IWU’s New Radio Station, WIWU-FM Is On the Air

WIWU-FM, the new radio voice of Indiana Wesleyan University, has begun broadcasting at 94.3. The license for the station, formerly called WCWC, was obtained through a transfer from College Wesleyan Church, and was approved by the FCC last summer.

Along with new call letters comes a new sound. WIWU-FM will broadcast contemporary Christian hits 24 hours a day and will focus attention on events at Grant County churches, ministries and community organizations.

"We want to be known as the Christian station that’s connected to the people of Grant County," said Dr. Randall King, Director of Broadcast Media for the University.

The station’s on-air logo is The Fortress, which comes from a passage in Psalm 62 stating, "He (God) alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken."

WIWU is student-managed, primarily by students in the Department of Communication Arts, which offers majors in Media Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies and Theatre. The new radio station complements the department’s partnership with the other university media such as WIWU-TV 51, and student media such as The Sojourn newspaper.

"We see the radio station as a laboratory for real-world training," said Dr. King. "In every segment of our communication program, from the stage to TV, to radio and print, we have real-world application of students’ skills. This gives them professional training and an understanding of what it means to serve an audience."

The current musical lineup for WIWU-FM features songs from leading Christian recording artists such as Toby Mac, Switchfoot, Skillet, Casting Crowns and Barlow Girl. Some programming originates from the Christian Hit Radio Satellite Network based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Students will host live radio shows throughout the day and will increase live programming as more staff members join the station. Future plans include remote broadcasts at area events, promotions and profiles of area ministries and listeners. "Music will always be a major part of what we do because we are not a commercial station," said Dr. King. "But we have some creative programming ideas for extending the ministry of our university to the wider community through radio."

WIWU-FM is located in the media center of IWU’s new Academic building, which also houses facilities for the Communication Arts department, WIWU-TV, The Sojourn, and several graphics computer labs. Radio resources include an on-air studio, production studio, interview studio and staff offices.

Leaders for the current school year are Morgan McQuate, Station Manager, a senior from Ashland, Ohio; Ben Backer, Production Director, a junior from Carmel, Indiana, and Ben Smith, Music and Promotions Director, a junior from Evansville, Indiana.