Monday, Apr 6, 2020
Shows from Rider’s student-run radio station include ‘Health 411’ and many others
by Sophia Brana
All of the sponsored weekend shows produced by 107.7 The Bronc, Rider University’s student-run radio station, are now available as podcasts.
In addition to broadcasting music and sports, the radio station's programming includes a variety of original shows dedicated to pets, personal finance, careers and more. The availability of podcasts will allow 107.7 The Bronc to expand listenership beyond the reach of radio by making it easy for people to access its shows.
“We already focus on getting listeners to the website and the app,” says John Mozes, the station’s general manager. “Now we can get listeners from outside of Mercer County and its surrounding areas.”
The radio station now uses Anchor FM, a service that uploads podcasts to many popular platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Shows like “Health 411” have a wide appeal beyond the immediate Rider community. The show, which debuted last year as a resource of truthful health information for listeners and is presented by Rider’s Health Studies Institute, regularly airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. It has recently focused exclusively on the coronavirus outbreak, shedding light on the general science of viruses, the challenges of developing a vaccine, and other topics.
“We talk about the science of things without any business or outside agenda,” says the show’s host, Dr. Jonathan Karp, a professor of biology, behavioral neuroscience and health sciences at Rider. “Our show is designed to help dispel myths and discuss the reality of all things related to health and healthcare.”
Even with limited access to campus right now because of the coronavirus outbreak, students continue to work on radio and digital ads for sponsors that appear on the website and on-air. They are giving each sponsor 10 additional announcements each week and have had to change a lot of sponsor messaging to reflect closures or take-out only announcements. “These businesses need our support because they support us,” Mozes says.
Even though some annual events sponsored by 107.7 The Bronc, including the Eggcellent Egg Hunt, have been postponed, some new events will take place virtually. Listeners can look forward to “Quarantunes: 107.7 The Bronc’s Social Distancing Concerts.” Sam James from The Voice will perform on April 9 at 7 p.m., Devon Werkheiser from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide on April 16 at 7 p.m., and country artist Julia Cole on April 23 at 7 p.m., all are free on Instagram. All virtual concerts will be interactive, and all performers will be wearing Rider apparel.
The radio station is trying to keep the community connected by starting 107.7 The Bronc Connects, an initiative to have students and faculty send on-air messages to friends and colleagues while staying socially distanced.
This spring, the radio station will be relocated to the second floor of the Fine Arts Center, a move that consolidates the student production and editing facilities for radio, television, filmmaking, journalism, graphic design and game design. The move will also bring contemporary, IP-based broadcast equipment and more studio space for the acclaimed station, which last year was a National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award nominee for College Radio Station of the Year. University Advancement is raising funds to offset the cost of the new equipment.
The radio station was set to have a grand opening when the studios are completed. If students are unable to gather on campus this spring, Mozes says the radio station will plan a grand opening for the fall, with Sam James already committed to a grand opening concert.
Having the upgraded radio station is something Mozes hopes will expand listenership and programming, as well as grow the reputation of 107.7 The Bronc. The new equipment will also expand what students are able to do remotely, in the case of another crisis.
Mozes says, “In what has been a very troubling and anxiety-filled experience...we are trying to give students the learning opportunity they were promised, and to keep them active and engaged and prepare them for life in broadcasting, or any business, during an emergency.”
Listeners can access The Bronc on 107.7 FM, on its website, 1077thebronc.com, or via the station’s Google Play and Apple apps, by searching "WRRC." Podcasts can be accessed through Apple, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Radio Public, and Spotify.