{"id":377340,"date":"2022-11-28T17:44:45","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T17:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/?p=377340"},"modified":"2025-03-25T14:54:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:54:30","slug":"wprk-the-best-in-basement-radio-and-the-voice-of-rollins-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/2022\/11\/28\/wprk-the-best-in-basement-radio-and-the-voice-of-rollins-college\/","title":{"rendered":"WPRK: The Best in Basement Radio, and the Voice of Rollins College"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wenxian Zhang<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often called \u201cthe best in basement radio and the voice of Rollins,\u201d WPRK has been on air in Central Florida for the last seventy years. However, it is not the first station to broadcast from Rollins. As a national leader in pragmatic liberal arts education, Rollins has a long history in radio broadcasting. In 1924, when radio was still in its infancy, Professor Edward F. Weinberg and a group of physics students launched Central Florida’s first radio signal at 580 AM from a small dance studio on campus, making WDBO (Way Down By Orlando) one of the first college radio stations in America. [1] Weinberg even came up with the call letters himself, but Rollins soon had to give up the endeavor because of operation expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the Mills Memorial Library was constructed in 1951, a media studio was added in the basement of the building located at the center of campus. With funding for equipment from William B. Calkins of Florida Sanitarium, who wished \u201cto enlighten young people with regard to the great spiritual joys and truths,\u201d Rollins Board of Trustees passed a resolution to establish a new radio station with a mission that would \u201cbe of such nature as to raise the spiritual level of the college and the community.\u201d[2] On December 8, 1952, WPRK began broadcasting with 10 watts of power and the first voice aired was President-Elect Dwight Eisenhower\u2019s lofty dedication remarks: \u201cThis new FM station of Rollins College can help to spread and advance the great ideas which keep men and women free. Whether the ideas come from the great music or poetry or other literature of the past, or from debates and reflections of today, the people of our country who are listening in will be the richer.\u201d[3]<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
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A broadcasting session in WPRK Studio during the 1952-53 academic year.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Initially, WPRK was on air for only a few hours each weekday evening, Monday through Friday, but daytime programs were soon added. After broadcasting on 88.1 FM, its radio frequency was soon changed to 91.5 FM in 1953. With further financial supports from the college and community, WPRK\u2019s transmitter power was enhanced to 250 and then 1300 watts. As originally envisioned, most of the station\u2019s early programs were of a cultural and educational nature, including discussion forums, science talks, sports roundups, and presentations by local artists and community personalities. In addition to a great music lineup, the station also broadcasted special college events such as Rollins\u2019 Animated Magazine, convocation, and the Winter Park Bach Festival. By 1962, WPRK had \u201cmore listeners per watt than any other radio station in Florida.\u201d[4] By 1964, the station began to operate seven days a week. During the 1970s, WPRK was on air from noon to midnight, and summer programs were added in the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its founding, the student-run radio broadcasting of WPRK has been a vital part of the campus life. For many years, it was one of the largest student organizations on campus, with dozens of DJs and student volunteers covering different shifts and tasks. The radio operation also has a very positive influence on curricular improvement and student learning experiences at Rollins. Not only were some courses in broadcast production taught over the years, it also contributed to the development of the Communication program later on. Many students and alumni have fond memories of their time working at the station in the basement of Mills, and such experiences had profound impacts on their careers and personal lives. After college, some pursued work in business, finance, education, and marketing, while others engaged in related professions such as journalism and media communication. Notable among them are Chris Russo \u201982 of Mad Dog SiriusXM, Jim Bowden \u201983 of Major League Baseball\u2019s Network Radio, and Maria Paz Gutierrez \u201915 of RadioLab, while internationally popular DJ Diplo stands out among WPRK\u2019s former community volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benjamin Aycrigg \u201949, WPRK\u2019s first program director in 1952, worked at WDBO briefly before being appointed as instructor in Speech and English at Rollins. Aycrigg went on to become WKMG\u2019s news anchor in Central Florida for many years and came to be known as the \u201cWalter Cronkite of Orlando television.”[5] Another notable person affiliated with WPRK was Gordon Fraser, former WWII correspondent and longtime NBC broadcaster, who served as general manager and greatly shaped the growth of the radio station between 1982 and 1990.[6]<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
