The media at Wellesley: A look into WCTV and WLZY 2

Somewhere, beyond the reflecting ripples of Lake Waban and amidst the acorn-strewn green of the Academic Quad, exists a place known as Electric Ladyland. In this place, music reins supreme and college students become professionals for a moment in time. But before you haul off tunneling in attempt to find this region of lore, you should know that this Electric Ladyland is more a state of mind than of being, a sort of nom de guerre for WZLY, Wellesley's resident radio station.

Broadcasting seven days a week at 91.5 FM, WZLY has been supplying students with music and entertainment since 1942.

WZLY focuses on allowing members to broadcast their own two-hour radio show every week, making it a unique experience from other organizations on campus. The system allows for DJs to experience an environment as close as one could find to a professional radio system.

"I think what people find so interesting about WZLY, and why they want to join, is that they can't believe that they can just turn on the radio and hear someone from college. It's the closest thing we have to a professional broadcaster," said Hallie Santo '12.Santo, who is in her fifth semester as a DJ for WZLY, is intern coordinator this year. Her show "From Russia With Love" broadcasts Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. Santo also notes that WZLY, unlike other organizations on campus, has a large audience, extending well outside the boundaries of the College.

"With our online broadcasting, we have such a broad audience. People who are abroad, or people's parents, can just turn on and listen," she said.

WZLY maintains an active role in the Wellesley community, as well. In addition to broadcasting seven days a week, WZLY typically throws one campus-wide party, as well as at least one concert throughout the semester. While Santo notes that the date and theme for the party will most likely be announced nearer to November, Esther Gonzalez '13, programming director for WZLY, suggests that there might be more events to look forward to as well.

"We're trying to have more smaller concerts than we have had in the past. We're also trying to get more genres in our concerts," Gonzalez wrote in an e-mail. "We're still going to have a moderately large concert at the end of the semester, but we are still trying to figure out who we want. Be on the lookout!"

The impact of WZLY on the lives of those directly involved is extremely palpable as well. The organization, which possesses a desire for a diverse group of participants, allows individuals to come together and share in the common bond of music. While the idea of being on live radio for two hours might be intimidating to those looking to get involved, Santo is confident that the rewards that come with WZLY outweigh potential fears. "Talking on the radio is definitely something that takes getting used to; everyone is a little nervous at first. But it's fun. It's just fun to be able to play your own music on air and have people listen to you," she said. "The idea of being able to play your own music helps people get over their fears."

Santo credits her participation in WZLY with making her a more outgoing individual. She has formed strong bonds through radio, noting that two of her closest friends were once interns for her.

If you want to get involved with WZLY, Santo stresses that it's never too late to become a part of radio. Anyone can have a show on WZLY, so long as they complete eight hours of interning with the station and pass both a written and practical exam, proving that they are skilled DJs. As intern coordinator, Santo encourges those interested to contact her as soon as possible, so that she can pair them with a DJ and get them started on their intern hours. Santo notes that WZLY is the perfect place for those looking to share their passion for music, or to just be a part of an enthusiastic campus community.

"Music is definitely something you can bond over," she said. "When you share your music, you are sharing a part of yourself."