Schools
GSU Students To Lose College Radio Airtime to GPB
Students protest the GPB and GSU WRAS 88.5 FM partnership with #SaveWRAS.
Get ready to say goodbye to WRAS as you know it.
Georgia State University’s college radio station 88.5 FM has been broadcasting for 43 years as a student-run radio station. But on May 6 it was announced to GSU students that, starting in June, Georgia Public Broadcasting will be stepping in and taking over.
GPB’s press release reported that through a partnership with Georgia State University’s WRAS 88.5 FM, this will be its debut in Atlanta radio. From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., what is normally filled with student-run broadcasts will now air “a mix of nationally produced programs from public radio providers, including National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI) and American Public Media (APM), and locally produced news programming to include a local talk show anticipated to begin in fall 2014.”
Not to worry though, GSU students, GPB will relinquish the radio waves back to student broadcasters from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Regular broadcasting by GSU students will also be airing online.
- What do you think about the shortened airtime for GSU students? Tell us in your comments!
GPB’s press release also contained a statement from GSU president Dr. Mark P. Becker. “This new partnership is a proverbial win-win and opens the door for future collaboration. Our students will have new and exciting opportunities in the changing media landscape, and this partnership allows both GPB and Georgia State to better serve the metro Atlanta region as well as the state.”
Despite Becker’s enthusiasm, GSU students and long-time WRAS lovers have taken to social media, hashtagging #SaveWRAS to their posts.
“Prior to the announcement, neither members of staff nor management were informed of – nor given the opportunity to discuss – the decision that was made public today,” according to a public statement released by WRAS Management and Staff.
GSU will re-evaluate the two-year contract when it terminates, and decide whether or not to continue working with GPB. So maybe there’s a chance WRAS will be back in two years, but until then, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be “dedicated to news and information.”
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