If you are a student interested in the field of broadcast journalism, the campus radio station, 90.5 WAMF-FM is definitely worth looking into.
The non-commercial station, which plays various types of music such as R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Gospel and Neo- Soul, relies heavily on student volunteers to fill various positions.
Students interested in becoming on-air personalities, otherwise known as deejays, must successfully complete a training session and submit a demo tape of how their voice would sound on-air.
Students from all majors are welcomed at the station. The staff consists of about 30-35 people and there will be several vacancies in the fall, a few of them are paid positions.
Most on-air personalities are on a volunteer basis, having 2 to 3 shows a week, each lasting 3 to 4 hours. Anyone not interested in being on-air can work in promotions, sports or news departments.
Students can also become involved with the station’s plan to create a street team that will broadcast live from certain events.
“Our goal (with the street team) is to be very involved with FAMU, the campus as well as the community,” said Keith Miles, Station Manager.
Working at 90.5 can be fun and a learning vehicle.
Shayla McCloud, whose on-air personality in “Destiny,” said working with the station has been very educational.
“In addition to learning how to operate different types of equipment I have also learned how to work with different personalities,” McCloud said, who also serves as assistant gospel director.
Both Miles and McCloud agree that in order to be a part of 90.5, a student must be reliable, ready to learn and focused.
“Being active with the station is a good way to learn and get your foot in the door as a freshman; but what you put in is what you get out,” Miles said.
McCloud, who has been with the station for two years, said that her best advice to students don’t assume you know everything because this will hinder your growth and understanding instead of helping.
“My overall experience with the station has been good and I can take what I have learned with me once I graduate,” she said.
Available positions will be posted around Tucker Hall in the fall. The next training session will be held near the end of the upcoming fall semester. Interested students should call the office at 599-3083 or visit the main office, located on the third floor of Tucker Hall.