WCRD, formerly a College Music Journal station, will be expanding its music library to include not only local talent but top 40 hits. "College Radio on Demand" debuts Aug. 30.
"We'll be playing the stuff we grew up with," senior Brett Estes, program director, said. "Late '80s, '90s and today with an emphasis on rock."
The decision to change the music lineup surfaced at the annual summer management retreat, senior Shawn Blazier, general manager, said.
"A lot of us didn't listen to it and we're managers," Blazier said. "We had to force DJs to play CMJ."
WCRD, as a CMJ station, played undiscovered artists before they were mainstream, Blazier said. Some artists, such as Avril Lavigne, became mainstream success, and others were just bizarre, he said.
"We will still have the option to play CMJ music," he said. "We can just incorporate more top 40 music as well."
One drawback of changing the music selection of WCRD is the cost, Blazier said.
"It will cost about $1500 to incorporate the new library, but it will be worth it," he said.
WCRD has enough money to fund the music library's expansion, but it will need assistance for future expansion, Blazier said. If the format is a success, local businesses may assist with broadcasting the signal.
In addition to the format change, Blazier said he looked forward to the new Communication and Media Building.
"A lot of equipment will be updated and we'll be out front where people can see us," he said.
In addition to updated equipment, Blazier said he hoped to one day increase either the wattage or the height of the tower on Muncie Southside High School to improve the station's signal strength.
Blazier is not alone in his excitement for the format change, as Estes is also looking forward to the change.
"I think we are making positive changes, I didn't really like the music we were playing before," Estes said.
Estes said undiscovered music would still be played on WCRD, but he wants to make it local undiscovered music.
WCRD also now features themed music nights, Estes said.
"Thirsty Thursday nights feature party-like music," he said.
Senior Joe Lacay, news director and veteran DJ is looking forward to trying out the new format.
"It'll actually be music that people listen to in the cars and know," he said. "Some of CMJ was a little bizarre."
Faculty adviser Barry Umansky said he was very proud of the student-run station.
"I really just did the legal work to get the station up and running," he said. "It is a totally student-run project with a great management team. The new format will make one heck of an impact on Ball State."
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