Homeschool field trip: a trek to 91.9 New Life, Charlotte’s Christian Radio station.
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3
My oldest expressed an interest in Communications, my middle child is a performer at heart, and my youngest loves this radio station. It seemed like a good way to view career choices in this field and to learn something about radio in general.
Renee Gleason , the Office Manager, showed us in and around the station. She was informative and knew about all the day to day operations.
The radio tower is 51 stories high and transmits a signal in 91,900,000 pulses per second…hence the name, 91.9. This is true off all radio stations (with their respective numbers) and is how your radio picks up the signal. The signal transmits at the speed of light. Isn’t that interesting?
The station is a one hundred percent listener supported ministry.
Famous performers and guests leave wall autographs.
91.9 has a large presence: Columbia, SC (WMHK at 89.7); Charlotte’s 91.9, Nueve Vida; (HD 91.9-3); and Morph Radio (HD 91.9-2).
Most of 91.9’s listeners fall with women in the 28-51 age range.
Morph radio is High Definition radio that is more upbeat and is geared towards a younger demographic; 18-28. It was created to fill that niche. You need to have an HD radio in order for it to pick up the signal, or you can listen online at www.morphradio.com.
Nueva Vida , which means New Life in Spanish, is for the Spanish speaking demographic and originates in Miami, Florida.
Dwayne Harrison is the Program Director. He played several spots he had pre-recorded and showed how the seconds of songs are timed perfectly so hosts do not speak when lyrics begin. Dwayne knows his music and discussed demographics and the research that goes into choosing the songs you hear. All music is downloaded from the internet rather than using cd’s.
91.9 celebrated their 20th anniversary this year.
Our Adventure Group went to 91.9 for a field trip years ago when the kids were small.
Look familiar? Here are 2 pics from 2004! (Funny… he looks like he has on the same shirt 9 years later!)
Dwayne Harrison in 2004, demonstrating technology to 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds.
Adventure Group in 2004 at New Life 91.9
2013 all grown up
Josh Uecker is the Creative Director and is responsible for jingles and all the radio spots you hear on 91.9. He told us about sound effects he uses and how he sometimes creates his own.
His wants his last words to be, “Huh? I wonder what this does…” Gotta love that!
Josh allowed the younger kids to record “91.9”, “family friendly”, and “WHMK” (the station in Columbia, SC.) in unison. He expects to use this in a future spot.
He let the older kids record as well. They are excited and hoping he will use it in November for a spot he is working on for that time. He needed teenagers that were embarrassed by their mothers. We had the perfect actresses for the job!
Josh Ueker was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and we are most thankful for the opportunity to be involved in such a unique way. Who knows? Some of these kids may work in radio or communications. This tour was a great way to determine interest.
Thank you, Renee and 91.9, for peaking the interest of radio in our students. Your professionalism in how you represented the station is impressive. This was an unforgettable field trip.
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
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