WESS (90.3 FM): “We like it when you turn us on”

WESS broadcasts via speakers outside the McGarry Communications building. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
WESS broadcasts via speakers outside the McGarry Communications building. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
WESS broadcasts via speakers outside the McGarry Communications building.
Photo Credit / Jamie Reese

BY JAMIE REESE

News Editor

“WESS is a rare college radio…This is all for the hobby of it, and all for the joy,” said Mason Buskirk, DJ of “Symphonic Masterpieces” at WESS (90.3 FM).

WESS, located in the McGarry Communications building, is ESU’s very own college radio station.

According to the WESS’s constitution, “The purpose of WESS shall be to provide…alternative entertainment and educational programming, while providing a means of student training, learning, and experience in radio broadcasting.”

Buskirk began hosting “Symphonic Masterpieces” for WESS in October of 2013.

According to Buskirk, “Symphonic Masterpieces” has a focus on classical music, most particularly from European origin.

“The reason I wanted to make a classical music show is because next to no one ever made one for WESS before,”

During the show, Buskirk tells the history of the composers he plays and the inspiration for their music.

“The history is just as fascinating as the music,” said Buskirk.

Buskirk hosts his show every Wednesday from 2 PM to 3 PM and every Friday from 1 PM to 2 PM.

Otherwise, according to the adviser for WESS, Dr. Robert McKenzie, there are programs being hosted by students throughout most of the day.

“We have about 40 student shows, 5 faculty shows, and four staff shows,” said McKenzie.

“Beside from Deejaying, there is also a news cast that we host hourly,” said Buskirk.

When there are no DJs playing, WESS plays the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This being the case, there are still timeslots available for students to host their own shows.

“Anyone affiliated with ESU can be a member of WESS,” said McKenzie. “Students have freedom to select their own content.”

In order for a student to DJ for WESS, he or she must currently be enrolled at the university, and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

According to Buskirk, new DJs must go through a training period during which they co-host a show with a current DJ. Some of them continue to co-host shows after their trial period.

“In my case, my show, all I have to do is select the compositions I plan to play for the day,” said Buskirk.

“It does not clash with my schoolwork. You are free to choose your own hours, when you are available.”

“If you are fascinated with vintage radio, or if you want to play a genre of music, even genres that are already being played by other DJs on WESS…then WESS is definitely there for you.”

Those interested in listening to WESS can tune in to 90.3 FM, stand outside the McGarry Communications building where speakers broadcast the station, or go to WESS’s website where there’s a live feed of the station.

“We can never have too much support,” said Buskirk.

Email Jamie at:

jreese6@live.esu.edu