WMRE Gets Radio Frequency

originally written for The Emory Wheel: Arts & Living (www.emorywheel.com)

17 January, 2011

Whether it’s handing out “Turn Us On” prophylactics to incoming freshmen or convincing the student body to expose themselves in a Naked Calendar, WMRE has always found a way to be a core part of the Emory community. This semester, the station is moving on to the airwaves in the form of an AM frequency.

Before this acquisition, Emory students, faculty and family members could access WMRE online or watch it on Channel 26.

“In earnest, radio is a rare medium. Like many modern radio stations, most of WMRE’s listeners are viral,” said WMRE’s General Manager and College senior Geoff Schorkopf. “However, college radios are still vital to local communities. College radio serves as a means to start a conversation and popularize sub-cultures that national radio may ignore. Our AM frequency will expose Emory music and culture into the greater Atlanta area.”

“Like most other universities, we see having a college radio station as an indispensable part of college life,” said WMRE Promotions Director Madison Poche. “WMRE began as WEMO broadcasting on AM waves, so now that we have better funding, it seemed logical to first return to broadcasting on a frequency.”

Unlike Georgia State’s WRAS and Georgia Tech’s WREK, WMRE’s frequency will be an AM station rather than FM. “Any existing or aspiring radio stations have to go through the FCC,” said Tech Director, Logesh Dharmar. “There is a special provision in the FCC guidelines which allows colleges to broadcast to the limits of their campus without having to be licensed or regulated by the FCC. So, we chose AM over FM because of the availability of technology and the leniency in FCC guidelines.”

WMRE members are excited about the prospect of finally being back on the airwaves. “Before, we were kind of just a ‘radio group,’ a bunch of students getting together and playing the music we love,” said WMRE DJ Kassle Molinar. “Now, it feels like we’re an actual station. Having a frequency makes everything feel more legit.”

Moving WMRE to the radio opens up many listening possibilities for Emory community members.

“Radio holds a niche for some people and is an excellent option for people driving around campus,” said Dharmar. “We feel that by expanding our listening and opening to radio we are increasing exposure. It is also the first step to a full-out radio station like WRAS and WREK.”

Over the break, the WMRE team set up a DJ booth and software in the studio, allowing real-time mixing and scratching on dual record plays. Dharmar also adds that he anticipates the station moving to FM in the near future.
WMRE has had a busy year, having just finished the Naked Calendar last semester, an attention-grabbing project aimed at bringing together student organizations. The proceeds so far have all gone to a variety of charities, chosen by the organizations involved.

“We’re only halfway through January, so we are hoping to sell more calendars before they become outdated,” said Schorkopf.

Students can still purchase calendars by sending a Learnlink message to “Nekkid Calendar” or by contacting any one of the many clubs and organizations that contributed to the project.

Currently, WMRE is expanding its online presence. “The Media Council is creating a full website for all of it’s organizations,” said Poche. “Expect music updates, concert reviews, and general musings, while being able to tune in to live programming effortlessly.”

Later this semester, WMRE members will be planning the annual “Spring Band Party.” While this year’s artist has yet to be confirmed, former appearances by Ghostface Killah, the late Jay Reatard and last year’s headliners Matt & Kim, guarantee a good time.

Stay tuned in.