Press Releases, Student Life

Global Advancements in Community College Radio Station, Big Bang Radio WNIA 89.1 FM

BBR

Station Manager Melissa Herbert and Joey Daughtridge (aka DJ Joey D).

 

“이는 K-팝이다” or “This is K-Pop (Korean Pop)” is just one of the show introductions listeners of Nash Community College’s radio station, Big Bang Radio WNIA 89.1 FM, will hear in the upcoming fall semester. Dubbed “the station that plays something for everyone” by the first student manager back in 2008, WNIA stays true to its roots with the ushering in of the station’s fourth successor, Melissa “Max” Herbert.

Graduating from Nash Community College this year with an Associate in Arts degree, a Korean pop show is but one of the eclectic genres to be highlighted on the novice station manager’s roster of shows, set to begin mid-August. Tune the dial to WNIA 89.1 FM and audiences may hear poetry readings, Celtic music, PROG (Progressive Rock and Metal) or a talk show being culminated with the current airing of today’s hits in a mix of genres and yesterday’s classics. “I want it [Big Bang Radio] to stand out from other radio stations and for listeners to be exposed to something new,” is Melissa’s take on her plans for the autumn radio line up.

Jessi Brown, or DJ E.L.F. (Ever Lasting Friends), is on board with the diverse approach taken by the new Big Bang Radio manager. Hosting the imminent K-Pop show, Jessi hopes the Korean tunes she features will make those attentive want to dance. When asked why she chose K-Pop as her genre to host; “It’s happy…even though you can’t understand all of the words.”

“We continue to improve the format of Big Bang Radio, focusing on independent local and unknown artists,” shared Andrew Small, chief operator of WNIA. In addition to format advancements, the station also progresses on a technological level. Beginning as a streaming station in 2008 and broadcasting FM in December 2010, Nash Community College’s Big Bang Radio now offers the digital vibes of an Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) stream. Accessible via a desktop computer media player or as an application for Android and Apple devices, Big Bang Radio can be heard at any location a connection to the internet can be received. Small suggests that this up-to-date means of broadcasting is the first of exciting changes set to take place at the College.

Though operated by Nash Community College students and alumni, the station is not only targeting on-campus facilitators and encourages the utilization of the assorted audible resources that constitute Big Bang Radio, WNIA 89.1 FM, by the community. Station manager, Melissa Herbert strives to have anyone, not just college-age, tune into the gamut of public-encompassing topics being offered. She also encourages the participation of Nash Community College students and alumni with an interest in communication to volunteer at the station to achieve the growth and craft of a radio station that the College’s faculty, staff, students and surrounding community want. With eyes on the prize of an ever-flourishing fan base, the college radio DJ signs off with the assured, “Thank you for listening to Big Bang Radio, WNIA 89.1 FM…Tarboro, Nashville, Rocky Mount, a service of Nash Community College.”

Contact Andrew Small, Nash Community College Director of Media Production at 252-451-8220 or Big Bang Radio Station Manager, Melissa Herbert at 252-451-8486 for more information about the station or volunteering.