WESTFIELD – After a 30 year absence of community radio, Westfield State University’s station 89.5 WSKB is going strong a year after its launch.
Established in June 2014 in response to a need for local programming, 89.5 WSKB’s Community Radio runs daily Monday-Saturday offering a wide-range of local morning entertainment. An antenna upgrade last year has increased and improved the station’s range, enabling listeners to hear the station from 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 can be streamed 24/7 at www.wskb.org or via the Tune In app. Videos of past shows can be viewed online at https://vimeo.com/channels/wskb.
“We are very pleased with the first year of Community Radio at Westfield State University,” said Mike Knapik, executive director for University Advancement. “We have brought back a communication channel that had long been absent from the greater Westfield community and created a true partnership with students and professionals from the city to provide education and to create content.”
The summer line up is:
Monday: 6-8 a.m. Community Connections with Diana Mclean and 8-10 a.m. Owls on the Air with Michael “Buster” McMahon ’92.
Tuesday: 6-8 a.m. WOW! … It’s Tuesday with Bob Plasse and 8:30-10 a.m. “Conversations With…” with Pete Cowles.
Wednesday: 6-8 a.m. Wake up Wednesday! with Tina Gorman and 8-10 a.m. Mornings with the Mayor with Mayor Dan Knapik.
Thursday: 6-8 a.m. The Westfield News Radio Show with host Patrick Berry and 8:30-10 a.m. Making the List with Harry Cliff.
Friday: 6-8 a.m. JP’s Talk About Town hosted by Jay Pagluica and 8-10 a.m. Owl Sports Weekly hosted by Devin Bates.
Saturday: 6-8 a.m. Pioneer Valley Polka Party 8-10 a.m. Wayne’s World of Music & Memories both hosted by Wayne Smith.
Community Radio currently runs 6-10 a.m. throughout the summer with additional programming held Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Harry’s Summer Showcase with student Harry Cliff ’15) and Friday night 5-7 p.m. (Static Graffiti with Tony Rodriguez).
The station plans to extend its Community Radio line up until noon during the fall semester as well as increase its remote broadcasting opportunities by broadcasting live throughout the city. The station made history when students announced the Westfield High Bombers and Cathedral High Panthers Thanksgiving Day football match last year. It was the first time the historic game has been broadcast in more than 20 years.
The station has a new student station general manager, Harry Cliff ’15 of Barnstable. Cliff joined the Radio Club in 2012 and became involved with Community Radio earlier this summer. Cliff said Community Radio has become a staple in the Westfield community.
“Community Radio on WSKB 89.5 FM is part of the identity of the city of Westfield, a city with many different personalities,” Cliff said. “It is an important bridge between Westfield State and the city of Westfield. This self-importance of Community Radio details that Westfield is a city with different moving parts. Westfield has its own Community Radio Station, and it exists to serve the people.”
Throughout the summer, WSKB is having a contest to encourage Community Radio support. Photos will be posted on the WSKB Facebook page of cars spotted around town with WSKB bumper stickers. If your car is spotted, call or visit the Westfield State Foundation office on Broad Street to claim your prize.
Community Radio will officially celebrate its anniversary on Tuesday, September 1, with a live broadcast at the Park Square Green in downtown Westfield in conjunction with HOOT (Helping Out Our Town) Day.
WSKB is a student-run radio station led by Cliff with assistance from faculty advisors Professor Mark Nimkoff and Professor Michael Filas. Community Radio support is provided by Baystate/Noble Hospital, United Bank, and Westfield Gas & Electric. For underwriting opportunities, contact the Westfield State Foundation office at 485-7353.
