The WOLF Internet Radio Readies for New Year

With more than 40 remotes on the University of West Georgia campus, a regular line-up of shows and a core group of talent, The WOLF Internet Radio is gearing up for more challenges.

(L-R) Jimmy Lamourt, Production Manager; Hershal Pritchard, COMM 3351-Radio Program Production Student; Karley Aszman, WIT (WOLF-in-Training) Intern; Brad Yates, Advisor/Founder

“If you set the bar high, the students will rise to it,” said Brad Yates, associate professor of mass communications and station’s faculty advisor.

The station began streaming music last fall and had its official launch in April, after two months of limited programming from its studio in the basement of the Anthropology Building. Two grants from the Technology Fee Committee, totaling about $72,600, kick-started the station.

There are many challenges ahead, among them: increase the station’s visibility; add more listeners and programs; revamp the station’s Web page; develop a free mobile app; and bring sponsors into the fold.

Next year’s plan is to “reboot, re-program, re-launch,” said Shawn Isaacs, who graduated from West Georgia in May but remains on hand as a consultant.

The students are still working on next year’s plan. But they hope to add live DJs from 12 p.m. to midnight in two-hour time slots, said Chris York, the station manager and a mass communications major.

“That way it gives us great coverage,” said York, a senior. “It allows us to interact with students more, take phone calls at anytime instead of when shows are on the air…. We can get information out faster if it’s short notice.”

At its heart, The WOLF is a learning lab for mass communications students. But Yates and his team want to involve more members of the campus community in programming.

“They can always pitch a proposal and the staff will review it,” Yates said. “The show could see the light of day.”

Yates, who guided students through the station’s birth, helps them as they plan for next year.

“’For students, by students’ is our slogan. I’m trying to live up to that,” Yates said.

“Without the students it would not have happened. I just wish I had more time to spend over here,” said Yates, who teaches radio program production and practicum courses, as well as media law and media programming and management.

So far, The WOLF has 10 shows with hosts. The Morning Howl, the station’s flagship program of music and talk is on Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The other programs air weeknights: RealTalk, an advice program for college students; Battle of the Sexes; Sports ‘n Goods; Kiss at Sundown, which features poetry and music; 7 Inch Atlanta Radio, punk music; Top Ten with T-Cyrious; The Music Rush; Waylin’s Pub, which highlights local bands; and The Tiny Baby Baby Tiny Show.

When no one is on air, the station streams eclectic music.

The WOLF has augmented Yates’ teaching. Class projects feed the radio station now. Station IDs developed by students in class identify The WOLF. Several 15-minute segments, which include an interview, two commercials, news, weather and time announcements, prepared for class have aired.
The station gives students a real-world application of what they learn in class, Yates said.

“Before, we didn’t have that option,” he said. “I would try to simulate the live situation, but when it is really live – and mom is listening or boyfriend or whomever – there’s a little more pressure.”

For students, the class work plus The WOLF experience is invaluable.

“All the aspects came together,” said Taylor Cyr, the promotions director for The WOLF and the host of “Top Ten with T-Cyrious.”

Cyr, who is scheduled to graduate next year, parlayed her experience at The WOLF, into a job. She is the morning co-host on “The James and Taylor Morning Show” at the Carrollton-based Kiss 102.7 FM.

“Those small things that you learn – like fading stuff down – really build on each other and has helped me now.”

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