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WPRK’s first program director Ben Aycrigg ’49 (standing) conducts a radio talk show.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At the end of Fraser\u2019s tenure, students petitioned the administration for expanded hours, more involvement, and greater control of the programming. Consequently, hours of operation were increased; initially it expanded to include the 8 am – 2 am daily timeslot and then, in the mid-1990s, 24-hour broadcasting began. Since then, WPRK has been fully run by students with a general manager who oversees its administration. Such initiatives led to the further development of WPRK as a genuine media outlet for the creative voices of students. These programs also helped to distinguish WPRK from other radio stations in Central Florida. For financial and marketing reasons, Rollins even considered proposals for affiliation takeovers by other networks. However, because of students\u2019 strong opposition to these, throughout its history WPRK has remained an independent voice in the metro Orlando region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of programming, music has been the largest segment since the station\u2019s founding, and classical music dominated the airwaves during the early decades. Then WPRK\u2019s lineup began to broaden to include more pop, rock, and contemporary tunes, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of the country and students\u2019 own evolving interests. Besides classical, other popular genres frequently aired include indie rock, variety, hip-hop, punk, metal, and movie soundtracks.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
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WPRK DJ Carla Borsoi ’92 broadcasting her first free-form alternative “PUNK-tuation Show” from the basement of the Mills Memorial Center at Rollins.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

WPRK has also contributed to the growth of the music community in Central Florida. Known as \u201cOrlando\u2019s hip radio station,\u201d WPRK prides itself on airing music ignored by the mainstream.[7] \u201cIt\u2019s a blues station. It\u2019s also, at various hours of the week, a jazz station, a reggae station, a country station and a late-night punk station.\u201d[8] In addition, WPRK regularly features live performances by hometown musicians in its studio and sponsors concerts on campus such as the Fox Fest, an annual festival with multiple genres by local artists and student talent, which takes place during Family Weekend each year.[9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twenty-first century marks a few notable milestones in WPRK\u2019s history. During January 17th <\/sup>to 21st<\/sup> of 2005, 25-year-old WPRK DJ David Plotkin successfully completed 110 consecutive hours of on-air programming that included spinning CDs, hosting music bands, and interviewing local artists and civic leaders. His impressive accomplishment exceeded the Guinness World Record<\/em> at the time in broadcasting and helped raise over $16,000 that made streaming possible.[10] In 2006, WPRK.org was launched, and online streaming has since reached global listeners in Germany, Brazil, Finland, UK, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Australia, and France, among others.[11] On September 10th<\/sup>, 2017, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to WPRK\u2019s antenna and forced the radio station off the air, leaving online streaming as the only way for listeners to connect for a period of eleven months.[12] Finally, in 2020, after the major renovation of Mills Memorial Center (previously Mills Memorial Library), WPRK moved into its new broadcasting studio on the first floor of Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, where it remains a key part of the vibrant and central student hub on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
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Sessions of live broadcasting at WPRK during recent years.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For the last seven decades, WPRK has been a vital part of Rollins and the greater Central Florida community. Currently, the student-run radio station is on air and online 24\/7 year-round with over 80 weekly shows, each one crafted by its own set of hosts which range from students to faculty and staff members to community volunteers. Its signature programs still broadcast new indie music and an eclectic mix of genres rarely played on commercial airwaves. From alternative music and live performances by local bands to earnest discussions of politics, economics, books, and global issues, today \u201cWPRK is an example of how passion and drive\u2014plus a healthy dash of spontaneity and originality\u2014combine to create a successful enterprise.\u201d[13] As a celebrated local cultural and artistic undertaking with its unique, independent voice capturing the dynamics of Rollins and greater Central Florida, WPRK symbolizes \u201cthe enduring medium of radio, as well as the importance of local radio stations in the community.\u201d[14] One media personality in the region noted: \u201cWPRK is college radio at its best. Run by students, programmed by students, and enjoyed by the entire community. Orlando wouldn\u2019t be the same without WPRK!\u201d[15]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An early version of this essay was published in the 20:2 (Fall 2022) issue of Reflections<\/em> from Central Florida, the Magazine of the Historical Society of Central Florida.<\/em> The author gratefully acknowledges constructive reviews from Professors Rachel Walton and Jonathan Harwell, and feedback provided by Greg Golden, ’11 ’16MBA, Director of Student Media at Rollins.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endnotes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

