By Shaun Spicer
CCC Journalism Program
Despite its uncertain future, 91.5 WDBK, Camden County College’s radio station, has been hosting a series of events for students.
CCC has been trying to sell the station’s license since 2012 and even lowered the price a couple of times. WDBK’s manager Chris Passante has been trying his best to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Passante, a former CCC student and graduate of Temple, took over last July with only two returning students. Chris’s favorite part of being station manager is working with the students, so much so that he’s been planning events to get the station’s name out more.
WDBK held a bowling night in early March that included a discount for students. It also hosted the March Madness Comedy Show on March 27. The event allowed students to buy $5 tickets with their student IDs. Proceeds went to the Wounded Warriors Project and CCC.
WDBK is a freeform radio station, which means students play whatever they want, as long as there is no profanity.
One of WDBK’s student DJs Kyle Nardine, a sophomore from Blackwood, originally majored in psychology, but is considering a switch to communications because of his experiences with the station.
Nardine produces the Capt. Chris Show, a talk radio show that features various interviews, and even has his own show on Mondays and Tuesdays, “Alternative in the AM with Kyle”.
Nardine said his favorite part about WDBK is interacting with all the different DJ personalities.
Passante and Nardine are trying to convince CCC to keep the radio signal because FM radio has a higher quality than internet streaming. Both agreed that the main goal is to build everyone’s resume and have fun while learning about radio broadcasting.
Asked about the possibility of sports programming, Passante said they’re working with the athletics department to form a partnership that would allow them to have DJs announce games. WDBK has a weekly sports program, but it plans on expanding to a weekly post game wrap-up.
WDBK plans to host more events for students in the future. “We’re just trying to give them a reason to keep us around,” said Passante.
Students who want to join WDBK can visit the station which is located by the advisement hallway.
WDBK Station Manager Chris Passante(pictured left) and student DJ Kyle Nardine (pictured right)
