WNHU (88.7 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a variety format. Licensed to West Haven, Connecticut, United States, the station serves the New Haven area. The station is owned by the University of New Haven.[1][2] The WNHU studios moved to its current home on Ruden Street into the Lois Evalyn Bergami Broadcast Media Center in the year 2015.[3] Its location on Ruden Street includes a production space for live and recorded programming, a server room, staff offices and a student lounge. WNHU is currently managed by a 7- person student leadership team. Positions include Station Manager, WebMaster, Social Media Director, Business Manager, Operations Manager, Program Director and Director of Arts Community & Welfare.
The University of New Haven's Communications department started to work with the radio station for students to have access to the station. The Station operates as a lab for student learning, and as a source of culturally diverse programming for the communities we serve.[4] In January 2016, Bruce Barber was hired as General Manager of the station.
WNHU is broadcast on 88.7 FM. WNHU is considered the best college radio station in the state of Connecticut according to the New Haven Advocate, which has awarded the station "Best College Radio Station" for over 6 consecutive years.[5] WNHU is known for eclectic programming with shows ranging from new music, rock, gospel, funk, and talk shows to specialty formats such as polka and Irish music.[6] The station was founded as a student club in 1970, and features an eclectic mix of music and conversation from over 100 volunteer student and community deejays.[7] Unlike many college or community radio stations where DJs change frequently, some WNHU personalities have hosted shows for years, most of whom are UNH students and alumni.[8]
On June 4, 2013, WNHU broadcast an 11-hour live set featuring DJs of the founding decade of the station. This day-long event, which was held from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST was in celebration of the station's 40th anniversary. WNHU first broadcast live on the air on June 4, 1973.[citation needed]
In 2023, WNHU commemorated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century since its inaugural broadcast on June 4, 1973. The celebration featured both in-person and on-air events, bringing together alumni, current students, and community members to reflect on the station's rich history and envision its future.
24-Hour Radio Marathon
WNHU hosted its first-ever 24-hour radio marathon on October 13, 2023. The marathon marked a significant milestone for the station, showcasing its commitment to community engagement and student involvement. Organized as part of the University of New Haven's Homecoming celebrations, the event featured a continuous broadcast of music, interviews, live shows, and special programming curated by students, alumni, and station staff.
Due to the overwhelming success and positive reception of the inaugural marathon, WNHU organized a second 24-hour marathon on October 2, 2024 once again in honor of Homecoming. The tradition brought together members of the University of New Haven community and local listeners, fostering a spirit of unity and school pride. Throughout the marathon, WNHU highlighted its diverse programming, including a blend of student-produced content and special segments that celebrated the station's long-standing role as a voice for the community.
The annual marathon has since become an anticipated tradition, reflecting WNHU’s dedication to celebrating its heritage while continuously innovating its programming.
WNHU-2 Podcast Studio
Students usually start their time on the station with WNHU-2 Podcast Studio , the online stream from the University of New Haven. Training for students to start their own show is taught by the Staton Manager and Programs Director. As stated on wnhu.org, "An unfiltered sense of creative freedom is what WNHU-2 Podcast Studio is all about, so you may encounter explicit language, lyrics, and stories. The views expressed on WNHU-2 Podcast Studio are those of our students and our students alone."[4]
Notable Station Managers
- JJ Dionisio (2024-2025)
- Jess Finn (2022–2024)
- Amy Suraci (2021–2022)
- PJ Tucker (2020–2021)
- Rebecca Satzberg (2019–2020)
- Nicole Ritsick (2018–2019)
- Leah Myers (2016–2018)
- Cassie Washington (2015–2016)
See also
References
- ^ "WNHU Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
- ^ "WNHU Station Information Profile". Arbitron.
- ^ "About WNHU – WNHU".
- ^ "Communication Department Facilities and Resources".
- ^ "www.newhavenadvocate.com". New Haven Advocate. November 2011.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ SPINELLI, TONY (August 13, 2006). "'Polka Prince' expands his radio audience". Connecticut Post. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
- ^ "WNHU".
- ^ Arzoian, Rebecca (September 28, 2007). "To practice improv..." Yale Daily News. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
External links
- WNHU website
- Facility details for Facility ID 69070 (WNHU) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- WNHU in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
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