The Many Formats Of WPSC-FM

88.7 WPSC-FM has a very colorful and eclectic history. From a very humble start as a PA system in 1965, the station grew over the decades into a carrier current station; finally winning 88.7FM after a long battle. Currently operating as a full service college station, the station has gained national and international attention for its programming and student run operations.

Snack Bar PA System

1965-1966. A PA broadcasting system that fed a former student snack bar and common area was set up by enterprising students in the Fall of 1965. With the blessing and support of Dr. Anthony Maltese, this facility proved popular and was quickly upgraded. These humble beginnings set the stage for decades of radio broadcasting from William Paterson.

WPSC AM 590

WPSC AM 590

1966-????. Carrier current station which was initially available only on campus and was ultimately fed to UA Columbia Cable customers.

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WPSC AP Radio

WPSC AP Radio

Early to mid 1980s incarnation of the Cable radio station. Having moved from the carrier current AM, in preparation for the ultimate move to FM, the station was now broadcasting via a Cable modulated FM signal. The signal was available on campus, and in various communities around the college and could be heard by connecting an FM tuner to the Cable. Various frequencies were used include 90.5 and 98.5.

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Cable Rock 98.5

Cable Rock 98.5

Late 1980s incarnation of the cable carried FM modulated signal. The frequency was at 98.5 and the station was used as a training ground for the brand new FM signal.

LaserHits! 89 PSC

LaserHits! 89 PSC

1988-1991. The first format to be broadcast on 88.7 FM. LaserHits! 89 PSC was a top 40-leaning format, which included breakers (new music before it hit big) and some album tracks from hit artists. Older music reached back only into the 1970s. Specialty/non-format shows ran late at night and on weekends only. The format was originally directed by John Kiernan, Drew Jacobs was brought on circa 1990.

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WCRN Channel 20

1988-????. The final evolution of the 98.5 campus cable carrier current station. This station operated as an SGA club and had a more college radio feel, as opposed to the tighly formatted FM station during the 1990s. WCRN shared studio space with WPSC-FM (operating out of the third booth) but was administratively independent. WCRN was often used as a training ground for the FM station. WCRN was disbanded sometime in either the late 1990s or early 2000s.

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The Only Alternative

1991-1993. A shift was made by the music director in 1991 to give the station a more alternative slant. The format was loosened, and the station operated in this fashion under General Manager Drew Jacobs until the end of Summer, 1993.

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HitRadio 88.7 WPSC-FM

HitRadio 88.7 WPSC-FM

1993-1998. Tightly programmed Hot AC format directed by John Kiernan to mimic a real world station. Music was Top 30 hits from 1970-current with a heavy focus on local news, sports, and community affairs. Also known by the slogans "Your Constant Music Source," "North Jersey's Number One," and "The Spirit Of North Jersey." The format ended in June 1998 after a bitter battle between the students, who were in favor of the format, and the Communication department, who wanted a more traditional college radio environment.

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North Jersey's Independent Rock

North Jersey's Independent Rock

1998-2008. Alternative and college rock format. Originally under the directorship of Ken Nagelburg, then Ron Stotyn.

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Brave New Radio

Brave New Radio

2008-Present. Led by Professor Rob Quicke, Brave New Radio focuses heavily on local and independent music. Weekly "Braveology" format is student programmed. International College Radio Day was founded and is currently hosted by Brave New Radio.

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