WTBU

WTBU is a student-run radio station located at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, broadcasting on 640 AM. The station is owned and operated by Boston University and is a sister station to WBUR and WGBH (FM), both of which are also located in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University students, including those from the College of Communication and the School of Hospitality Administration, are involved in the day-to-day operations of the station, which also serves as a training ground for students interested in pursuing careers in radio broadcasting at stations like WEEI and WRKO. The station's programming is also influenced by other local stations, including WERS and WUMB.

● History

The history of WTBU dates back to the early days of radio broadcasting in the United States, with the station first going on the air in the 1960s. Over the years, the station has undergone several format changes, including a stint as a Top 40 station in the 1970s, similar to WBCN (FM) and WROR-FM. In the 1980s, the station shifted to a college radio format, featuring a mix of alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music, similar to stations like WFMU and KEXP. Today, the station continues to operate as a student-run radio station, with a focus on providing hands-on experience for Boston University students, including those from the College of Engineering and the School of Law. The station has also been influenced by other local colleges and universities, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Tufts University.

● Programming

WTBU's programming includes a wide range of shows, from music and talk radio to sports and news. The station features a mix of live and pre-recorded programming, including shows hosted by Boston University students, as well as syndicated programs from networks like NPR and BBC Radio. The station also broadcasts Boston University sports, including Boston University Terriers hockey and basketball games, similar to WEEI and WRKO. In addition, the station features programming from other local organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots. The station's programming is also influenced by other local stations, including WGBH (TV) and WCVB-TV.

● Facilities

WTBU is located in the Boston University campus, with studios and offices in the College of Communication building. The station's facilities include state-of-the-art radio broadcasting equipment, as well as a recording studio and production facilities. The station also has a newsroom and a sports desk, where students can gain hands-on experience in journalism and sports broadcasting, similar to CNN and ESPN. The station's facilities are also used by other Boston University organizations, including the Boston University News Service and the Boston University Athletic Department. The station has also partnered with other local organizations, including the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald.

● Notable_alumni

Many notable alumni have passed through the doors of WTBU, including journalists like Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Greenwald, who got their start in radio broadcasting at the station. Other notable alumni include musicians like Dropkick Murphys and Aerosmith, who have performed live on the station. The station has also been a launching pad for the careers of sports broadcasters like Mike Tirico and Sean McDonough, who have gone on to work at networks like ESPN and NBC Sports. The station's alumni have also gone on to work at other local stations, including WBUR and WGBH (FM).

● Awards_and_recognition

WTBU has received numerous awards and recognition for its programming and community service, including awards from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System and the College Media Association. The station has also been recognized for its community service efforts, including its work with local organizations like the Boston Food Bank and the United Way. The station's students have also received individual awards for their work in radio broadcasting, including the Preston Davis Memorial Award and the Beacon Award. The station has also been recognized by other local organizations, including the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Category:Radio stations in Massachusetts