WSIA 88.9FM Radio

Name: WSIA 88.9FM at College of Staten Island
Phone Number: (718) 982-3050Tap To Call
Fax Number:
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: WSIA 88.9FM at College of Staten Island
Google listing: Google maps listing
Address: 2800 Victory Boulevard Bldg 1C106, Staten Island, NY 10314
Town/Neighborhood: Willowbrook
Section of Island: North Shore
Hours of operation/class times/service times: Operating 24/7

Description: In the mid 1970s, a group of students interested in radio gathered in a broom closet in the C Building of The College of Staten Island. They ran some wire to the cafeteria and started spinning records. These students worked with the College and applied for an FM license; they were later granted a construction permit. Not much more progress was made until the late 1970’s when a new group of students applied to the Student Government and Association for money to start construction.In 1980, a General Manager was hired to get the station on the air. It took a year to work out an agreement with The Archdiocese of New York for an antenna site, install phone lines to the site for the transmitter, and to complete construction of the studios in the basement of the E building on the Sunnyside campus. On August 31, 1981, WSIA began regularly scheduled programming. It was the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by members of the College and students. Yet, it was only the beginning. Since that time, a great number of students have been trained to become staff members. Some have gone on to careers in radio. Others look back on WSIA as an important part of their student life. A number of changes have happened since 1981. The station’s offices and studios have been enlarged and improved. Our operating budget has increased from $8,800 to over $100,000 per year. In 1985, the College showed its commitment to WSIA by picking up the salary of the General Manager. Previously, this had been paid out of student fees. The programming has also undergone a number of changes. Yet, students have always been committed to two things:

1) To be new and innovative
2) To serve the Staten Island community

Thanks to many years of hard work by our staff, we enjoy an excellent relationship with many components of the broadcast industry– record companies, musicians, artists, independent producers, clubs, and promoters.

In August 2011, WSIA celebrated 30 years of broadcasting on 88.9 FM. WSIA also broadcasts online at www.wsia.fm, making our programming available anywhere in the world!
Main category 1: Community Radio
Main category 2: Radio Station
Main category 3: Entertainment
Main category 4: Non-Profit
Keywords: WSIA Staten Island, WSIA Radio, WSIA College of Staten Island, entertainment, radio station, college radio, serving the Staten Island community, community radio, non-profit radio, inclusive radio, student supported radio, multi genre music station

Latitude, Longitude:
Public Transportation (Include Buses, Train Stop): S59, S62, S93
Closest Major Intersection: Victory Blvd and Loop Rd
Floor Business is On:
Wheelchair Access:
Restroom On Site?
Parking (On-street Free, Metered, Lot): parking on site
Type of Non-Profit: 501c3 non-profit
Organization’s Mission Statement: It is the mission of WSIA radio to use its facilities in the training of students in broadcasting, as well as promoting education and entertainment to the College of Staten Island, to the borough of Staten Island, and to listeners worldwide. Through membership, students will gain confidence, a greater sense of self, career direction, and experience personal growth. In order to meet this mission, the goals of WSIA are as follows.Externally:

1. To provide unique and diverse programming to our listeners; to provide a platform for local and for underrepresented artists to present original work.

2. To work collaboratively with the College community to promote the College of Staten Island and its programs.

3. To inform our listeners of, and to encourage participation in, community events including concerts, parades, and charitable functions.

Internally:

1. To provide students with a safe and fun working environment; to offer students constructive activity outside of class time.

2. To train the next generation of communications industry professionals by providing professional experience in a broadcast environment

3. To develop leadership skills including decision-making, conflict resolution, budgeting, event planning.

In August 2011, WSIA celebrated 30 years of broadcasting on 88.9 FM. WSIA also broadcasts online at www.wsia.fm, making our programming available anywhere in the world!