University at Albany - Special Community: WCDB

(March 17, 2008)

Special Community: Special Community: WCDB - A Career Springboard

Liam Murphy, a sophomore anthropology major from Binghamton, N.Y., is the events director for WCDB. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

Welcome to WCDB, 90.9 FM, the University at Albany's student-run radio station that has produced some 2,000 alumni and dozens of successful careers in radio and television since its inception 30 years ago.

On March 1, 1978, WCDB signed on the air with Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," and, much like the song, hasn't looked back. Along with its smaller, weaker-signaled predecessor WSUA, WCDB has helped to establish some of the broadcast industry's most creative luminaries, including Larry Berger, '92, the senior manager of communications of the NBA Development League, and popular New York City talk show radio host Brian Lehrer, '73.

"It was really because of that opportunity ... that I was able to break into professional radio and start my career."

-Brian Lehrer, '73

I hadn't expected that going to college could mean being on the radio," said Lehrer. "I volunteered as soon as I got there in September. It was really because of that opportunity to get so much experience that I was able to break into professional radio and start my career. I'll always be grateful to WSUA/WCDB for that."

"Whenever I pass through the Capital District I tune into 90.9 because the station was so special to me and instilled many valuable communication skills, which I utilize to this day," said Berger. "It was, and continues to be, a very special place for so many people, including myself."

UAlbany students like Antony "The Tank" Wasilewski, a sophomore art major from Mexico, N.Y., find that as DJs at WCDB, they have the chance to make friends and enjoy music. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

Current student DJs like Ryan Starks joined over a love of music, but stayed because of the friends they've met and the strong sense of community they share.

Starks, a freshman from Warwick, N.Y., who works for a music company in Manhattan when not in school, said, "It's important to understand how music marketing works and radio is a premier music marketing opportunity."

The station's 30th reunion celebration is set for Oct. 24-26 as part of UAlbany's annual Homecoming Weekend.