WXJM back on air after relocation

by Allison Rakes, contributing writer

The JMU radio station WXJM is back on the air after going off in the beginning of the summer.

This summer, the station moved to a new location off campus, near CVS, from its old location in Anthony-Seeger Hall. The reason for the delay in going back on air was because the new location had difficulties relaying the radio signal to the broadcast tower on top of Burruss Hall.

Senior general manager Jess Woodward said the overall plan of the station is the same as last year — to provide the JMU community with an alternative to the corporate radio stations of Harrisonburg. WXJM has gained a studio due to their new location and the station will now provide talk shows and live band performances.

Junior Brian Sostak, urban director of WXJM, said the station has many new ideas for this year. One goal that he plans to implement through his show on Tuesday at 8 p.m, is to promote working with other clubs on campus to build stronger bonds and host bigger events.

Although the station has many new ideas for the school year, they are facing some  difficulties as a result of moving off campus. The new building is located on the corner of Cantrell and Reservoir streets, and although they have acquired a studio, they have lost many volunteers due to the move.

DJs and volunteers that do not have regular transportation to the station have to plan their entire day around getting to the building. Woodward said they do not see as many new faces in the station as past years because of the inconvenience. The station has gone from being on air 24 hours a day to going off four hours a night because of understaffing reasons.

WXJM serves the community with several purposes. Similarly to other college radio stations, WXJM plays music that the community cannot hear on regular radio. WXJM is not constricted by contracts, so they are able to take more requests and play what the students want to hear.

Through WXJM’s news and talk shows, issues are discussed that are important to the students and free public service announcements are provided for any non-profit group. Junior Joe Scanlan said, “Although I haven’t really listened to WXJM in the past, the idea of live bands and talks shows concerning issues of JMU interests me and might make me more inclined to listen in the future.”

Another purpose of the student run WXJM is to provide opportunities to JMU students. Volunteers receive hands-on experience with the music industry, assist in putting on live shows and learn valuable skills to help them become successful in the future.

Sostak said there is room for growth and newcomers who are interested in having a show can obtain one by spending time helping out at the station.

Students interested in getting involved with the station need to be added to the mailing list and attend a general interest meeting. Students can sign up at any WXJM event or they can contact Jess Woodward at x83559.