College radio, also known as campus radio, is a type of radio station that is run by students and affiliated with a college/university. College radio stations aim to provide an alternative to commercial broadcasting as well as offer students a unique platform to share their opinions and music preferences.

WZLY is the college radio station of Wellesley College. WZLY broadcasts from 91.5 FM in Wellesley, Massachusetts and an online streaming service (http://tunein.com). It is hard for us to imagine that the concept of college radio goes back to the era of World War II. Airing in 1942 for the first time, WZLY is the one of the oldest college radio stations in the U.S. That's when Glenn Miller's swing and Frank Sinatra's voice ruled the charts. Today the live streaming platform appeals to listeners with contemporary hits ranging from The Chainsmokers and Justin Bieber to indie and alternative music. WZLY has several committees such as: news, publicity and technology. The committee I have had the most experience with is special events. The work involves keeping in contact with campus organizations and DJing at events.

I was introduced to WZLY at the organizations fair in my first semester at Wellesley. Excited to become a DJ, I was nevertheless concerned about how my voice would sound on air and completely unfamiliar with the equipment. I interned for a semester, which prepared me and after passing the DJ test I was officially given my own show. This year, as a sophomore, I’ve been allotted a two-hour slot and I’m extremely excited as I'm already putting together my playlists.

Here are some of the reasons why I love being a DJ at WZLY:

1. The Music

By being able to select what you play on the radio you get to listen to all of your favourite songs and share the music you love with everyone!

2. Discovering new bands and artists

WZLY is always looking for new and local artists to discover and promote and therefore DJs are encouraged to listen to new music. I love doing that and now it's my job!

3. DJing events

By being on the special events committee, you are able to get experience working with DJ equipment at events. This is an amazing opportunity to develop skills which are in demand at social and commercial functions.

4. Getting free passes to concerts.

Sometimes the team at WZLY will acquire free press passes for concerts!

5. The stories on the walls

Most of all I love the history of WZLY adorning the walls of the radio station. There are song lyrics, words of advice, jokes, puns, pictures, autographs from bands and concert posters to be found. And yes, there's even a pair of converse suspended from the ceiling.

Tune into WZLY at 91.5 FM!  If you want to listen to my show, I'm on air every Saturday 10-12pm (EDT)!