WOBC provides diversity in radio

Oberlin College's radio fits the definition of alternative

College Radio. At one time, this term applied to music which attempted to defy mainstream expectations. It was thought of as an alternative to the majority of music played on public radio stations because it ventured into new lyrical and musical realms. Today much of what was once considered "College Radio" music has been amalgamated into a genre known loosely as "alternative." With so much confusion over this term, one may wonder about the meaning of it in reference to Oberlin College's campus radio station WOBC - the "only alternative station in Lorain County."

Unlike other radio stations which claim to be subverting the mainstream, WOBC aims to present Oberlin College and the rest of Lorain County with something that can't be found anywhere else on the airwaves. It offers diverse programming to an equally diverse audience, playing music which otherwise could not be heard over the radio due to lack of commercial endorsement or popularity. At many other colleges, it is often the case that the station manager of the radio station will compose a list of songs, a "playlist," which contains songs the DJs are then required to play at specific intervals. At Oberlin College, the DJs have complete freedom to choose what they want to play. Although some restrictions concerning lyrical content exist, there is no one hovering over the DJs making sure they play certain songs.

Another feature which distinguishes WOBC from other radio stations is that it is a product of both a college and a community effort. DJ positions are available to everyone interested, regardless of whether they are students or county members. Some community member DJs return year after year to share their musical expertise. One of these DJs has had a three-hour bluegrass show on Sundays for the past fifteen years. His vast knowledge of 15 and his experience as a musician lend to making his program a success. Other community DJs, such as the metal department manager, work to increase publicity outside of Oberlin. This participation of community members serves to strengthen the link between the radio station and its widespread audience.

Although community involvement is an integral part of WOBC, the station continues to function as a primarily student-run organization. As is the case in many student-run organizations, there are financial restrictions which force the station to remain in its current location on the third floor of Wilder. This space is less than ideal, especially with the continually growing collection of records and CDs. Efforts are made each semester to raise funds through a 10- to 12-day long radio-thon. During this time, the DJs announce the event every 15 minutes and encourage people to pledge money to the station. The radio-thon serves as both a means of fundraising as well as a chance to increase awareness of the station and its purpose.

Station manager Rebecca Ross states that one of the problems with WOBC is a lack of awareness on the part of students and potential audience members. Students complain that when they turn the dial to 91.5, it is by an act of chance. This is because of the free-form nature of the station. Programs appear in two-hour blocks in such a way that hip-hop may be followed by punk and later by classical. The only way to know what program is on in advance is to refer to the schedule printed each semester. This schedule, however, is not always on hand, and with the intensity of most people's academic schedules, it is not always possible to listen to particular programs religiously.

In addition to lack of awareness, Ross adds that there is a lack of involvement on the part of students. Last semester, there were approximately 10 committed people. This spring semester the number has doubled. Participation appears to be on the rise, but it is still not what it should be. One way in which to become involved, aside from becoming a DJ, is to attend a weekly meeting held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. This meeting serves as one of the most important aspects of student involvement because it provides an open forum for students to exchange ideas and make plans for the future.

WOBC provides the college and county with what Ross describes as the "spirit of college radio." She describes "spirit" as "the freedom to play what you want, introduce new talent, and create new ways about thinking about music, basically to educate."