Dartmouth College Radio Station WDCR Transitions To Internet Platform!
Dartmouth Broadcasting's WDCR-AM now reaches a worldwide audience as an internet-only radio station.
Hanover, New Hampshire. October 29, 2008 - Dartmouth College's radio station WDCR-AM is now broadcast solely over the Internet, gaining a worldwide audience. The former terrestrial AM station began its transition in late summer and completed the process recently. The station's signal can be received anywhere in the world by going to www.webdcr.com .
"Students have already been enjoying WDCR over the Internet for the past year," said Pavel Sotskov '09, Dartmouth Broadcasting's General Manager. "A Wi-Fi enabled laptop had replaced the boom box of the past as a way to enjoy radio."
WDCR is an entirely student-run radio station that caters to diverse musical tastes. It's daytime classic rock format is replaced by student shows every evening. In addition, WDCR features broadcasts of baseball, men's basketball, and women's hockey. It is also home to the Dartmouth Election Network. Dartmouth College's entire campus is Wi-Fi enabled. All students with laptop computers are able to receive the WDCR signal.
Over the years, Dartmouth Broadcasting has transitioned to the most modern transmission system. It started as a closed circuit "carrier-current" system to over the air AM, to both AM and FM over the air. Migrating WDCR to web-only operation represents a continuation of this tradition of innovation. It will also reduce the cost of maintaining a terrestrial station.
"An evaluation of the costs of maintaining the AM transmitter and a recognition that Dartmouth students listen to their student-DJ friends' WDCR broadcasts online led us to choose to make this change," said Sotskov.
"Over the past decade the Board of Overseers has noticed that students consume radio in a different way than we did as students," said Tim Reynolds '91, chairman of the Dartmouth Broadcasting Board of Overseers. This group of broadcasting and other professional alumni advise the student directorate, "The student management realized it as well and decided to make the change and follow their audience," Reynolds said.
Joe Cassidy, Dean of Student Life explains that, "For over half a century, the College has been and remains committed to providing a broadcasting experience that is relevant to current students. From its early years as a carrier current station to internet web-streamed broadcasts today, Dartmouth Broadcasting has continued to evolve and respond to changing technology and student interest. DB has been and continues to provide students a wonderful educational opportunity and social outlet."
Dartmouth Broadcasting will continue to operate WFRD-FM, 99Rock, as a traditional FM broadcast station. WFRD-FM will also continue to broadcast and webcast various Dartmouth Sports games, including football.
About Dartmouth Broadcasting:
Dartmouth Broadcasting is an entirely student-managed company that incorporates WDCR, an Internet radio station, and WFRD-FM (99 Rock), an FM active rock station. Founded in 1938 as carrier current station WDBS, the company has transitioned over the years to different broadcast platforms. It is owned by the Trustees of Dartmouth College.
Contact:
Schuyler Evans '10, General Manager
Dartmouth Broadcasting
603-646-3313
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~brdcast/
Bob Kirkpatrick '72 and Stuart Zuckerman '70, Co-Chairmen
Dartmouth Broadcasting Board of Overseers