Being available only online or through UB's cable system, it can be hard for WRUB, the student-run radio station, to reach students.
But now, for the students who can't easily access WRUB's airwaves, the radio station is going to come to them with the launching of a WRUB DJ service, which will provide almost any service with live music.
According to Promotions Director Keith Palm, there are currently two student DJs trained for the service - Palm and DJ Services Planner Siobhan Counihan - but WRUB plans to expand next semester.
"It will be all students trained through the radio station," said Palm. "It's going to be our best DJs."
Besides adding a service, the move will also increase the budget of a rapidly expanding radio station. While it is not in financial peril, the station is a division of the non-profit Sub-board I, Inc., and this keeps its budget somewhat low.
However, the budget is not the sole reason for the planned expansion, according to Michael Bernhard, WRUB's general manager.
"We're expanding in the interest of student services," said Bernhard. "This is actually the strongest we've ever been."
All profits will be placed back into WRUB and Sub-Board I, Inc. after the DJ has been paid for his or her time, and these funds will help the station purchase needed materials. The main soundboard, for example, is one of the station's most important, yet oldest pieces of equipment.
In the interest of remaining non-profit, the service's rates will be low compared to other area DJ services, approximately $40 to $50 per hour. The new department will establish a managerial position and a team of DJs with one DJ per genre of music.
The new service will be in full swing by August, and will be available to cater to a wide array of events and musical styles including school events, corporate functions, bar parties, and frat events. Right now the DJs have a February gig booked at Salvatore's Italian Gardens on Transit Road in Depew, and another in Goodyear Hall.
"We offer many great services already, and this seems like one of the best ones we can offer now," said Palm.
Bernhard said he expects that DJs will play mostly mainstream or dance music events, yet he stressed the difference between the DJ service and the on-air selections of WRUB.
"This definitely isn't a move to turn WRUB into a KISS 98.5 sort of station," said Bernhard.
Avid WRUB listeners will have a few chances to preview the new service. DJs will host promotional shows in various on-campus dining halls this week. They will also provide musical entertainment from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at the WRUB Fun Fest on Feb. 20 at Alumni Arena, which Bernhard says thousands of people are expected to attend.
WRUB also puts on a full-scale promotion each semester with 'RUB day during the fall and the Top 30 countdown each spring, both of which include raffles and giveaways.
According to Bernhard, as a student-run organization, the radio station tends to be generous with student services and opportunities.
He said that it has always been a place for students to just come and listen to or to watch a live radio broadcast, and a place to learn for anyone interested in radio or the media.
Students who are interested in becoming a potential DJ for the new department, or want to obtain more information about the radio station, are encouraged to stop by 174 Fillmore or to e-mail Justin Touretz, training director at WRUBtraining@yahoo.com.
[Editor's Note: Siobhan Counihan is a staff writer for The Spectrum.]
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
