Radio ‘reality show’: Audience to pick ‘survivor’

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WITR 89.7 to host new shows and segments

Late-night college radio shows have often been known to be, well, a little bit “different.”

But listeners of WITR-FM (89.7), Rochester Institute of Technology’s student-run radio station serving Greater Rochester, over the next few weeks might notice some new shows that are not only “edgy,” but also are truly different.

Beginning Jan. 8, five distinctive shows and their hosts will compete to earn a permanent time slot. WITR listeners will decide who stays—and who doesn’t—by selecting their favorites.

The eclectic, rotating shows (and hosts—all RIT students) include “Bass Face Showcase” (drum ’n’ bass and dirty electro-music hosted by Matt Herrington), “Folk Off” (folk music hosted by Chad Hydro), “Headbangers’ Haven” (metal music hosted by Nick Phelan), “Smash ’Em Up” (mash-up music hosted by Andy Watson) and a calypso-music show (hosted by Dominique Simmonds).

“I’m really excited to include the Saturday Night Shuffle into WITR’s lineup,” says Arun Blatchley, WITR program director and second-year international studies major. “We’ll be able to offer an even greater variety of music to our listeners while giving our student DJs more opportunities to learn. There’s a lot of responsibility in doing a specialty show for WITR, and the Shuffle gives DJs a chance to dip their feet in.”

“Tryouts” will take place 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday nights throughout January and February. Listeners can share their opinions by taking a brief survey, or by sending comments to @WITR897 on Twitter or Blatchley at pd@witr.rit.edu.

The completely unscientific results will be announced early in spring quarter.

Note: Go to the WITR website.