Tuning into College Radio in Rhode Island

For those who still enjoy listening to music via live broadcast on the radio, there’s a special place for those seeking an alternative. Look to the low numbers, which in Rhode Island means starting at 88.1 FM (WELH, The Wheeler School). That’s where you’ll find unique selections curated by enthusiastic amateurs, often playing tunes you won’t find on the commercial stations further up on the dial; playlists assembled by students and volunteers that draw from the disc jockey’s own mood or preference. That might mean a set that includes everything from The Supremes to Springsteen to the Sex Pistols. Instead of commercials, there are public service announcements, and formats are often block programming – meaning you learn when to tune in for the DJ playing your niche preference.

At Brown University, circa 1936, two students used low-power carrier-current systems to share messages and music between dorms. By the 1960s, The Brown Network transitioned from extracurricular hobby to a fully-fledged commercial broadcast station, WBRU 95.5 FM. In the early 1980s, the format changed from album-rock to modern rock, and it was the first place where many discovered bands like REM, U2, Talking Heads, and others. WBRU was also the go-to on Sundays for its 360 Black Experience in Sound, kicking off the day with gospel and soul. In 2017, WBRU ended its historic FM signal when Brown sold it to a Christian rock radio company for $5.63 million, underscoring an early crack in the medium’s dominance.

Meanwhile, in Kingston, the University of Rhode Island’s radio station launched in 1939 and, similar to WBRU, was on the air by 1964. In 2021, the station’s reach was reduced due to hurricane damage to the radio tower. Despite setbacks, the shows went on and funds for a new tower were raised with the station’s signal expected to go live in early 2026. Some DJs and shows have been fixtures at WRIU for decades, cultivating loyal audiences. WRIU’s Traditions, a folk show started by Chuck Wentworth, the late producer of the Rhythm and Roots Festival, lives on with DJ Thomas Duksta. Dan Ferguson’s Boudin Barndance, specializing in folk and roots, has aired on Thursday nights since 1987. “WRIU offers diversity in its programming with knowledgeable presenters bringing those varied sounds. Programming like that will never exist on the commercial side,” says the proud URI alum.

Bekah Berger, who co-hosts a morning program on 92 PRO-FM, got her start at WRIU when she was a student at the university. “I studied journalism and communications and participated in two radio internships, one of which was with the WPRO newsroom,” says Berger. “I was more news-focused on WRIU, and I remember reading about people I looked up to, and a lot of them got their start on TV or radio on campuses,” Berger shares. “It’s one thing to want to be a broadcaster, but another thing to be able to actually use hands-on equipment,” she says. While her firsthand experience proved valuable, the most memorable aspect of her time at the station was the excitement she observed among the staff. “I loved how passionate they were, and how important WRIU was to all of them.”

With its roster of about 80 students each academic year, Providence College’s student-run radio station WDOM 91.3 FM, hosts a diverse mixture of music, sports, and talk shows “that reflect the vibrant spirit of our campus community,” says John H. Smith, station manager and director of corporate engagement at PC’s School of Business. “The medium allows students to gain the ability to communicate effectively and think critically, which are critical soft skills that can be applied to any industry. Their programming impacts the over-the-air audience in Rhode Island and around the world through the online stream. There is no other student-based group at PC that has this kind of consistent, global impact,” says Smith.

With over 40 students currently involved with the station, Bristol’s Roger Williams University’s WQRI 88.3 FM has grown substantially since its first air date in 1989. A collaborative, inventive radio community thrives across multiple shows, with eclectic content across various genres. Musical Whiplash, a variety show, features two hosts with conflicting music tastes, students Eliza Boulay and Benjamin Smith. America on Edge features unfiltered political coverage from host Skylar Gianninoto. Sam’s Jams explores rock’s foundations with community DJ Sam Kopper, a former employee of Boston’s legendary station WBCN 104.1 FM. “We are fortunate to have several retired professional DJs who have weekly shows, provide professional development to student DJs, and jump in to assist when needed,” says Carol Sacchetti, associate dean of students and director of student programs, leadership, and orientation. “Radio is not dead on our campus, especially when you have students who are passionate about this medium. We have seen our students grow our social media presence and expand others’ knowledge of bands and genres,” says Sacchetti.

Wheeler School proves student radio is not limited to the college experience. The pre-K through Grade 12 private school on Providence’s East Side owns and operates WELH 88.1 FM with a music format that’s “a trip down memory lane for an old WBRU listener,” says David Schiano, director of operations at WELH and Wheeler Media Program. Founded in 1995, WELH has undergone numerous changes. Wheeler regained control of programming after a lease with Rhode Island Public Radio ended. Schiano then decided to launch “classic alternative” programming, which means playing anything from Big Country to The Buzzcocks. “Our students have a blast on the air, and finding their voice and creativity are always encouraged,” says Schiano. “We run WELH like a professional radio station, and I believe that is why we have such strong ratings every month.” The station’s commitment to quality has paid off, with approximately 30,000 listeners per week. WELH is commercial-free with only station identification breaks and nonprofit ads from The Ad Council interrupting the music.

Using social media to promote an upcoming broadcast, Boudin announces on a late-January morning, “It’s Thursday, which means The Boudin Barndance radio show is coming your way this evening from 6-9 pm EST, streaming at WRIU or from our website. Hope you can join us!” There’s a palpable joy in his post. Says Boudin, “It is music programmed by real people with a passion for what they present.”

Not Just for Students

Founded in 2000 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing community radio, Providence Community Radio streams a mix of new live programming and archived shows playing in random rotation 24/7. The station has 10 DJ’s, who each curate their own segments. “These include rock, jazz, electronic, and more,” explains Rose Kenyon, part of The PVD Spinsters duo with Julia Brough, whose bi-weekly Wednesday show spotlights the local scene. “On air, we discuss local venues and reminisce about the WBRU Summer Concert series.” says Kenyon. “We also sometimes feature guest DJs and most recently, RI State Rep David Morales.” The radio frequency is shared with Brown Student and Community Radio (WBRU-LP) and non-profit community arts center AS220 (WFOO-LP). Learn more at ProComRad.org

Remembering UMass Radio

With 9600 watts of power, UMass Dartmouth’s radio station WUMD 89.3 FM (formerly WUSM 91.1 FM) was a favorite of many. In 2017 it closed its chapter as indie college radio when it sold its FM license to Rhode Island Public Radio (now Ocean State Media) and began as an online-only station. Pour one out for Maria Mobilia’s show Local Anesthesia which boosted the presence of many area bands in the mid-1980s.