"You're listening to 89.1 WYBF-FM Cavalier Radio!" is a phrase that is now commonly heard while in the com wing. With over 30 students participating this semester with the radio station (the largest student staff we've had in the past few years!), our weekly show schedule is packed, so it's likely that whenever you're in the wing, you're hearing a student's live show.
Cabrini's radio station was founded in 1982 as a carrier current station - 650 AM CAB. In 1991, we switched over to the FM dial to be heard on 89.1 WYBF as "The Edge." The station continued to grow and played primarily modern and alternative rock music. Somewhere along the way, the slogan was changed to "The Burn" and then in 2012 was changed again to "Cavalier Radio," which it still is to this day.
We've moved from the alternative rock format to a variety music format, which allows students the freedom to play any music they so choose, as long as it's free of curse words or deragatory phrases. It's not uncommon to hear a smorgasbord of music during shows that range from hip-hop, country, pop, techno and rock-n-roll. Students can create a show that's completely unique and true to their own style, which is why I think the interest has grown tremendously over the last year and a half.
WYBF is a 700-watt powered radio station that broadcasts within a 15-mile radius of Radnor, PA. We share our frequency with Villanova's radio station, WXVU, which allows us to alternate "on-air days" (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday) and "internet only" days (Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday). However, we broadcast online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our website: www.wybf.com. So don't worry, Mom and Dad and your high school friends can listen to your show even if they're not within the 15-mile radius!
In spring of 2015, we removed the pre-requisite class of Radio Broadcasting, so now, students are free to sign up for the Radio Practicum course to be a station staff member as early as their freshmen year. This also allows students from different majors to participate and have their own show. Radio is a great way to gain hands-on experience with state of the art equipment and also learn skillsets that can be used in other classes or can be taken with you after you graduate.
WYBF on Social Media:
Twitter: @wybf
Facebook: Cavalier Radio
Instagram: @89.1WYBF
Photo credit: Dan Luner '16