Radio Western: The Ultimate Campus Hub
When was the last time you truly listened to the radio? Not just as background noise during your commute or for a few seconds before connecting your phone to the car, but really listened—with an ear attuned to the stories, melodies, and the heartbeat of a community?
Situated within the University Community Centre (UCC), Radio Western at Western University is striving to redefine the way people perceive and experience radio. Broadcasting 24/7 on 94.9 FM, the station offers a platform for students and the broader London community to tune in and enjoy local voices and diverse content, ranging from curated playlists to talk shows.
Aria, a Western student and the host of Aria Untitled, describes Radio Western as a “Community with diverse programming opportunities for individuals interested in radio.” While it might be unfamiliar to many Western students, for those involved, it’s often described as “their favorite place on campus.”
Similar to most students, Jonah, now the show host of Jonah Sais-Quoi?, was unaware of Radio Western for most of his university career. It wasn’t until his first year as a Master’s student that he stumbled upon the station while driving. This encounter inspired him to share his love for music with others through radio.
At Radio Western, students have the chance to actively engage by contributing as volunteers. Simon, the host of Simon’s Se Souvient, began his Radio Western journey through volunteering. Seeking a club or community aligned with his passion for music and public interaction, Simon found Radio Western to be the perfect match. Starting as a volunteer, Simon dedicated much of his time to assisting various activities at Radio Western, forming connections with fellow show hosts. His passion and commitment eventually led him to become a show host. Currently in his third year, Simon plans to continue volunteering and hosting shows in the coming school year.
Radio Western serves as a space for creative freedom. While hosting a radio show may come with its challenges, Jonah explained the experience as seamless, calling Radio Western a “sanctuary.” Similarly, Simon expressed the unwavering support from other members and the lack of restrictions, allowing hosts to express themselves and their interests within a wider community.
Being a radio host offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. For Jonah, hosting has taught him to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations. Hosting a show, he said, is “like your cooking,” making you better at multitasking and improvising. Through hosting, Jonah has found that his stress has reduced, providing an escape from academic pressures.
With the nature of hosting being so broad, there is also lots of room for discovering new interests and experimentation. For instance, through Radio Western, Simon learned how to use an analog synthesizer, earning him a new understanding and love for music. Similarly, Clara, host of Arcade Blues, has improved her sound engineering and editing skills at Radio Western. Most hosts have discovered new artists and genres of music they enjoy, as part of the job involves curating weekly playlists.
Individuals are not limited to music though, and can integrate news into their shows or focus on creating a multicultural or talk show. Clara shared that “Whatever it is you may be into, you can probably make a show out of it.” Talking about current news and interviewing artists are just some of the directions people can take a radio show at Radio Western.
While there is so much room for creativity and exploration at Radio Western, all hosts suggest that for anyone interested in radio or becoming a host, get specific about what you like, figure out what you want to share with the world and your community, be passionate, and have a willingness to learn. Above all, Jonah said that if you’re wanting to get into radio, “Just do it!”
Radio Western is an amazing space for students and other individuals seeking an expansive and unpredictable experience filled with fun and lessons. For those interested in learning more about Radio Western, please visit https://radiowestern.ca/.
“Radio Western is dynamic and diverse– there is a place for everyone.” – Clara
Thank you to show hosts Jonah, Aria, Simon, and Clara, as well as any others who expressed interest in sharing their experiences at Radio Western for the purpose of this story.
