What is WQRI?
WQRI is Roger William’s very own radio station, it is home to multiple shows run by students. Every student coming into WQRI gets the chance to host their own radio show with whatever theme they want, all while learning about how the business behind radio actually runs. Current radio shows include, but are not limited to: Pandora’s Booth hosted by Gabby Fabrizi with a focus on alternative and indie music, Airwave Adrenaline hosted by Eliana Leventhal with high-energy beats that will get you excited, and more talking-based programs such as Hawk Happenings hosted by Carol Sacchetti.
What can you gain from being a part of WQRI?
Through WQRI students have the opportunity to learn how to work the technology behind radio and understand the work required behind the scenes to run these shows. But WQRI isn’t just about the radio, it is also about the community behind these shows.
“I love the community that WQRI builds. I can always count on having someone to help me or to be a friend, even if we’ve never talked before.” Celeste Roberson, general staff. According to the general manager of WQRI, Madison Benson, it is an important goal of WQRI to create a supportive and friendly community. Despite all the shows having a variety of different themes the people behind them have a lot more in common than you would think, and this can be a really great opportunity to meet people you never would have on your own.
How to get involved!
You may be interested in WQRI but nervous about the time commitment, or if you would even like it, but there are plenty of ways to get involved without having to start your own show. WQRI hosts multiple events around campus like Saturday Night Jam, Open Mic Nights, and Hawk the Block. Showing up to these events could be a great way to meet people with similar interests, or get a better idea of the energy of the club.
If you are really interested but don’t want to get behind a microphone don’t worry, there are plenty of other opportunities for you. “We have a handful of people in the org who don’t have shows but who are still super involved in other ways. We offer so many opportunities for growth that go beyond just having a show,” says Benson.
On the other hand, if you just can’t wait to get behind the mic but are worried about if your idea will get approved, don’t worry. WQRI is open to all ideas, within reason, and all the staff will be happy to help you brainstorm and refine your ideas. “One of my favorite parts of the organization is the freedom of expression we get through being able to create our own radio show,” Kasper Stadler, general staff
