Briar Cliff Media Department Revives Radio Station
New equipment brought to the Media Department reopens the on-campus radio station.
“I am excited to bring a 24-hour campus radio station to life and become the heartbeat of the campus showcasing the talented students we have in the department,” says Justin Barker, an adjunct radio instructor in the Communications Department. What is significant about 24 hours? It will give the students at Briar Cliff something to listen to at all times. The radio station will have important information for the students, including sports schedules and upcoming events around campus.
“To give the Briar Cliff students a different form of entertainment that all comes from their peers,” said Barker. “It will also be rewarding to involve the offices and different departments in the growth of the station. The ultimate goal would be to be able to hear the radio station wherever you go on campus.”
This radio station will be possible due to an influx in money towards the media department. The money will not only go towards the radio station but will be distributed to other parts of the department as well.
“We will continue to invest in the radio station to continue to outfit it with state-of-the-art equipment so that our students can work in a professional setting each and every day” Barker states. This will be very important for students that want to pursue a career in media or radio because it gives students all the resources that they need to succeed.
With Briar Cliff being a Catholic school, it is important to incorporate Christian music into the radio station. “We plan to use a couple of Christian songs per hour throughout the day and will eventually be playing some long-form Christian programming on the weekends,” said Barker. “It’s important to follow the religious beliefs of the University and be an outlet to pass along the message on a daily basis”.
The radio station won't be just for giving out information and entertainment but will also help students in their everyday life.
“I grew up watching the Briar Cliff basketball teams in the Newman Flanagan Center and BCU has always held a special place in my heart. I have been a part of the athletic department in some capacity since 2007 and when Michael Crowley approached me to join the department it was an easy decision,” said Barker. “I thoroughly enjoy working with Michael, Kristen, and Rich. They are amazing people, and I am grateful to be a part of the department.”
Barker plans to stay an adjunct professor here on campus as he enjoys teaching the class and has had a wonderful experience. “I look forward to the class time each week,” he said. “I enjoy getting to know the students, learning their stories, and hopefully being someone, they know will always support them in reaching their goals.”
Sports Information major and freshman Myles Curry at the new radio setup.