Baldwin Wallace University’s alternative rock station, “The Sting”- WBWC 88.3 FM, has an extensive history and reputation for preparing BW students for success. Numerous graduates have gone on to become TV news anchors, news directors, operations managers, digital content producers and have held many other positions in telecommunications. TV news anchor, Madeline Carter of NBC’s KNDU “Wake Up Northwest” says, “My job at the radio station allowed me to be myself and get comfortable in my own skin, which I now realize is a rare and coveted skill in the TV industry.” Other recognizable names in the industry that got their start at the WBWC include Andrew Hoty of 92.3 FM, Josh Booth of 95.5 FM, Cleveland’s baseball announcer Matt Underwood and Todd Richards, who returned to BW from Channel 19 as an Adjunct Lecturer for the Communications, Arts and Sciences department.
History of “The Sting”
WBWC, “The Sting,” first began in 1958 on the second floor of the Upsprung Gymnasium and moved to the Student Union building in 1984. Plans for another relocation began in the summer of 2022, and faculty and students began to move the station equipment and music library in August to its new home in the Loomis Hall. Within the golden yellow walls fitting of the school colors gold and brown, the station broadcasts at 4,000 watts and covers a sizable portion of Cuyahoga County and most of Lorain County.
Operations Director, Anthony Fusco is a double-major in digital marketing and media production, and was the first student broadcaster in the new studio. He says that WBWC has a great supporting staff, but the reason it is such an excellent learning experience is because it is actually run by the students. “I think that really prepares us for the future. It gives us a real-world experience that employers are looking for.”
Students also have the opportunity for off-site experiences as well. Every summer WBWC participates in various music festivals, such as “Wonder Struck” in Cleveland. The team sets up their table and equipment, talks to the public, takes shots of the performing artists and actually broadcasts live from that location. Fusco says these are events he’ll never forget.
DJ and Consultant, John Basalla has been a fixture at the station since 1972 and has worked at all three station locations. He explains WBWC has a unique educational value compared to other college radio stations. It provides incredible experience for the students because it has a format to target a specific audience. Many colleges do not follow a format, but Basalla says this is important for students’ training because “You’re not going to find a job at a station that doesn’t have a format when you graduate.” Besides, “Any radio station that tries to please everyone will almost always please no one.”
Another factor that makes WBWC exceptional is its extensive music library, which Basalla says is one of his favorite things to work on. “My hope is that it will be here forever.” Currently, there are thousands of records and CDs in the station’s collection.
“We want our students to get good experiences so they can get above average internships and careers at radio and TV stations and other telecommunication platforms.” Basalla adds, “But we also want to have fun.”
Fusco isn’t certain what his future career path will be, but his time at the WBWC will certainly open many doors. He says one of his favorite things about working at “The Sting” is the culture of the station. “It’s great to work with people who strive to put out a good sound for our listeners. I feel like I work with my friends every day.”
Find out more-
To listen, go to 88.3 FM or log onto wbwc.com and the TuneIn App. DJ schedules and special programs can also be found on the website.
