#TBT in the Archives 2/9/17: FM radio @ Ship



A 1978-79 bumper sticker advertising WSYC.

When you think of the ways you listen to music, you might first think of your smartphone and one of the many streaming radio apps. Or you might think of satellite radio, or buying digital versions of your favorite songs on the Web.

For SU students in the 1970s, radio was the most popular way to hear new hits and artists as well as music news and commentary. WSYC - the campus AM radio station - launched broadcasts in 1957. The station could be heard in dining halls and dorms on campus thanks to eight local transmitters.

We might think of AM radio as the scratchy part of the radio dial where it's hard to get a clear signal. Today, news, sports and talk radio are AM's main programs. In the 1970s, it was a common way to hear Top 40 music and pop hits. But FM format was gaining popularity. It offered better sound due to high frequency waves transmitted at high power. Typically, music stations now broadcast on FM.

In May 1974, President Gilmore Seavers authorized work on the new campus FM station. Seavers set three goals for the project: Install a new transmitter and equipment, appoint an FM station board to resolve programming disputes, and name a faculty rep from Communications-Journalism. Students hoped to begin FM broadcasts by September 1975.

Construction began on the transmitter by October 1974.

As soon as Seavers gave the OK, WSYC applied for an FCC license, which was granted in late October 1974. In the meantime, a transmitter building was constructed. After a few equipment delays, WSYC-FM went on the air on March 24, 1975 at 88.7 on the FM dial.

President Seavers signs the guest log at the WSYC-FM open house on March 24, 1975.

On AM, WSYC listeners were used to hearing popular music. The FM station was classified as "education" and had to expand programming. Communications-Journalism faculty used the station to train students studying broadcasting. Students offered news and commentary daily on a variety of topics. The station also played classical, jazz, R&B and progressive music. Top 40 was rarely heard.

Today, SU students continue to broadcast live at WSYC-FM. Programs include music, sports and interview and news programs. Many students use their experience to get ready for future broadcasting careers. WSYC-FM also offers streaming radio at wsyc-fm.squarespace.com.

Archives and Special Collections has a lot of information on student-run media at SU, including The Slate, yearbooks, Reflectors, and more. Contact Archives & Special Collections via email at specialcollections@ship.edu or phone, (717) 477-1123, ext 3357.

Sources:
All source materials can be found in Shippensburg University Archives & Special Collections, Ezra Lehman Memorial Library, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA.
The Slate. May 7, 1974.
The Slate. Oct. 15, 1974
The Slate. Oct. 29, 1974.
The Slate. Jan. 21, 1975.
The Slate. Feb. 4, 1975.
The Slate. April 1, 1975.