1973

1973

1973

By 1973, Glassboro State College moved control of WGLS-FM from the Library Department to the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Dean Armand Vorce and the college were deciding whether to keep the station or surrender the broadcast license back to the FCC due to management and operational issues. Student Station Manager Jim Servino launched an initative to allow the students to re-organize WGLS-FM and make necesary changes.

Below are the original correspondences that began the students' efforts to save 89.7 WGLS-FM courtesy of Jim Servino. 

(Click on the page scans to expand.)

May 7, 1973 Dean Armand Vorce, The following is a list of suggestions and ideas for the future of WGLS-FM as requested following Friday’s conversation. PROGRAMMING Educational programs to be derived within the college resources (i.e. cultural programs at the Wilson Music Building, music concerts, speeches, lectures, etc. and the utilization of the talents of the students, faculty, and staff members of Glassboro State College.) a) These programs are to be edited down to a consistent taped form. b) They are to be programmed into proper time slots to insure general interest. c) Proper publicity d) Storage of taped programs at WGLS-FM for future use. Diversified music shows programmed to fit the interests of the audience. STUDENT MANAGEMENT Realignment of Executive Staff (i.e. creation of Recordings Technician to supervise the coordination of on campus recordings.) In considering these suggestions, please bear in mind that any decisions concerning the programming or management of WGLS-FM, should be made with the greatest expediency. Sincerely, James M. Servino Jeff Weber Anthony Ambenito

July 9, 1973 Dean Vorce I noticed the date and realized that it is less than fifty days before our proposed Fall Semester sign on date for WGLS FM. Needless to say that it leaves little time to prepare. I do realize however that your decision about the station is not easy and I understand that there are certain aspects I might not be aware of. I just wanted to bring to your attention some of the preparations which will have to be made before the sign on date of August 25, 1973. notification of station personnel scheduling of programs for the semester notification of UPI for service preparations for Freshman Orientation Week notification of all record companies editing of tapes from the Wilson Music Building for special cultural music shows These are only some of the jobs which have to be taken care of. The running of a college radio station is not an easy job. I know, I am sure Bob Blake knows and I believe you know from your previous and present experience. The station must function as a well oiled machine with everyone doing their part. This is what I foresee for the radio station. Everyone doing their part for an air product. One that WGLS and Glassboro State College can be proud of.

I have visited a few college stations in my spare time. Many general managers know Bob Blake from past meetings of the New Jersey Association of Educational Broadcasters, I believe it is called. Many had certain things in common. I would like to highlight WFDU FM, “the Voice of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck.” It is a 5,000 watt stereo station serving the New York metropolitan area. The general manager, chief engineer and private secretary are paid professionals while the students producing programs are paid by the general manager from the station’s budget. They specialize in country music because of the lack of country stations in the area. Other stations are solely cultural and are successful because of their wide coverage to a select audience. The general managers I spoke to agreed that their format could not be successful on a small scale basis. You mentioned to me at one of our meetings that towards the end of the year you would like to see some plans for the future of WGLS. The plans which I have for the future begin with this fall semester. Realizing our limited coverage, I adopted the plan to serve the audience we now reach, mainly the college and surrounding community. I propose to give them the cultural, informational and entertainment programs which they would enjoy. This would build up a listenership and a name for WGLS. As soon as possible, start investigations and proceedings for wider coverage and a change in programming. WGLS FM could easily become the cultural focal point of South Jersey, if that is what the college determines, but it must have an audience

behind it. It has to assure its listeners and the college that it is a good radio station becoming better, and above all, the station knows what it is doing. We have the potential of exceeding your hopes and those of the college. Frankly, I know that Bob Blake would never approve of me becoming station manager. I believe it is partly due to my observation why he failed and my goal of making the station succeed. I shared my excitement and ideas with my fellow students at the station and also with George Freibis, Bill Mollenhauer and especially with Denny Mercier, professor of communications. He became frustrated with the station as I did at times, yet he encouraged me and does back my efforts wholeheartedly. I interpret this symbolically as faculty working with students for the betterment of the college through the radio station, also resulting in a beneficial educational experience. I would like to remind you of the urgency of your decision about the radio station. I will of course attend any meetings and will answer questions, if you prefer, by correspondence. I anxiously await your reply, Sincerely, Jim Servino