What many may not know and even more may not utilize is the fact that NYU has its own radio station: WNYU on 89.1FM. Within the past year, Jonathan Williger has gone from an average musically inclined NYU student to an Internet DJ to one of the station's managers, holding the 4-7:30 slot on Tuesday evenings. Here, he offers College OTR an inside glimpse into what goes into running a radio station, moving up in a competitive industry, and what goes into creating a successful and entertaining use of airtime.

When was WNYU established? 

WNYU first started broadcasting on FM 35 years ago. Before that it operated as a pirate station run out of a dorm. We have two ways of listening, one is online on our webstream on wnyu.org, and then we broadcast on 89.1 FM on weekdays from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. We focus on non-mainstream music and talk, ranging from reggae to hip-hop, noise to indie rock, and beyond. If you hear it anywhere else in the tri-state area, you won’t hear it on WNYU. Unless it’s on Sub Pop. We play the shit outta that stuff. I’d check out our grid online to see exactly what the programs we play cover.
We have a management system here at the station. I am the Program Director, and I am basically in charge of the quality of our FM programming. I coordinate guests on the station, and basically tell the DJs what they can and can’t do. We have a general manager, Dylan DiLella, who runs the station and makes sure everyone is doing what they should, and there are also directors who run the music played, the technology used in the studio, and also NetRadio directors who oversee our online programming.

How long have you been involved?
I have been involved for a little over a year. I shot up in management due to some switch ups, but I am quite glad that I’ve had the opportunity to be such a big part of the station. I also DJ on the New Afternoon Show from 4-7:30 every Tuesday, playing the best new music around!

What different positions are available at a radio station?
There are tons of different ways to get involved. In addition to DJing in the music department, we have news and sports departments that have news and sportscasters that do updates on the hour on both .org and FM. In terms of management positions, I would look on our website under “Contact Us” and it lists all of the management positions we have.

When you first started working there, what were your duties?

I was basically just a DJ, and I was responsible for doing a two hour show every week. I would compile all of the music myself, decide what order to put all of the songs, and then work the board during the show. Each starting DJ runs their own show entirely.

What were your promotions and what was your favorite position to hold?
Doggystyle…But, anyway, I first became the producer of the Sound Between when I was promoted to FM in May. The Sound Between is the new music show on .org. I then became a co-producer of the New Afternoon Show, a show that has been around for almost 30 years, and has been instrumental in breaking tons of legendary bands. Recently we have gotten a thank you in the liner notes on Vivian Girls’ debut album. In September I became the Program Director, and I can say for sure that this has been the most rewarding position I’ve held. I am able to work directly with legendary DJs such as DJ Eclipse and Tim Sweeny, and make a difference in the programming of one of the best college stations in the country (but, I’m a little biased.)

What kind of music have you played on your different radio shows?
I mostly play new releases, with a few relevant old tracks thrown in to mix it up. I play things on labels like Kranky, Holy Mountain, Southern Lord, K, Siltbreeze, Skin Graft…the list could go on and on and on. I tend to drift towards noisey and droney tracks, with some poppy acoustic songs mixed in. The New Afternoon show is quite eclectic, so I’m able to play a variety of music.

What do you hope to eventually do with your experience at WNYU?
I don’t really know. My main reason to join is just to learn more about the music I love, and I don’t really know how much of this experience I’m going to use in the “real world.”

Any great up-and-coming shows that people should tune into? Any favorites?
I love Outside, the experimental/contemporary music show. Reed is a great host, and he has really great guests on too. He had a double bass player on last week who played an hour long improvised drone piece that was just incredible. I’m having Stars of the Lid on my show! That’s going to be exciting. The Halftime Show is also always amazing, as the best rappers and producers are constantly stopping by. This week 88 Keys are coming into the show.

Where do you hope for WNYU to go in its future?
I just hope we continue to bring our listeners the best music. That’s really all we can do.

Where do you think the future of radio is taking New York?
I think that people are getting more and more tired of the mainstream pap that bombards everyone, and stations like WNYU and WFMU are getting more and more popular. I think that soon its stations like these that will begin to get a bigger profile as independent music gains popularity.