The work at WWCU studio changed in 2020. But the general manager, Lynden Jones still likes it. Photo by Helen Bowen.
WCU senior Lyndan Jones puts the light into a now dim radio station where COVID-19 has taken over. The motivated student has been leading WWCU FM as the student general manager for three years, beginning only as a sophomore.
Jones originally learned of the station from Valley Ballyhoo during her freshman year in 2017. She did not have prior radio experience, however, she ran the microphone at Shoe Carnival.
“From the time I was 16 I was writing and speaking all little advertisements from our store. That’s what sparked my interest,” Jones said.
WWCU FM gives students of all majors the opportunity to have their voices heard. Volunteer opportunities include weather forecasts, live shows and podcasts. It also has two main leadership positions: student general manager and student program coordinator.
WWCU FM has been on the air since 1947 as a student-run radio station but today it is an FCC regulated station. The station is transitioning this year from 90.5 to 95.3 FM and increasing its broadcasting coverage area to over 100,000 people.
Jones began her time at WWCU FM in 2017 by producing weather forecasts. Within a few months, she began her first live show, DNT Tuesdays, with friends David Fernandez and Tabitha Brown. Jones later joined shows SSA Tuesdays and Queer Talk and continued the Tuesday night scene for two years.
Jones was most inspired to join the station to get more involved with the community. Coming from a small town, she listened to the radio every day. Radio was how she knew what was happening in her community.
“The community is here to serve you, and radio is a way to let people know the services offered to them,” said Jones.
Lyndan Jones hosting live broadcast during move-in-day in Fall 2019 with Chancellor, Dr. Kelly Brown and Communication professor Don Connelly. Photo by WCJ.
Jones said her public affairs programs on WWCU FM provides the biggest outreach to inform and educate the community. Her favorite public affairs programs included a leaf prediction, a non-partisan voting program and a centennial voting program about women’s voting rights. Jones, who is also a Spanish major, hopes before she graduates in May to be able to produce a program in Spanish on Vecinos (or Neighbors in English) and the farm workers based in the area.
Not only has Jones been a role model for the community, she has also been a role model for women in communication at WCU. Her freshman year, she was told that women were not known to join the station, which inspired her to become the most active volunteer.
Sara Stanley, a junior communication student, began volunteering for the radio station as a class requirement. Her duties involve producing weather forecasts and creating public service announcements. She described Jones as a great manager who is excited, driven and hardworking.
“I admire her for that, and I know she will make a positive mark on any industry she enters,” said Stanley.
Stanley has worked closely with Jones for the past three years while recording public service announcements, promotions and public affairs programs.
“She is always on time and ready for the day. She motivates others and helps whenever necessary,” said Stanley. “She goes above and beyond with every project she is given.”
Grayson Epperson, a senior psychology major, also found the station at Valley Ballyhoo. He found a love for radio at a young age and began as a volunteer his freshman year with a live show called “G-Ray’s Late-Night Throwbacks.”
After around a year and a half of volunteering, Epperson applied for the student program coordinator position. He said this job allowed him to build a professional personality, people skills and time management skills.
Epperson began working alongside Jones during the spring of 2020 and will graduate with her in May 2021.
“Working with Lyndan has always been a blast,” said Epperson. He said it is hard to be unmotivated around her and that she always lights up a room.
Don Connelly, professor of communication, has served as the faculty advisor for the station for 19 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the station is operating. Connelly said WWCU is working remotely like other radio stations. WWCU operates 24/7 365 days with two people who cannot be in the station at the same time.
“Lyndan brings a professional attitude to the station and she and the program coordinator have done an outstanding job during this period of COVID-19,” said Connelly.
Before COVID-19, the radio station was alive with live variety shows and fun training meetings inside the station.
“Covid has changed the dynamic of radio socializing and the community that is Western Carolina University,” said Jones.
While people are not allowed in the station, Jones said the benefit of COVID-19 is the ability to gain more online content such as podcasts.
After graduation, Jones plans to move to Atlanta and pursue a master’s degree in human communication with a concentration in social influence.
Jones has a broad array of things she wants to accomplish, including working for a non-commercial radio station to promote public affairs programs. She wants to work for a company with similar ideals including community, veganism and Spanish. She would also like to be involved in community politics.
Jones’s long-term goal is to have her own cooking show where she talks about social issues.
“Like Rachael Ray and Ellen put together,” Jones said about the show.
Jones said the benefits to her position at WWCU includes experience, leadership, and upper education communication skills.
“I’ve become a super cool leader because of this,” said Jones.
Students who are interested in WWCU FM can contact Lyndan Jones or WWCU FM.
