Fairfield University’s world-wide, state-of-the-art radio station opened for business on Wednesday, March 20, at 1 p.m. in a brand new three-studio complex in the John A. Barone Campus Center.
“BUT WAIT!” YOU SAY, “LITTLE WVOF A WORLD-WIDE STATION?”
Yes! Through the wonder of the internet, WVOF is reaching listeners throughout the world. That was evident two years ago when WVOF’s Mike Gross was named Disc Jockey of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists. With a mix of historical and contemporary country and western material, Mike has many fans, not only throughout the United States, but in Europe where his show is heard at mid-day.
Matt Dinnan, associate dean of students and advisor to WVOF, says people who work at the station hear regularly from listeners in South America, Europe, the West Coast and Canada. “The reggae shows, for instance, reach people in the islands, and the people in Ireland listen in to our Irish show. The technology transcends the FM limitations we had.”
A web cam will be permanently posted in the main studio so there will be both audio and visual transmission worldwide. Meanwhile, people on the air will be able to receive email on line for music requests and to open up dialogue for talk shows.
Adding to the excitement of the opening, is the announcement Fairfield University will now offer its students a minor in radio, through a partnership between WVOF and the Media Center. Cassey Timoney, formerly of the Ham Channel, the student TV station, will be working with students interested in learning more about radio. Cassey, whose friends already listen to WVOF in Boston, says he expects the web will be a big hit.
Showing a visitor around the main studio, Matt Dinnan points out that the equipment allows for the downloading of 32,000 songs, mostly from CDs. Still, he says, a turntable will also be in service for that “certain sound” that some people like.
Visitors walking by the glass-enclosed studio, will hear the show being broadcast through an speaker mounted in the lobby. The studio has the capability to broadcast throughout the building.
For more information, please call Nancy Habetz, director of media relations, 203-254-4000, ext. 2647.
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