NC High School Radio Station Looks To Represent Local Community

WRAM: Back To School

A CLEVELAND, NC, high school radio station is looking to become the voice of its local community, according to the CLEVELAND NEWS-OBSERVER. Last TUESDAY, CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL took part in "High School Radio Day," in which high school radio stations broadcast on air together for 24 hours to promote awareness.

The adviser of the school's radio station, JOHN WOOD, a social studies and journalism teacher, said 69 stations in 28 states participated. CLEVELAND HIGH’s station was one of three in NORTH CAROLINA to participate.

WOOD, a former journalist with some broadcast experience, said he had always wanted to start a radio station at the school. He applied for, and received, two grants from the local JOHNSTON COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION for $1,500 each. In late JANUARY, after WINTER break, they did a soft launch.

“It was always in the back of my mind because I knew these kids could benefit from it,” WOOD said.

The station plays news, sports, music, talk and local weather. Most of the music aired doesn’t get much radio play. Many of the artists are local, designed to give them more exposure.

Wood said the station averages 100 listeners a day.

“We want to eventually get to the point to where you turn it on you can hear what’s happening locally,” WOOD said. “Stuff that is community specific that you may not hear on the big station.”

The station has a core group of 12 students and some others who help out from time to time.

RALPH McCLURE, who goes by DJ RALPHIE BOY, said he joined the radio station after learning about it in WOODS’ journalism class. He serves as the production manager of the radio station.

“Being in his classes before and seeing how he teaches things and seeing his passion for it, it excited me and it made me want to do it,” McCLURE, a senior, said. “He said if this goes well, I can get you jobs in this, I can get you careers in this.”

WOOD has used the first grant to help pay for radio expenses, while the second $1,500 still hangs on the door as a reminder of the support he’s received.

To listen to the station, go to wramradio.org or download the WRAM radio app for APPLE devices. Or if you have an ANDROID, on GOOGLE PLAY.

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