Managing college radio: Understanding American college stations through their management practices

Abstract

Abstract Effectively managing any media organization is a difficult task. College radio stations face challenges both common and unique to their professional counterparts, and are often led by students with little or no previous management experience. This study examined management practices of student-led FM college radio broadcast stations in the United States and provides a contemporary review of the programming, practices and challenges associated with today’s campus stations. Results indicated that college stations today function at a great variety of levels, from subsistence to abundance. The importance of student management teams was recognized, with primary concerns surrounding funding and lack of support from various constituencies. Concluding comments from leaders of student-led stations around the United States addressed numerous areas of concern and cited several benefits of college radio, both for students interested in media careers and for those simply looking to improve their speaking, writing and leadership skills.