WHRB

WHRB is a commercial FM radio station located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, broadcasting to the Boston, Massachusetts area on 95.3 MHz. The station is owned by Harvard Radio Broadcasting, a non-profit organization composed of students and alumni from Harvard University. WHRB is known for its eclectic programming, featuring a wide range of music genres, including jazz, classical music, and rock music, as well as news and sports programs. The station has a long history of broadcasting, dating back to 1940, when it was first established by a group of Harvard University students, including Alan Jay Lerner and John F. Kennedy.

● History

WHRB's history dates back to 1940, when it was first established as a AM radio station, broadcasting on 640 kHz. The station was founded by a group of Harvard University students, including Alan Jay Lerner and John F. Kennedy, who were instrumental in shaping the station's early programming. In the 1950s, WHRB began to broadcast on FM radio, and in the 1960s, the station became known for its underground radio programming, featuring counterculture music and anti-war activism, similar to other stations like WBAI and KPFA. WHRB's programming during this period was influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, and the station became a hub for folk music and psychedelic rock.

● Programming

WHRB's programming is diverse and eclectic, featuring a wide range of music genres, including jazz, classical music, and rock music. The station's programming is divided into several blocks, including the Classical Music block, which features music from composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Sebastian Bach. The station also features a Jazz block, which showcases music from artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday. In addition to music programming, WHRB also broadcasts news and sports programs, including coverage of Harvard University sports teams, such as the Harvard Crimson football team, as well as Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots games.

● Operations

WHRB is operated by a team of students and alumni from Harvard University, who are responsible for programming, production, and management of the station. The station's operations are overseen by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Harvard University, as well as local community leaders, such as Cambridge Mayor and Massachusetts Governor. WHRB's studios are located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the station broadcasts to the Boston, Massachusetts area on 95.3 MHz. The station's signal can also be streamed online, allowing listeners from around the world to tune in, including fans of NPR, BBC Radio, and CBC Radio.

● Notable_alumni

WHRB has a long list of notable alumni, including Alan Jay Lerner, John F. Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy, who all got their start in broadcasting at the station. Other notable alumni include Conan O'Brien, who worked as a disc jockey at WHRB while attending Harvard University, as well as Soledad O'Brien, who got her start in journalism at the station, and went on to work at CNN, NBC News, and Al Jazeera America. WHRB alumni have gone on to work at a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio, as well as ABC News, CBS News, and Fox News Channel.

● Awards_and_recognition

WHRB has received numerous awards and recognition for its programming and community service, including several Marconi Award nominations, as well as awards from the National Association of Broadcasters and the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. The station has also been recognized for its commitment to community service, including its work with local organizations, such as the United Way and the American Red Cross, as well as its coverage of local events, such as the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta. WHRB has also been praised for its innovative programming, including its Classical Music block, which has been recognized by the Grammy Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

● Impact_on_local_community

WHRB has a significant impact on the local community, providing a unique and diverse range of programming that reflects the interests and needs of the Cambridge, Massachusetts and Boston, Massachusetts areas. The station's commitment to community service has made it a valued resource for local organizations and residents, who rely on WHRB for news, information, and entertainment, similar to other community-focused stations like WFMU and KEXP. WHRB's programming has also had a significant impact on the local music scene, providing a platform for local artists, such as Aerosmith, The Cars, and Dropkick Murphys, to showcase their music and connect with fans, as well as supporting local music venues, like the Paradise Rock Club and the House of Blues. Overall, WHRB is an important part of the local community, and its programming and community service have made it a beloved and respected institution in the Boston, Massachusetts area, alongside other local institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Category:Radio stations in Massachusetts