The Observer, January 27, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 14
WRUW meets FCC standards
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Rapper Eminem once lamented, "So the FCC won't let me be / or let me be me." Not so for Case's radio station, WRUW- 91.1 FM. On a recent inspection by the Ohio Association of Broadcasters (a certified Federal Communications Commission inspector), the station was given a perfect score and granted exemption from any field inspections for the next two years.
However, this doesn't clear the path for a free-for-all on the airwaves. WRUW's general manager, Tim O'Connor, explained that if complaints were filed against them for inappropriate content, the FCC could still take action.
WRUW signed up for the special inspection in the hopes of being granted the two year reprieve. An inspector went to their broadcast tower at Lake Park Tower Site to inspect the power levels and safety of the broadcast. The inspector arrived at the station in Mather Memorial and went through its public files, looking for all the legal paperwork necessary. He also listened to the programming while he was in town.
Aside from profanity, one of the big things that FCC inspectors listen for is the station identification, which must take place once an hour. "The deejay must say exactly, WRUW FM 91.1 Cleveland," said O'Connor. If words are out of order or if there is too much time between identifications, heavy fines may follow. This was an antiquated rule that began before any radios were digital so that a listener could identify a station. Now it is used to ensure a station isn't broadcasting another station's signal.
However, the biggest thing that the FCC listens for is profane or inappropriate content. One slip of the tongue can result in fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars. "The fine for airing [the f-word] at three in the afternoon is larger than if you stole uranium," O'Connor said.
FCC regulations are stricter than they were a few years ago. "Ever since 'Nipplegate' with Janet Jackson, the FCC went nuts. Stuff TV does affects radio," O'Connor said
WRUW is the largest college radio station in Cleveland. They broadcast from the basement of Mather Memorial 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the help of some community members. "We're here on Christmas and New Year's," O'Connor said. The station also just constructed a new studio, with $60,000 worth of state-of-the-art equipment.
WRUW also features live bands every Thursday night at 10 p.m., and is coming out with an emo/punk show and a classical show. For those interested in training for the station, contact Danielle Ciofani at danielle.ciofani@case.edu. For a complete schedule and more station information, visit www.wruw.org.
