ALBANY, October 10, 2006- The first ever internet radio service at the College of Saint Rose is up and running, and fully operational.  Original broadcasts like Inside Saint Rose and The Hot Corner can be heard now at the Communications department website along with hours of programming that has already been aired.

Opening day featured a live introduction from the pioneers of the radio station that kicked off the inaugural broadcast.   Students in some classrooms around the campus were huddled around a computer during the opening minutes, absorbed in the voices of their classmates.

“Most of the students who are currently in the course were present, as well as the two who were the first ones over the summer session,” said Fred Antico, the head of the new radio service, about the live broadcast from the studio located in the rear of the Neil Hellman Library.

“It's exciting because there are very few of us and this is all brand new equipment and we're the first to get acquainted with it and use it,” said Lara Williamson, a junior radio producer of The Wellness and Fitness show, about the ground-breaking venture.

A reporter and a photographer from the Times Union also attended the live commencement.  A story about the radio service was featured in the local section of the next day’s edition of the newspaper.

“I think it illustrates a larger trend that is happening nationwide,” said Times Union reporter Cathleen Crowley about the launch of the internet-based service.

 “We are trying to do something that is notably different from other colleges.  We are hoping to create a unique information and entertainment service that does not follow the usual formulas for college radio,” said Antico.

One of the perks of having the radio service available on the internet is it actually allows programs to reach farther than if they are broadcasted over the traditional air-waves.  This is good news for anyone who may want to stay connected to the Saint Rose community but may not be physically close enough.  One former student, Faith Oncu, was tuned in on opening day all the way from Istanbul, Turkey, according to Communications professor Mary Alice Molgard.

Saint Rose is using new technologies to create radio broadcasts that are available to anyone with internet access, all without the use of air-waves.  This has been made possible by the emergence of the internet as a communications medium and the development of webcasting.  And because no radio frequencies will be used, a Federal Communications Commission license is not needed.

The Communications Department has dreamed of implementing a radio service ever since its inception in 1981.  Due to the lack of available radio frequencies that dream had not been realized until now.

The programming on the College of Saint Rose Radio Service is designed to be as unique as its delivery.  Instead of restricting the content to all music or all talk, the format will feature a variety of shows. 

Programs will be limited to pre-recorded broadcasts around noon on Monday through Friday during the semester while the service is just starting out.  In the future, a mixture of discussions, documentaries, music programming that will incorporate commentary and analysis, and live webcasting of Saint Rose sporting events will be readily available through the radio service.

All of the radio programming will be produced by volunteer workers and by students in the newly-created radio production class, COM 318.

“After the class finishes at the end of the semester, I'd still like to stay on to submit later works,” said Jennifer Anderson, a radio production student.  She plans to continue her involvement with the radio station even after the class ends.

Production will not solely be limited to students from the production class.  Saint Rose students from any department will be able to take part in the radio service.

“We listen to proposals by anybody, but not just anybody gets a show.  There are specific requirements for anyone who wants to produce a show; content, technical skills, and a commitment to produce a series of programs would be just some of the prerequisite expectations for someone who wants to produce a show,” said Antico.

The radio service will not be accepting advertisements in order to protect its independent integrity and deliver the most unadulterated programming content that is possible.

Having the new radio service will seriously enhance the already prestigious Communications Department and the college as a whole.  Other area colleges who already have radio services have experienced great benefits that are provided by such a service.

“The student body, on a daily basis, is exposed to underground music and given unfiltered news,” said Michael DePietro, General Manager of UAlbany’s WCDB.

In addition to offering an alternative news and entertainment source to the student body, college radio also serves a unique learning opportunity.

“This class has given me an opportunity to learn about the technical aspects of producing radio. When I decided to come here, this class didn't even exist. I was very glad when I heard this class was being offered,” said sophomore Rob Chacon about the radio production class.

Chuck Custer, the News Director for WGY, agrees that gaining this hands-on experience in college is a tremendously helpful in learning the craft. Custer said that this is a definite advantage for anyone who is looking to pursue a career in radio broadcasting.

The Communications department is not the only division of Saint Rose who will be benefiting from the new radio service.  Other departments, like Admissions, will also gain from having this unique addition to the college.

“We are so thrilled with the new internet radio station.  We promote it in our weekly open house presentations and to all students; not just communications majors.  It is a unique addition to the college and isn't what students necessarily see from other colleges and universities,” said Maryelizabeth Amico, Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions.

There is a lot of room to grow for the radio service.  An FCC license for a radio frequency is not out of the question, though it would take a serious financial commitment from the college.  Even a low-power license could cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000.  For now, Antico and others just want to see the service succeed in its present state.