WESU/88.1 FM – a community service of Wesleyan University – is celebrating its 85th anniversary! The station’s longevity is a testament to its commitment to enrich the lives of listeners, while convening a cross-section of community in the interest of sharing ideas and engaging in dialogue. In recent years this work has been especially important, as communities across Connecticut and beyond continue to negotiate the profoundly isolating effects of a global pandemic and an intensely polarized political environment.
In a unique partnership – residents from across the state, Wesleyan students and faculty collaborate to produce radio programming with the intent to keep our social fabric intact – a charge which is unfortunately not a priority of mainstream media.
“When you come to a WESU staff meeting,” says Ben Michael who has managed the station for over two decades, “you’ll see nearly 100 folks from the community, all from different walks of life.” In the work of WESU/88.1FM, we are reminded that the connective tissue of common human experience and shared local interests are the foundations upon which new possibilities in civic and community life can be realized.
One has to look no further than to Pastor Marichal Monts’ The Gospel Express – launched by the Hartford native and 1985 graduate of Wesleyan University in November of 1981. Although this staple program will retire from air in the coming weeks, it has long met community interest and been a centerpiece of gospel music programming which includes; Total Praise, Soul Gospel, and The Gospel Explosion. The station’s commitment to free-form radio has also been exhibited in its history as an important source of hip-hop music and culture, and in the nearly 90 hours of public affairs programming it airs weekly.
Beginning this academic year, WESU/88.1FM will launch a new program, Engage Radio –which will feature story telling about civic engagement initiatives across Connecticut and beyond.
Join us as we commemorate the station’s 85 years of service. Visit wesufm.org for additional information about WESU/88.1FM, upcoming 85th anniversary events, and the launch of Engage Radio. Please reach out WESU/88.1FM General Manager, Ben Michael (bmichael@wesleyan.edu) if you have questions or would like additional information.
Ben Michael, General Manager – WESU/88.1FM
Clifton Watson, Director – Jewett Center for Community Partnerships
