WLTL
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WLTL is a non profit high school educational radio station located in LaGrange, Illinois. WLTL has won several national and local awards including the Service to America award. All of WLTL is student run. Each year new student managers are chosen to run the station.
WLTL, known as Rock 88 FM, is a non-commercial educational radio station located at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL. WLTL launched in January of 1968 as a 10 watt radio station on the third floor of the Vaughn Building at LTHS' North Campus. WLTL has since moved into Room 9 of the North Campus main building. After a license upgrade and frequency shift in the 1980's, WLTL can be found at the frequency 88.1 and broadcasts at 180 watts. WLTL reaches 15 surrounding communities. WLTL is licensed to the Board of Trustees-School District District 204 and is operated by students of LTHS under the supervision of faculty advisers. WLTL offers curriculum courses in radio programming and management (under the school's English Department) and operates as an after school extracurricular activity.
The music of WLTL is organized in a variety rock format. The DJs air various types of music such as rock, alternative, pop, ska, emo, and many others. The music format allows each DJ to play his/her specific genre of music while captivating a broad listening audience. Besides variety rock slots, WLTL has many specialty shows, including sports shows, radio dramas, and talk shows. WLTL also alters its normal format to broadcast school sports events, school concerts, and community events.
All students attending Lyons Township High School are welcome to be a part of WLTL. A student who does not wish to participate as an on-air DJ may find an interest in an alternative position offered. Different positions offered include DJ assistants, engineers, participation in the sports broadcasting team, or the news broadcasting team. However, if a student has interest in becoming a DJ, (requiring preparation for a two hour radio show each week) an audition is required. The audition consists of a vocal test, written music test, and a one-on-one interview with a WLTL manager. Auditions occur during the beginning of each semester.
For more information: http://www.rock881.net or listen to WLTL's own Walk the Plank on iTunes and your iPod with their podcasts.
After graduation, many alums taking part in WLTL have moved on to various college radio and television operations; some subsuquently moved into successful radio and television careers.
Rock-a-thon
Rock-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser for WLTL, in which the station broadcasts for 88.1 continuous hours in order to raise money to improve the station. During the entire time the Rock-a-thon airs, listeners in the area are welcome to request songs and donate money by calling (708)-482-9585.
History
2006
Goal: To raise as much money as possible so that WLTL can purchase equipment that allows the station to broadcast 24/7, both on air at 88.1 FM and online.
Mike Sewall raised pledges up to $700.00 to have his head shaved into a mohawk with the franchise "Mo Money, Mo Hawk"
Former Sports Director Brad Whitlock sought to take over the station and change the tagline to "all sports all the time." The only music that will be allowed to be played on the station must have appeared on Jock Jams, or anything by J. Geils Band. He also believes that the gates of hell will unleash an army of wild geese that will devour us all.
2007
Program Director, Greg Winegar, fearlessly led WLTL "through a glorious radio revolution" according to Music Director, Marty McAndrews.
References - WLTL.net
