The Alternation Radio
The Alternation radio station is the student-run station at Gulf Coast State College. It is known as WKGC 90.7 HD-3. The student station first started out in the hallway of the Digital Media department located in the Advanced Technology Building but now it is housed what used to be the cafeteria on campus. It is affectionally known as The Fishbowl.
The Alternation Radio was born out of the main station of WKGC 90.7 HD1 and was founded to help future broadcasting students hone their skills as radio jocks and learn the skills needed for a career in radio. In addition to new students coming into radio classes, there are also student assistants that help staff the airwaves as well.
Do You Want to Have a Radio Show with Your Friend?
Because of the teaching atmosphere of the Alternation radio, students are meant to have fun in the fishbowl. And this can be done with friends as well. If you and your friend have always wanted to start a podcast talking about video games, new music, or Florida man stories, the Alternation radio can be the perfect place to start. And because our Wheatstone Skimmer records everything that goes out on the HD station, it can be archived as well.
Why You Should Take a Radio Class
The station provides a hands-on experience for incoming students and enables each student to learn critical skills in the day-to-day operations of radio as well as creating their own shows that are broadcast live. When students sign up to take a radio class, they learn a variety of skills not just related to radio.
The Skills You Can Learn
Some of the things that students will learn when they take a radio class at Gulf Coast State College are how to interview people, public speaking techniques, scripting, radio prep, proper mic technique, and the basic board OPS required to run an air shift. Each of these skills helps prepare radio students for success when taking the class for the first time.
By learning these skills, you can create a unique show that your family and friends will listen to. And in the end can be spread to their family and friends, making you a DJ that people from all over the state, country, and even world listen to.
Interviewing and Public Speaking Aren’t That Bad, Right?
Learning to interview and public speaking can give people skills for future jobs. Students learn the 5 W’s and 1 H which stands for Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. In radio, the job of the DJ is to get the most crucial information from the guest to the listener.
Radio Prep
Learning how to radio prep and script a show can help when planning the next school project or job assignment. This style of writing is mostly related to how DJs will speak naturally on air.
By writing out what will be said, people can prepare presentations that sound natural and earnest.
Technical Aspects
Proper mic technique and running board ops can even help start a podcast or open a studio. In the days of Covid-19, podcasts and home studios have become an outlet for some people.
Everyone has a story to tell and knowing mic technique and the best equipment can set others apart from amateurs.
Join The Alternation Today!
Each of these aspects can play a role in your life, even if you do not continue a broadcasting career. The skills and techniques learned from taking a radio class in The Alternation can be utilized throughout your time at Gulf Coast State College and into a career. This can also be the best time to have fun and be someone else on the air. Perfecting your radio personality is only the beginning!
If you are interested in joining the Alternation radio station, contact Dr. Goines and she will be able to get you signed up and ready to jump on the airwaves. The website, thealternationradio.com also has more information on the student station, the jocks that are on air right now, and our HD3 player to listen live.
Dr. Erika Goines
Associate Professor
850.769.1551 ext. 5886
egoines@gulfcoast.edu
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dana Erskine
Student Author - Spring 2021
