WBSU 89.1 The Point’s Operations Manager Hunter Wright breaks down the ins and outs of running the largest student-run radio station in New York and how this experience has set him up to succeed after graduation.
Q: What is WBSU 89.1 The Point?
A: 89.1 is a student-run radio station that operates 24/7. We serve the public through the entertainment of music (Alternative and Top 40) and other programs such as election interviews, shows, and specials. We are a friendly environment and accept everyone. The station houses nine departments for both practical and variety purposes. We have won awards both nationally and state-wide while taking annual conference trips for student development purposes.
Q: What is The Point’s overall mission?
A: WBSU’s overall mission is to provide students, faculty, staff, administrators, and surrounding local populations radio programming which serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity. It also provides SUNY Brockport students a facility to gain experience in broadcasting, engineering, programming, and other learning opportunities to supplement those currently being offered by the Department of Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations.
Student using the 89.1 soundboard
We provide a forum for all items of interest to the University and community and we are accessible to those who wish to make use of the facilities to serve the public, in accordance with prevailing FCC and SUNY guidelines. WBSU provides this charter in exchange for annual funding as a “Priority Service” of the Brockport Student Government.
Q: What are the three most fun or interesting things about The Point?
A: The three most interesting facts I know about The Point are:
- The Point is the largest student-run radio station in New York.
- Successful careers out of college are a possibility with us. Our alumni have gone on to be successful after graduating. A good portion currently work in large markets such as ESPN, MSNBC, the Buffalo Bills, iHeart, and more.
- We won about fifty or so awards over the past thirty years, both nation- and state-wide.
Q: How has your involvement or leadership role impacted your career trajectories?
A: My horizons have opened because of this station and the position that I am in now. It is a great resume booster. It has accelerated my abilities in sales, marketing, personality, professionalism, communication skills, hard skills in technology and troubleshooting, work ethic, contacts with professionals in the media field, writing, social media. leadership, finance of budgets than exceed $100,000, and many other aspects. Employers from local media companies are more interested in hiring me now than before I started working at The Point.