Station Spotlight: Seton Hall University’s WSOU

Thanks to Erin O’Grady and Aly Mulligan for answering the questions!

Tell me a little history about your station and where your station is now?
WSOU 89.5 FM is located in New Jersey on the campus of Seton Hall University and has been on the airwaves since 1948.  The most interesting thing about WSOU is that we are heavy metal radio station at a Catholic University, and we’ve have been playing hard, active rock and metal since 1986!  Some people are surprised by this fact, but at WSOU make sure that our head banging music and the Catholic mission of the university coexist harmoniously.

What sets your station apart from other college radio stations?
There are several things that set WSOU apart from other college radio stations.  First. WSOU in the #1 market and our signal reaches the five borough of New York City as well as much of northern and central New Jersey.  WSOU is also set apart from other college radio stations because of our format. Many college stations have block programming, while we have a set format that includes specialty shows to include the variations of genres. Even then, the majority of our specialty shows are based on sub genres of metal/rock which aids in our unique niche in the market.  That niche is another thing that makes us different – WSOU is the only station in the market that is focused on metal and active rock and it has helped us build a positive reputation locally and nationally.  We also have plenty of alumni working in the broadcast and music industries, which allow the station to help current students through networking and internships.  We know we are fortunate because our alumni network is a resource that many stations do not have.  Oh, and the fact that we’re a metal station at a Catholic University is pretty awesome, too.

Why did you choose to work at the radio station?
Aly (music director): I have always been into metal/rock and was determined to work at the station since I listened prior to attending Seton Hall. Working at the station started off at first as just a hobby, but later became my dream career. I was a psychology major, but after working at the station so much and falling in love with radio, I realized I could make a career out of this.

Erin (Station Manager): I just kind of fell into it. I was at an open house when I was a senior in high school, and I saw that WSOU had a table. I was always interested in music, so I decided to go and talk to them. I joined immediately and soon thereafter switched my major to broadcasting because I fell in love with it.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for your station?
Aly (MD): I wouldn’t necessarily consider it “crazy,” but I had the opportunity to interview Phil Anselmo. He’s a metal idol and just hearing that iconic voice was absolutely surreal, or crazy, to me. Another crazy moment for me would probably be exchanging numbers with one of my favorite bands to keep in touch. I’ve been a fan of Trivium for years and having their number because THEY wanted to keep in touch was mind blowing. These are the perks for working at a station where you love the music.

Erin (SM): Last year when Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey, I was the Program Director of WSOU.  Since we broadcast live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we didn’t want to go off the air, even if we lost power.  Our campus was on lock down and no one was allowed to leave or enter for three days during the storm.  My management board and some awesome staff members locked ourselves into the station and broadcasted live for three days straight. We took turns napping and broadcasting news throughout the entire storm.  After the storm we held a radiothon from 6 am to midnight to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief. We raised over $10,000.  I was there the entire time and helped DJ.  Both were a very crazy but rewarding experience.

What’s the best part of college radio? And the hardest part?
Aly (MD): The best aspect of college radio is the experiences. I feel spoiled, and of course grateful, being at WSOU. Getting to work hands on with equipment used in the “real world” definitely help prepare you for any future jobs in the industry. The hardest part is the amount of time that goes into it. Between classes, work, internships, sleep, social life, it gets pretty hectic, however, with dedication and determination, I’ve completely embraced those long hours and wouldn’t change any minute of it.

Erin (SM): The best part of college radio is the unbelievable, once in a lifetime experiences I have had. I was able to go travel across the country for music festivals and radio conferences, and I have interviewed almost all of my favorite bands. I even interviewed Senator Cory Booker! I have made amazing friends and have networked with so many professionals that I know will be able to help me in the future. But, none of this has come easy. I have spent countless nights at the station staying up and doing work and I have had to sacrifice a lot of my time to give my 100% to make this station as great as it is. None of it seems like a sacrifice, though. Every minute was worth it.