Spotlight: Indiana State University’s WISU

Special thanks to Rich Green, station manager and instructor, for answering the questions!

Tell me a little history about your station and where your station is now?
89.7 WISU is currently in its 50th year of operations at Indiana State University. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary during Homecoming in October. WISU has gone through many transitions throughout the years.  WISU began playing Jazz and Symphony music. As the years progressed, they began playing music from many different genres including international music, reggae, R&B, and some throwback music. Up until this past year WISU played “Real Good Rock” from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. and “Hot Mix” from 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. WISU now plays a variety of top 40, alternative, hip-hop, and EDM. WISU now has specialty show including “In the Mix” with DJ Rob Rich, “The Alternative Underground” “Throwback Thursdays” and “The Fuse.” Also, WISU does live play-by-play for sporting event s and just launched a news division with daily live newscasts.

What sets your station apart from other college radio stations?
WISU is unique in that it combines many genres of popular music into one station. While the station continues to break new and upcoming artists, there is still a sense awareness at ISU and the Terre Haute community to play some popular music you won’t hear anywhere but WISU. Students pay attention to the trends, and the underground to find the best music for our station

Why did you choose to work at the radio station?
I chose to work in college radio largely based on my experiences when I was an undergrad. It showed me the importance of student involvement. I’ts not always about joining a club, but the friends you make for life. I had a great adviser, Deb Lesser, at Illinois State. Getting to learn from her was an incredible honor. She took an interest in all of her students and I hope to give students the same chances I had.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for your station?
We did play by play for the “Trike Race” during homecoming this year. It was hilarious to see the students broadcast such a fun event and use their NASCAR euphemisms. We also had an adult Easter egg hunt for the students. You think it’s fun—but then Nerf weapons become involved, the next thing you know you are shutting yourself in your office and wishing for more ammo.

What’s the best part of college radio? And the hardest part?
The best part of college radio is watching the kids grow up in front of your eyes. From day one they have no idea about anything and the next day they are your station manager or sports director. I always live for those “ah-ha” moments where it all just clicks. It’s an incredible journey that changes from year to year. However, the hardest part is having to say goodbye to students every semester. Sometimes you forget they are only here a few years, and the time flies by so fast.