The renovation of the radio studio is almost complete

Matt Peters
[email protected]

With the installation of new music therapy facilities, renovations to Marietta College’s student radio stations, WMRT-FM and WCMO-FM, are also nearing completion. Student programs are expected to return this coming semester.

“The initial effect of the music therapy program was that we had to move our studios. So they had a facelift, which was much needed, ”said Marilee Morrow, associate professor of communication.

The studios, located in the McKinney Media Center along with music therapy and television facilities, were closed during construction this fall. Morrow says the stations remained on the air during that time, but did not broadcast any of the student-produced programs that many listeners are accustomed to.

“In fact, members of the community have asked about it,” Morrow said. “They want the local news, the football games, the political programs on the air.”

Station manager Ethan Brown says many students expressed interest in the program at the start of the fall semester, but were denied entry because renovations were delayed.

Now that the studios are nearing completion, Brown says he “can’t wait to get in.” He hopes the new program (and the music recording studio) will attract radio prospects outside the media department.

“With the introduction of a new program and a bunch of new facilities… I hope people will see that there is a lot more going on than the music therapy program,” Brown said.

In addition to providing musical, sports and political coverage, the stations serve as learning tools for students interested in broadcasting. Morrow explained the difference between the two stations.

“WMRT-FM is what you would call a traditional non-commercial station. It offers opera, jazz, information and debates. It is also the one on which the pupils will make newsletters on [for class]”said Morrow.

“Whereas WCMO-FM is where students can do whatever they want. If they want to do thrash-rock, they can do a thrash-rock program. If they want to do country plunky, they can do country plunky.

Deputy station manager Angelo Leitner-Wise highlighted the stations’ effectiveness in teaching professional skills.

“Honestly, just for anyone interested in broadcasting, this is a very valuable experience. Just learning and understanding the equipment is extremely helpful, and I think it’s a really good skill to have on your resume, ”said Leitner-Wise.