From jam bands and jazz to hardcore and hip-hop, college radio is known for an eclectic mix of music and personalities. Listening to the student-produced programs on WHCL, one finds that Hamilton's non-commercial radio station is no exception.
When Blake Erb became WHCL's general manager, he assumed that there was "more to it than getting the keys to the station." He was right. Though WHCL has enjoyed the freedom that comes with being a college radio station, it has lacked direction. "It feels like a professional radio station ... and we see what commercial radio deals with on a smaller scale," said Blake.
"A general manager goes in with goals and gives input and advice on publicity, operations, scheduling and the budget," he said. So Blake took the initiative to enforce existing rules and to bring students in by creating interest.
One of Blake's goals for WHCL was to update the station's technology. He is bringing in a digital soundboard to replace the analog equipment, and "once that is in place, upgrades will be easier, and should help out future general managers." The improvement in sound quality for over-the-air broadcasting will be noticed in the station's 30-mile listening radius, and also to the students and alumni who listen to WHCL's online streaming audio feed.
"People listen when they're in their cars, or while studying," Blake said. "We change the schedule regularly," he explains, "the shows and DJs rotate -- it's like creating a completely different station every semester."
Although focused when running the radio station, when it comes to music, Blake isn't picky. "If I had to break it down, I could listen to indie rock one week, emo the next, or country, or classical. I'm a flavor-of-the-week kind of guy," he said.
