Southern University’s Mass Communication Program and Technology Network Services have formed a partnership to produce a student-run online radio station, “The Bluff.”
Students, faculty, staff and the community will be able to listen to the radio station, which will broadcast 24 hours a day, at http://www.subr.edu/thebluff. The vision to establish a radio station at Southern University began in 2005, in response to the student body demand for a student-run radio station.
That vision was practically realized in January 2006, but, there was no radio frequency, license, or funding. However, through the innovation of students and staff, an online radio station was established when the Mass Communications Department obtained a Title III grant to purchase media equipment. The Mass Communications Department and students volunteered their time to get the station started. Recently, Technology Network Services has volunteered time and resources toward “The Bluff,” thus creating a partner-ship with the Mass Com-munications Department.
“‘The Bluff’ is not only available to students in the mass com-munications department but to students in any major…” faculty advisor, Darrell Roberson stated and went on to add “The only requirement is to have interest.” Roberson strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to listen to broadcasts, this fall semester and beyond.
According to Roberson, since “The Bluff” is just getting started, the station will be streaming. This means there is recorded music on the station, but with an option to go live at a moment’s notice. Also Roberson stated that since “‘The Bluff'” is just getting started again, they have yet to have a live broadcast. Currently, the online radio station is only accessible on the campus.
“There are future plans to make the station available off campus and eventually, “The Bluff” will expand to car radio, when a frequency becomes available.” stated Roberson.
Adam Powell, a mass communications senior from Indianapolis, who volunteers with “The Bluff,” said, “It is a great learning tool for students.” Powell went on to add “there is no need for an internship with any other radio stations such as Max 94.1, a student can just work here on campus.”
Powell has been working with “The Bluff” since January 2009, and reported that new freshman and sophomore volunteers have joined the online radio staff.
Aaron Steele, a senior business management from San Diego, also volunteers with “The Bluff.” stated that “The Bluff” has had a positive influence on his life.
“I’ve met a lot of people that are in the Mass Communications Department, which is good since my major is Business Management. The radio station has helped with my engineering skills because I am into production and music.” added Steele.
Steele has been volunteering with “The Bluff” for a year. Students from any major can apply to work with the “The Bluff,” either on the website or in Stewart Hall.
If you are interested in this opportunity to hone your mass communications skills, call 225-771-3935, email [email protected] or visit Stewart Hall Room 154.