On Monday at noon, faculty and staff gathered in the Searle Center with supporters of the college to dedicate WRFH, Hillsdale’s new radio station.
The studio, located in the Dow Leadership Center, was installed this summer by the Bold Gold Media Group, and began broadcasting patriotic music on July 10.
“We wanted a radio station because we think it will become an excellent device to help our students become excellent in the art of rhetoric, to help them learn how to communicate, to conduct interviews, to become eloquent,” said John Miller, director of the Dow Journalism Program, at the dedication ceremony.
He added: “As every radio guy knows, there’s probably no pressure greater than sitting in front of a microphone and having to fill silence with something. We want to train our students in doing this.”
The luncheon ceremony also included remarks by Vince Benedetto, president of the Bold Gold Media Group, a speech by Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn, and a toast to the future of radio at Hillsdale College.
“I’m a big believer that young people need to get into this industry,” Benedetto said. “I believe radio is super important to the future of our country. Radio is about people. It’s about talking, and based on its nature, I believe it’s the most appropriate medium to articulate the types of things taught here.”
Benedetto sat down with Arnn and other college supporters in Washington, D.C. this spring to plan the process. He has played a key role in bringing the station to Hillsdale ever since.
“Vince has almost single-handedly made this possible, from conceiving of the idea to applying for the FCC licence to helping us make good on it,” Miller said.
According to Benedetto, radio is only just now reaching its golden age, making it a perfect time for Hillsdale students to learn the trade.
“There are more people listening to broadcast radio today than at any other point in history,” Benedetto said. “In a nation of over 320 million people, satellite radio has reached an all-time high of 29 million subscribers.”
For now, faculty and staff are interviewing candidates for the job of station manager to organize student-run content.
“Radio is an artform. It’s what happens in between the music,” Benedetto said. “When people want to tune out, they go to their music collections. When they want to tune in, they go to their local radio station. There will always be the demand for local, relevant, and entertaining content.”
