WVUA-FM

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WVUA-FM
City of license Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Branding 90.7 The Capstone
Slogan "The Voice of the University of Alabama"
Frequency 90.7 FM
Format Alternative Rock
ERP 120 watts
HAAT 161 feet
Class Class 214A
Transmitter Coordinates 33°12′33″N, 87°32′57″W
Callsign meaning The Voice of the University of Alabama
Owner The University of Alabama
Sister stations WVUA-CA, WUOA, & WUAL
Website http://www.wvuafm.ua.edu

WVUA-FM (90.7 FM) is the student-run radio station at the University of Alabama. The station was established for the purpose of giving students an environment in which they could learn to be radio broadcasters.

[edit] History

WVUA was chartered in 1981, and in its twenty-five years has changed its name a few times. It has been referred to as "V-91" and "New Rock 90.7." but it currently operates under the branding, "The Capstone 90.7." (The Capstone is an affectionate nickname for the University of Alabama.) Originally, the "VUA" in the station's call letters was used to suggest the "Voice of the University of Alabama," which is a tagline the station often uses.

Starting in May of 2007, the station started a revitalization project to make it "an agent for a collaborative community." This effort included collaborations with the SGA, The Crimson White, College of Nursing, Stillman College, University Programs, and more.

The station is the only station in Tuscaloosa dedicated to playing local music. It also sponsors benefits which showcase local bands, giveaways, and contests to raise money for station operation.

About two-thirds of WVUA operating budget is raised through sponsorships, benefits and other student-led fundraising efforts.

WVUA also uses the tagline "The Capstone Sports Authority." Its sports staff has the opportunity to broadcast virtually every UA sporting event, with the exception of football. WVUA broadcasts baseball, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball among other sports. It is the exclusive radio home for UA softball and UA gymnastics.

[edit] Programming

During the day, the station is mostly dedicated to its format of "alternative rock," but the formatting often varies at night. Regular, or "playlist" DJs are typically new to the air and have little choice in what music they play. Night shifts are given to "specialty" DJs who have more liberty in making their music selections. Specialty shows have been known to be dedicated to one specific genre of music such as soul or folk.

A sampling of WVUA's specialty shows includes:

  • "Hot Buttered Soul" -- a show featuring classic soul music which airs Mondays from 10-12 P.M.
  • "The Kraut Power Double Hour" -- 2 hours of intense German Music ranging from Electronic Dance Music, through Rock to Hip Hop and Reggae. Saturdays 8-10pm.
  • "The Metal Zone" -- the longest running show on WVUA, which plays a large assortment of heavy metal, playing on Fridays between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

WVUA can be heard through internet broadcasts by visiting the station Website, The Capstone 90.7.

WVUA is maintained by the Office of Student Media, which is also the parent organization of UA's campus newspaper, The Crimson White.

WVUA is located in Reese Phifer Hall, home to UA's College of Communication and Information Sciences. The building also houses commercial television station WVUA-CA and WUAL-FM 91.5, which is the Tuscaloosa station and base for Alabama Public Radio.

[edit] External links