Web Radio changes format
Kelly Schomaker
Issue date: 7/7/04 Section: News
SIUE's Web Radio has switched its format to all '80s music.
The change, which took effect Thursday, was due to low audience ratings. Before the change, Web Radio disc jockeys played country, rap, hip-hop
and rock.
"Web Radio has been struggling to find an audience since the station signed on in January (2003)," Web Radio President E.B. Stevenson said.
The majority of the Web Radio staff said a format change was necessary for Web Radio to find an audience.
"Ever since 104.1 The Mall went off air, we are the only '80s radio station in Downstate Illinois and metropolitan St. Louis," Stevenson said.
Stevenson added that 104.1 The Mall played more new -wave music, unlike Web Radio's format.
"Web Radio will play strictly '80s pop-oriented hits, in which it has to make the Top 40 on Billboard's pop charts between Jan. 1, 1980, and Dec. 31, 1989," Stevenson said.
Stevenson also said the student-produced shows such as "The Mix," "L'il Bit Country," "Aaron's Opry" and "Fusion Beats" will remain part of Web Radio's schedule along with new programs that may come in the fall.
The Web address for SIUE's Web radio is webradio.siue.edu. Web Radio is a 24-hour listening program that provides live music from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and automated music overnight.
Students interested in Web Radio should contact Stevenson, who works at WSIE, or WSIE General Manager Frank Akers, the Web Radio adviser.
The change, which took effect Thursday, was due to low audience ratings. Before the change, Web Radio disc jockeys played country, rap, hip-hop
and rock.
"Web Radio has been struggling to find an audience since the station signed on in January (2003)," Web Radio President E.B. Stevenson said.
The majority of the Web Radio staff said a format change was necessary for Web Radio to find an audience.
"Ever since 104.1 The Mall went off air, we are the only '80s radio station in Downstate Illinois and metropolitan St. Louis," Stevenson said.
Stevenson added that 104.1 The Mall played more new -wave music, unlike Web Radio's format.
"Web Radio will play strictly '80s pop-oriented hits, in which it has to make the Top 40 on Billboard's pop charts between Jan. 1, 1980, and Dec. 31, 1989," Stevenson said.
Stevenson also said the student-produced shows such as "The Mix," "L'il Bit Country," "Aaron's Opry" and "Fusion Beats" will remain part of Web Radio's schedule along with new programs that may come in the fall.
The Web address for SIUE's Web radio is webradio.siue.edu. Web Radio is a 24-hour listening program that provides live music from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and automated music overnight.
Students interested in Web Radio should contact Stevenson, who works at WSIE, or WSIE General Manager Frank Akers, the Web Radio adviser.
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