The mission statement of WNCU reads : “To embrace education in a broad sense by giving listeners in-depth and thoughtful cultural music, news and information programs designed to increase their awareness and provide information, which may be useful in enhancing their daily lives. It is our goal to acquire and locally produce music ,news and public affairs programs that are culturally enriching, diverse, thought provoking, interactive and intelligent.”. (wncu.org,)
History of WNCU 90.7 FM Jazz
WNCU 90.7 FM Jazz first tested its signal in July 1995.It is under license to North Carolina Central University (NCCU)..The idea of a campus radio station was first envisioned in 1986 by Donald Baker ,who eventually became the first general manager of this public radio station, and Dr. Tyronza Richmond, the then university chancellor. Two other professors in the university, Dr. Donell Lewis and Patsy Perry supported this idea. They combined efforts and applied for a Title III grant. They also submitted a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) application requesting a broadcast facility construction permit on behalf of the University.
Donald Baker was appointed to develop the new station but the application process encountered some problems. Mr. Baker and Dr. Lewis solicited the help of several members of Congress in North Carolina, including the Honorable Senator Terry Sanford, Representatives David Price, Mel Watt and Eva Clayton. However, no FM frequencies were available at the time. This was in July 1990. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Baker went further and asked the Senior Senator ,the Honorable Jesse Helms for help. With his help, the reality of a radio station finally came to fruition.Soon after contacting Senator Helms, the University was allowed to begin broadcasting on October 1, 1991.
However, there were to be more obstacles on the road to fulfil the dream. A religious organization challenged the application and the process ceased for another two years. Then, a new chancellor took office at the University and renewed efforts were poured into the project. The University funded the initial start-up, purchase of equipment and construction of the studio. Finally, the station launched its debut in August 1995. Since then, WNCU 90.7 FM has consistently fulfilled its mission to provide culturally appropriate programming of the highest quality to public radio listeners in the Triangle area.
What WNCU 90.7 FM is about
This listener supported public radio station:
- Entertains the jazz aficionado
- Educates the novice jazz listener
- Disseminates news and information relative to the community at large
- Fosters relationships with local agencies and organizations
In addition, WNCU proceeds to provide a culturally diverse programming lineup. A new general manager joined the station in April 2001. Edith Thorpe created new goals for the station, including:
- Making the station self- sufficient
- Strengthening the relationship between the students taking courses related to media at the university and the station
- Creating strong relationships with the community of Triangle area.
Under Edith Thorpe’s time in office, WNCU has forged a partnership that has led to the creation of a fully Spanish-speaking program ( Cita Dominical).As a result WNCU has experienced increased revenue streams, listenership and monetary support.
Why should you listen to WNCU 90.7 FM, Jazz?
WNCU has a rich diversity in its programming in music, news and information(the best jazz music). Furthermore, it is culturally appropriate and is helpful to enhancing the listeners’ lives. WNCU is also dedicated to serving the public’s interest by providing a reliable source of information.It is also convenient and essential because it offers a vast array of cultural music, newsmakers in the area and public affairs programs. WNCU believes in building relationships with agencies and organizations in and around the Triangle area.Lastly, WNCU offers commercial free broadcasting, an activity that seemingly goes against the grain in today’s hypercompetitive business world.
WNCU 90.7 FM ,Jazz has an innovative program lineup that includes several music shows that offer jazz music much loved by the listeners. The music ranges from 40s jazz to the latest hits from around the world. Apart from the music, WNCU provides up-to-date news and talk shows that focus on issues going on around us. For example, Free Speech Now Radio has a less filtered ,no holds barred approach to news gathering and dissemination.
Some of the corporates that are in partnership with WNCU include Krispy Kremes, Starbucks, Chicken Hut, among others. These partnerships are mutually beneficial to all the parties involved.NCCU ( North Carolina Central University) Graduate Studies is a corporate member of WNCU and has greatly contributed to the continued success of WNCU ,both through financial assistance and moral and intellectual support. WNCU is a member of the African American Public Radio Consortium. It also works with National Public Radio, and this allows WNCU to air several NPR collaborative programs, among them being News and Notes and Tell Me More.The Tavis Smiley Show was also created.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, WNCU takes part in raising awareness about gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer, providing support groups for patients and their families. It also works with the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation to address high infant mortality rates among minorities in the state.
References
North Carolina Central University. WNCU. About Us. Web.