GSC Station Says Good bye To 'Wire, Spit and Faith

The Press of Atlantic City, 1991

By CAROL SERVINO
Press Staff Writer

GLASSBORO — Glassboro State College’s radio station, once held together by “wire, spit and a lot of faith,” has undergone a facelift that has not only changed its appearance but also has given it a new sound.

A non-commercial, educational radio station WGLS-FM is also the only radio station in Gloucester County.

On Thursday, more than $70,000 worth of new facilities were officially opened in the Savitz Learning Resources Center on the GSC campus and the station became “WGLS-FM, Stereo 89.7.”

During an open house in the new studios, GSC President, Dr. Mark N. Chamberlain cut through the traditional ribbon, which was actually a strip of electrical tape. On hand to help were Tevis Goldhaft, president of the college board of trustees, and Greg Bassow, president of the Student Government Association, which allocated $57,000 towards the purchase of the new broadcasting equipment.

“My initial reaction (to the thought of new equipment and facilities),” Dr. Chamberlain said during an interview, “was fine, how is it going to cost and who’s going to pay for it.” Once that was worked out, he said, the project had his full support.

WGLS-FM began broadcasting in January 1940 on a low power of the old Administration building. When Chamberlain arrived at the college eight years ago, the station was held together by “wire, spit and a lot of faith,” he said.

Since then, WGLS moved to the rear of the Savitz building and gave a start to several people who are now in professional broadcasting, Chamberlain added. He said that SGA saw fit to fund the endeavor. The new facilities will help everyone.

The new studios, which were constructed by the college maintenance staff, will be used for production work and broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The old studios and equipment, located in the same building, will be used as training areas, according to Larry DiBona, station manager.

Among the 300 to 400 students, faculty and administrators who came to help celebrate during Thursday’s open house were Dr. Alan Donovan, dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Division; Dr. Armand Vorse, dean of Development for Fine and Performing Arts; Dr. John Collins, chairman of the Communication Arts Department; and Robert Collard, associate dean of students.

What’s next for WGLS?

According to faculty co-advisor R. Michael Donovan and Michael Desilets, a proposal has been submitted to the Federal Communications Commission for an increase in power, from 250 watts to 450 watts. Plans are also in the making for a radio and TV major, Donovan said.

“I’m hopeful,” he said, “the faculty will help us through and we’ll be able to bring it about.”