WESTFIELD – Westfield State University’s radio station WSKB 89.5 FM is launching a series of community radio shows daily from 6-8 a.m. starting on Monday. The expanded format is due to the increased frequency provided from the station’s new antenna.
The new antenna that was acquired in March enables listeners to hear the station to the Connecticut border to the south, Northampton line to the north, Chester State Forest to the west, and Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 6 (Interstate 291) to the east. The station is also available to stream on the Tune In Radio App.
“It’s exciting to see Westfield State adding community radio programming to its excellent college radio lineup of music and talk radio shows,” said Dr. Michael Filas, faculty advisor for WSKB. “It is great to see the upgraded station become a locus for interaction and shared interests between students and Westfield community members, groups who are otherwise out of touch with each other.”
Receiving funding for, acquiring, and setting up the new antenna was a collaborative effort which included the city of Westfield led by Mayor Daniel M. Knapik; Westfield State’s Department of Student Affairs, Kurt Jackson and the staff of Hampden Communications; Curt Robie, Ron Jackson and his design team; Filas; Westfield State staff members Allyn Hall, Mark Videto; and others.
The beginning line-up of shows for WSKB’s Community Radio is: Monday- The Community Organization/Not-for-Profit Hour, a rotating host week to week made up of directors, CEOs, and presidents of community based organizations. Tuesday- WOW It’s Tuesday hosted by Bob Plasse, president of Westfield on Weekends (WOW), offering a potpourri of entertainment, guests, and surprises for the Greater Westfield community. Wednesday- Mornings with Mayor Dan Knapik. Thursday- The Westfield News Show with Patrick Berry, owner of the Westfield News Group. Friday- Mornings with Mayor Dan Knapik.
The schedule will continue throughout July and August and will slowly expand to include shows from 8-10 a.m.
“Westfield State is pleased to partner with the city of Westfield and usher in a new era of communication for the greater community,” said Michael Knapik, executive director for University Advancement. “The return of local radio after nearly 30 years should be a welcome addition to the region. We look forward to one more great example of Westfield State strengthening its partnership and providing an important public service.”
Knapik said future plans include adding sports, news, and traffic and construction updates to the radio station. Future programming will include broadcast of Westfield State Owl Athletic Events, the Westfield High School Bombers Thanksgiving Football Game, and other community events.
WSKB 89. 5 FM is operated by students who elect an executive board to lead in the responsibility of running the radio club. Executive board members design programming, schedule shows for DJs, run all promotions, and put on live music performances both on and off campus. Any student with an interest in WSKB can attend a DJ meeting, learn the basic rules of the station and how to operate the equipment, and have their own radio show.
The formal rollout for community radio will be September 2, 2014 to coincide with Westfield State’s annual HOOT (Helping Out Our Town) Day of community service in Westfield and to mark the celebration of 170 years of Westfield State in Westfield, Mass.
Westfield State University’s community radio was organized by Barbara Hand, Bo Sullivan, Michael Knapik, Mayor Dan Knapik, Student Station Manager Jake Lehan, and the Community Development Department. For more information, contact Mike Knapik at 413-485-7353.
