Radio station a community staple, student workplace
Cody Ewers
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News
The first robin sighting of 2009 was in Camden Mich., and Hillsdale County residents knew where to tune in to find that out.
They tuned in to the radio station, 92.1 WCSR.
Residents listen to the station if they've lost a pet, need to sell or buy something, find out which movies are playing and when, or just want to find out what is going on in the world outside Hillsdale.
In an age of complex technology, 92.1 WCSR, Hillsdale County's only locally owned radio station, still kicks it old school, promoting a strong sense of community in such an isolated suburban county.
The station, founded in 1955 by Anthony Flynn, still remains a family business and Hillsdale's Grand Central Station of information.
"We stress local events," said Bob Flynn, WCSR's program director and voice of 92.1. "That's why we have such a good rapport with the community. All the decisions aren't made based on profits, rather what benefits the listeners."
Flynn has worked for WCSR for 20 years now, playing tunes for the adult/contemporary audience and has been voted favorite D.J. in the Hillsdale County People's Choice awards.
Hillsdale College sophomore Elliot Gaiser began working at the station as a radio technician the second week of school and already receives about 30 minutes of airtime each week, reading weather, news and introducing programs.
Gaiser's paid job at WCSR also awards him three college credits that count towards his speech major. Gaiser hopes to use the experience he gains at the station to help with a future in talk radio.
"Rush can't live forever," Gaiser said. "Radio is an imperfect art because there is no going back - it's all in real time. I love it because it's always an adventure."
Gaiser said working for the radio station has given him a newfound appreciation for Hillsdale residents.
Senior Philip Zoutendam agrees, reflecting on the eight months he spent at WCSR.
"You see the other side of Hillsdale when you work there," said Zoutendam, remembering various odd items Hillsdale residents submitted to be sold on the "Sell and Swap Shop" show that broadcasts every night at 6 p.m. "[WCSR] is a pillar of the community, no doubt."
Zoutendam also said there is a perception in the community that the radio station has a sort of benevolent knowledge.
He said one time a track coach called the station asking if they had an updated weather forecast.
The Federal Communications Commission sanctioned WCSR as an adult/contemporary radio station that plays, as Zoutendam says, virtually everything. They also broadcast local sports games, including Charger basketball, volleyball and football matches.
When Gaiser gets to choose, he mixes alternative bands like Coldplay, Green Day and Smash Mouth with classic Beatles tunes and a few oldies.
They tuned in to the radio station, 92.1 WCSR.
Residents listen to the station if they've lost a pet, need to sell or buy something, find out which movies are playing and when, or just want to find out what is going on in the world outside Hillsdale.
In an age of complex technology, 92.1 WCSR, Hillsdale County's only locally owned radio station, still kicks it old school, promoting a strong sense of community in such an isolated suburban county.
The station, founded in 1955 by Anthony Flynn, still remains a family business and Hillsdale's Grand Central Station of information.
"We stress local events," said Bob Flynn, WCSR's program director and voice of 92.1. "That's why we have such a good rapport with the community. All the decisions aren't made based on profits, rather what benefits the listeners."
Flynn has worked for WCSR for 20 years now, playing tunes for the adult/contemporary audience and has been voted favorite D.J. in the Hillsdale County People's Choice awards.
Hillsdale College sophomore Elliot Gaiser began working at the station as a radio technician the second week of school and already receives about 30 minutes of airtime each week, reading weather, news and introducing programs.
Gaiser's paid job at WCSR also awards him three college credits that count towards his speech major. Gaiser hopes to use the experience he gains at the station to help with a future in talk radio.
"Rush can't live forever," Gaiser said. "Radio is an imperfect art because there is no going back - it's all in real time. I love it because it's always an adventure."
Gaiser said working for the radio station has given him a newfound appreciation for Hillsdale residents.
Senior Philip Zoutendam agrees, reflecting on the eight months he spent at WCSR.
"You see the other side of Hillsdale when you work there," said Zoutendam, remembering various odd items Hillsdale residents submitted to be sold on the "Sell and Swap Shop" show that broadcasts every night at 6 p.m. "[WCSR] is a pillar of the community, no doubt."
Zoutendam also said there is a perception in the community that the radio station has a sort of benevolent knowledge.
He said one time a track coach called the station asking if they had an updated weather forecast.
The Federal Communications Commission sanctioned WCSR as an adult/contemporary radio station that plays, as Zoutendam says, virtually everything. They also broadcast local sports games, including Charger basketball, volleyball and football matches.
When Gaiser gets to choose, he mixes alternative bands like Coldplay, Green Day and Smash Mouth with classic Beatles tunes and a few oldies.
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