But the atmosphere is so casual and friendly, I am really thankful that I get to be a part of it.”
Rubin stated that the atmosphere at the station is friendly and fun, which is also reflected in their shows and content.
“I love that we can make stuff that is casual and does not take itself super seriously, Rubin said. Our aim is to keep our content sounding professional but also represents the personalities and culture around the station.”