\Quirky"" can be defined as individual peculiarity of character or an unexpected turn. Or, in this case, 91.7 WSUM, UW-Madison's student-run radio station since Feb. 22, 2002.
""I'd describe WSUM as quirky or eclectic. There is so much room for creative freedom here,"" said Rob Sarwark, WSUM station manager.
With approximately 150 students involved with the station and over 130 hours of live broadcast each week, individuality abounds within the walls of 602 State St. No. 207, the location of WSUM's studios.
""The overall atmosphere here is laid-back, but it is conducive to work and creativity,"" said Cindy Schuster, WSUM talk director.
Likewise, unexpected twists and turns have characterized the history of this station. After a dearth of student-run radio in the early '90s, WSUM began casting on the Internet in 1997. After a conflict concerning the placement of the station's tower was resolved, WSUM began broadcasting over the air in 2002. ""We're standing on the shoulders of many radio stations before us,"" Sarwark said.
Now, with over a year and a half of experience behind them, WSUM is not only relying on the knowledge of the past, but setting their sights on the future. This semester, WSUM is broadcasting the greatest number of live hours in its history and has welcomed 35 new trainees onto its staff. Dean of Students Luoluo Hong even has a spot on Wednesday afternoons.
""Anyone can get involved, it's just a matter of contacting us,"" said WSUM program director, Aaron Honor??.
Adhering to the goals set forth in their mission statement, WSUM hopes to serve the community by training students interested in broadcasting and airing alternative programming.
""There's something for everyone. Pretty much every genre is represented,"" Sarwark said. A switch of the dial to 91.7 proves this statement is not a myth.
It is 5 p.m. and the hosts of ""The House of Boris,"" a literary talk show, are playing Outkast between segments of an interview with Dean Boukopolous, former director of the Wisconsin Book Festival. Quick wit and relevant discussion keep the show from succumbing to stereotypical bookworm banter.
When 7:30 p.m. rolls around, blues from ""Whiskey Drinkin' Music"" reverberate from the speakers. This is not your granpappy's blues show. On the contrary, this blues music infused with rock and Celtic fiddle is sure to chase away every dark cloud from any midterm-ridden skies. Selections from Luther Johnson and Led Zeppelin bring variety to this two hour block of music.
At 12:01 a.m. DJ Kynd and Friends are spinning live mix music. Upbeat, hypnotic, yet never stagnant, this live mix provides an apt soundtrack for late-night studying and bouts of procrastination panic. In the morning, ""Sunrise Rock"" offers a wake-up call far more pleasant than the average alarm clock.
But why stop there? Tune in to ""Almost Like Lucifer,"" a show featuring goth music, or for newcomers unwilling to take that big of a plunge, ""Punk Rock for Sissies"" can be heard on Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m. If dorm cuisine leaves something to be desired, ""The Public Mist Hairy Road Show"" provides cooking recipes every Friday. Go ahead, make Mom proud.
True to its motto, ""innovative radio for independent minds,"" WSUM offers a plethora of choices for the discerning listener. Due to a constantly expanding schedule, WSUM's listening base is growing.
""It's like that article in The Onion. Every DJ likes to think he has a cult following,"" Honor?? said.
To find out more about WSUM, visit their Web site at .
