When I was still in high school, I decided to quit listening to the radio. Growing up in Raleigh, 96rock was my radio station of choice. As I listened more I developed an understanding for the term “corporate radio.” It seemed like every time I would listen to the radio, I would hear the same 15 to 20 songs played over to promote whatever bands were currently selling an album. Like so many before me, I became tired of this and traded in radio for an iPod and a love for the indie music scene.

I kept my “indie only” mentality for several years. Every morning as I drove to high school, I would blast the sounds of Mogwai, Pinback and other independent bands at every stoplight. Eventually, as so many others, I became tired of listening to the same albums and started to miss the somewhat varying playlist and new artists that I used to get from the radio.

There is a solution, and it comes from the heart of campus. I have found WKNC to be the remedy for my music woes. For those who don’t know, WKNC is N.C. State’s college radio station. It’s entirely student-run radio.

The station plays a variety of music to cater to all tastes. WKNC offers traditional hip-hop and independent rock shows consistent with college radio but also has a wide variety of specialty shows. These shows include: C-Note Sunday Blues, The Hippie Hour and an a cappella show. It’s clear to me that 88.1 is the cure for the common radio station.

WKNC receives great reviews from other sources too. The Independent, a major triangle area newspaper, has voted WKNC to be the best radio station in the triangle four years in a row. Clearly there are several things that make WKNC worth listening to.

So my question is why I hardly ever hear WKNC coming from the radios of students. Whenever I get in the car with somebody else from State or even hear the radio of a passing car, I hardly ever hear our own student-run radio station. Supporting your college radio station is just as important as supporting your college football team. The events that are broadcasted on 88.1 are ones that affect us, the students. These events vary from sporting events, sports talk radio — and for the first time ever there was live coverage from the Brickyard during the Shack-a-thon event. Also, recently broadcasted in real time, Chancellor James Oblinger’s inaugural “State of N.C. State” address.

So next time you are in your car or just listening to the radio for enjoyment, consider tuning in to 88.1 and giving your college radio station a chance.

Are you going to listen to WKNC more? Let us know your listening preferences by e-mailing us at [email protected].