Old Westbury Web Radio – OWWR, participated for the 8th time during World College Radio Day when it was held on Friday, October 7, 2022. Over 700 radio stations in 50 different countries on six continents took part in the event.
The goal of World College Radio Day is to raise the profile of college radio stations across the world and encourage increased student participation in the medium of college radio. The day is also designed to encourage people who would not normally tune into their local college radio station to do so, and continue listening in the future.
“College radio stations are an asset to all institutions globally as students take center stage where their members act in the interest, convenience and necessity of the public," said OWWR Station Manager and Media & Communications instructor Joe Manfredi. “These stations are a unique center where students learn the value of free speech, democracy and storytelling. College radio stations foster student’s growth and understanding that demonstrates real impact. Students that participate in college radio hail from multiple intelligences and disciplines, as their program wheel spins which provides a platform for constructive, meaningful and productive conversation, and exploration on a variety of topics. Our stations teach responsibility, professionalism, ethics, morals and values, as we create an all inclusive, productive, safe, fun and successful learning experience. These facilities are also used to recruit and retain students. These stations are student operated, and they are applied learning service based academic spaces, where students engage in self-discovery, while simultaneously fostering community creating relationships that last a lifetime. College radio stations where students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers work as one. To be able to celebrate 'World College on Radio Day', on OWWR, Old Westbury Web Radio is truly a celebration of our college community, and colleges worldwide, and we celebrate our diversity, our continuing mission, and our on-air programming. The power and community of college radio still inspires folks around the world, and we do that here on OWWR and at SUNY Old Westbury.”
The theme for World College Radio Day this year was “Voices of Peace”, and singer and artist Julian Lennon was this year’s Ambassador. OWWR shared a variety of live programming to celebrate the day and encourage the theme of peace.