How does student-run radio work?
Student-run radio is different from a regular radio station. Student-run radio is, in most cases, a place for aspiring radio personalities to get experience and see what being on the air is like. It’s a place for them to be creative, talk about what they are interested in, and even pick what songs to play. It’s also a place to learn about various computer programs including Adobe Audition, for example, and how soundboards work. It also gives students a chance to try out radio broadcasting to see how they enjoy it if they are unsure.
For instance, students from Vanderbilt University explain how it is to combine their creative side with their love of music to form a show and how passionate they are doing this.
“Students from both stations agree that producing their radio shows has been a great coping mechanism during the pandemic. Each DJ is able to completely personalize their show’s content,” stated a news article from MyVU News.
Olivet’s Student-run station: Spark HD
What is Spark HD and how is it run?
Spark HD is the student-run radio station on Olivet’s campus. It is in the same building as Shine.FM and Brilla. Spark is geared towards providing entertainment for Olivet students, but also 17- to 25-year-old Christians. Spark HD plays Christian pop music with occasional breaks from students. Since the earliest days of student-run radio, this is what the broadcasters have mainly decided to focus on, their fellow classmates.
At Olivet, the Fundamentals of Radio/Beginning Announcing is a class that is required for multimedia majors. In this class, the weekly assignment is to come up with an hour-long show that consists of six breaks. Even if some of these students do not see themselves in radio, it still gives them the opportunity to experience that environment and become more comfortable with their speaking voice.
Spark HD is run by graduate student and station manager, Mikayla Browne. Under her is the team of students consisting of a program director, music director, production director, sports director, head of listener engagement, head of community impact, head of social media, and the webmaster.
“Spark is a place where students can try different things and there are no rules, it gives them a chance to be themselves and see what works for them,” Browne said.
The breaks listeners hear on Spark HD are either students in this class or students who are part of the Spark HD club.
Alongside the shows from students, there are also daily shows, weekend shows, sports shows, and many others run by the student leaders.
A break from the sports show:
How is Spark HD different from Shine.FM?
Although Shine.FM does have some students with shows on the air, Spark HD being exclusively student-run is not the only difference. Spark HD is aimed towards Olivet students and young adult Christians, and Shine.FM is aimed towards adult Christians. This changes the contents of the breaks between the two stations along with the music played. Also, Shine is an FM station that you can listen to on the radio, and Spark is an HD channel that is only available in a small area around Moline, IL. Other than that, most listeners stream Spark HD through the app or online which is a become platform for young adults.
Why you should listen to Spark HD
Spark HD is a great station. The team of Olivet students work hard to make this station enjoyable for fellow students and all young adults. On each and every show, you can see their love for God and love of others shine through. Next time you are searching for something upbeat and fun to listen to, consider Spark HD.
