MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 29, 2020 – Students from nearly 600 college radio stations in 38 countries will celebrate World College Radio Day this Friday, October 2. Many college radio stations still affected by COVID-19 closures and restrictions have vowed to find a way to unite with other college radio stations for this milestone worldwide celebration.
“College radio students have demonstrated an adaptability and resilience in the face of a global pandemic that would make any major broadcasting company proud,” says Anabella Poland, President of this year’s College Radio Day and General Manager of WMSC FM at Montclair State University in New Jersey. “Their determination to continue producing content and broadcasting live shows remotely has played a central role in them feeling connected to their campus community while giving them a confidence and creativity boost,” adds Poland.
Multi-platinum music icon Bret Michaels will be the official 2020 Ambassador for the event.
“In this difficult time, there has never been a more important year, or a better year, for the hope that college radio brings. It is the future of communications and, in a year like this, communication is key. Music itself is the soundtrack to life and helps drive us through these unprecedented times. When dorms and campuses may be quiet, this should be the time for college radio to be going strong,” says Bret Michaels. His Life Rocks Foundation will be donating $10,000 in personal ‘Bret Grants’ to participating college radio stations around the world, matching the funds raised by the College Radio Foundation. Many college radio stations face severe financial difficulty and these grants will help them stay on the air.
“Bret is a long-time supporter of college radio, someone whose extraordinary multi-faceted career and philanthropic efforts have already impacted so many people,” says Poland. “In their early days, Poison received airplay support from college stations that helped songs like ‘Talk Dirty to Me’ get momentum on radio. Bret’s passion and authenticity is deeply inspirational to the students.”
This year also marks the 10th annual World College Radio Day, founded by Dr. Rob Quicke, professor of communication at William Paterson University of New Jersey.
“Obviously, we never could have imagined the circumstances for our tenth anniversary. However, the students are eager to celebrate and will be participating in any way they can because they want to remind everyone that now, more than ever, college radio is still such a vitally important medium,” says Quicke.
This year the theme is Global Solidarity Rocks, taking into account the global collaborations that happen each year, but also reflecting on current needs worldwide, from the streets of Beirut to the race to find a cure for Covid-19, to all the teachers and students returning to schools with much uncertainty. Campus radio stations stand in solidarity with new artists, providing a platform for voices that otherwise may not be heard. Furthermore, student radio also unites in solidarity on causes important to their own community, whether it is restocking the local food pantry or running a toy drive to bring a bit of cheer to local elementary school children. College radio continues to play an important role in their local communities around the world.
About World College Radio Day: The mission of World College Radio Day is to harness the combined listenership of hundreds of thousands of college radio listeners throughout the world and celebrate the important contribution of college radio by uniting for one day. The College Radio Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit based in New Jersey, organizes the yearly event. For more information about Bret Michaels, please visit: https://www.bretmichaels.com/
