KAYLA HASTRUP AND MARISSA HYMAN
Staff Writers

It was one year ago that WFDM-FM, the College at Florham’s radio station, moved to the Student Center in order to better broadcast to the student body. The main goal in mind for WFDM was to become the voice of the College of Florham. Also they wanted to offer services for clubs to advertise events, and provide time slots for those who wanted to broadcast a radio show.
This semester, WFDM no longer exists in the Student Center. It has left the building, leaving some students questioning its untimely departure and its future plans. Now, WFDM is raising its voice, and assuring the campus population that it is far from being over.
Stephanie Gentile, former president of WFDM, said that the radio had moved from the Student Center to NAB because she, Dean of Students Brian Mauro, and Department of Communication Studies Chair Jennifer Lehr had all agreed on the move.
“I cannot speak for Dean Mauro or Dr. Lehr, but I feel that radio needs to get built up to be a stronger station, before moving to a space in the Student Center. The station must be deserving of getting space back in the Student Center,” said Gentile.
The radio is here for the student body to represent the voices of the College at Florham, Gentile said. She also mentioned that a survey was sent around to the student body, asking students what music they prefer, in order for the radio to better select songs to air.
“Whatever the body wants to hear, in respect to our rules and regulations set forth that we must follow, the station will play the type of music that wants to be heard,” she said.
Gordon Baker Bone, another radio member, confirmed what Gentile had said about WFDM’s move.
“Some say it moved because we didn’t utilize the space given to us; others say it was because the school needed it for more office space,” he said. “But we are now located on the first floor of NAB. Radio wants to provide something for all students to enjoy, so we’ll try to have a wide variety of music.”
Elise Kaplan, who was recently appointed president, said that although relocating to NAB may seem like a setback, there is some positive regard for the new location.
“Being in the NAB has positive aspects because it’s in a location where all students, including commuters, can look inside our room and see a live radio show going on,” said Kaplan.
The way in which students will be able to see the radio is through two large windows, which is currently covered in posters.
As soon as the radio is up and running and the studio has been reorganized, the windows will be free of posters, allowing students to see in.
“The radio is just like every other radio station. There will be different shows, and each show will have its own particular genre of music to play, or even just a talk show,” said Kaplan.
“Radio is open to anything, and that is why it will be so great to listen to, because it will be available to everyone’s interests on or off campus.”
Though WFDM is going through its changes, it is now more than happy to welcome anyone who would like to start their own show, as long as it meets with the Federal Communications Commission regulations.
Simone Hawkins, treasurer of WFDM, said that the reason why the radio had to move was because nothing was getting done.
“According to our adviser, we were ‘unworthy’ of having a location in the Student Center,” said Hawkins. “I agree that radio needs some TLC from its members. So, I guess the school had to do what it had to do.”
Hawkins also mentioned that people will soon have the option of having their own show.
“We are currently undergoing some maintenance issues, but as soon as everything is sorted out, we will be giving time slots to whoever would like their own show,” she said.
WFDM is currently looking for students who want to start up their own radio show, or work behind the scenes, said Kaplan. Those who want to do a show get to pick what time slot they want their shows to be aired.
“The radio station is flexible in its time slots,” Gentile said. “So if a student has classes going from 9:55 a.m. straight through to 2 p.m., then the student can have their show on the air at anytime after 2 p.m. Radio will not deny a student for not being available during a certain time.”
Kaplan said that she looks forward to getting the new station up and running, at which point students will be able to visit Fduradio.org and listen to the shows.
“Once we are finally up and running, FDU will have a radio station again,” she said. “Hopefully it will be even better than it was.”