[1] Ann W. Mikell, \u201cWPRK 91.5 FM: The Best in Basement Radio,\u201d Rollins Alumni Record<\/em>, Fall 1993, 12-15, https:\/\/scholarship.rollins.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[2]Hugh McKean, \u201cWPRK Inauguration Dinner,\u201d December 8, 1952. 170B WPRK Radio, Rollins College Archives, Winter Park, Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[3] \u201cDedication Address by President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower for Rollins College FM Station,\u201d December 8, 1952. Rollins Digital Collections, https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/community.39301233<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[4] Nick White, \u201cMore Listeners per Watt, Rollins Radio Boast,\u201d Winter Park Star<\/em>, October 19, 1962.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[5] Hal Boedeker, \u201cOrlando TV legend Ben Aycrigg dead at 88,\u201d Orlando Sentinel<\/em>, November 5, 2014. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6] John Gordon Fraser Journalism Papers, Rollins College Archives, Winter Park, Florida, https:\/\/aspace.rollins.edu\/repositories\/2\/resources\/14<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[7] Mikell, 1993, page 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[8] Dana S. Eagles, \u201cSurreal Radio: Live from a Rollins College Basement, All Things Really Are Considered at WPRK,\u201d Winter Park Magazine<\/em> Spring 2015, 39-42, https:\/\/winterparkmag.com\/2015\/04\/17\/winter-2012-8\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[9] \u201cFox Fest 2021,\u201d WPRK 91.5 FM, https:\/\/wprk.org\/foxfest\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[10] Phelan Ebenhack, “110 Hours on the Air: College Disc Jockey Sets World Record,” USA Today<\/em>, January 22, 2005, https:\/\/usatoday30.usatoday.com\/news\/offbeat\/2005-01-22-dj-marathon_x.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[11] Laura J. Cole, \u201cAn Insider\u2019s Guide to WPRK,\u201d Rollins 360<\/em>, June 23, 2015, https:\/\/wayback.archive-it.org\/4097\/20170101145852\/http:\/\/360.rollins.edu\/arts-and-culture\/an-insiders-guide-to-wprk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[12] Xander Peter, \u201cRadio Silence: WPRK 91.5 Has Been off the Air for Nearly 3 Months, But It Will Return,\u201d Orlando Weekly<\/em>, December 20, 2017, https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/orlando\/wprk-915-has-been-off-the-air-for-nearly-3-months-but-it-will-return\/Content?oid=9416257<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[13] Sarah Hartman, \u201cStill the Best in Basement Radio,\u201d Rollins Magazine<\/em> Fall 2014, https:\/\/www.rollins.edu\/magazine\/stories\/around-wprk.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[14] Lauren Shilverstri, \u201cThe Music Never Stops,\u201d Sandspur<\/em>, March 29, 2012, https:\/\/stars.library.ucf.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=2949&context=cfm-sandspur<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[15] Billy Manes, Dave Plotkins and Jessica B. Young, \u201cNotes from Underground,\u201d Orlando Weekly<\/em>, April 5, 2012, https:\/\/www.orlandoweekly.com\/orlando\/notes-from-underground\/Content?oid=2248676<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wenxian Zhang Often called \u201cthe best in basement radio and the voice of Rollins,\u201d WPRK has been on air in Central Florida for the last seventy years. However, it is not the first station to broadcast from Rollins. As a national leader in pragmatic liberal arts education, Rollins has a long history in radio broadcasting….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":377386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[598,79,599,220,596,597,366],"class_list":["post-377340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-ben-aycrigg","tag-dwight-eisenhower","tag-edward-f-weinberg","tag-mills-memorial-library","tag-rollins-college","tag-student-media","tag-wprk","wpcat-1-id"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=377340"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377340\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":378608,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/377340\/revisions\/378608"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/377386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=377340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=377340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.rollins.edu\/libraryarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=377340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}