Chattanooga’s source for National Public Radio, WUTC-FM 88.1, concluded its fall 2014 Membership Campaign on a high note. After setting and reaching an ambitious goal, the station reported $146,000 in pledges from its supportive audience.
“Once again our listeners have come through and once again we have the pledges needed to make sure our programming continues,” said Dr. John McCormack, WUTC’s station manager. “We’d like to thank all of the generous people who believe in WUTC and its programming.”
Though many listeners tune in to WUTC for National Public Radio news and programs, many also enjoy the eclectic music on the station. Dr. Richard Winham, WUTC Afternoon Music Host, offers a mix of music an interviews with regional and visiting musicians and artists from around the country. Learn more about Winham’s story by watching this video.
Winham is sharing his talent with five UTC students. Matthew Lewis is one of three communication majors among the five—they are the student hosts of “Mocs Mix” aired Monday through Friday from 10-11 p.m. Each of the students has the freedom to play the type of music they want, and each takes a different approach.
“My show is ‘Me and My Vinyl’ and even though I have a different theme each time, I hypothetically imagine explaining to my son or daughter what this music meant to me when I happened upon it,” Lewis explained.
Lewis, who plans to graduate in May 2015, grew up listening to public radio and particularly enjoys listening to “This American Life.” He enjoys rock music played today and has developed an appreciation for the Blues and older jazz, but he likes indie rock the best.
“I find working on WUTC incredibly enlightening. Dr. Winham and Nicole Brown have been my mentors and given me a lot of advice. I am putting it all into action and shaping my own radio voice,” Lewis said.
Brown mentored Lewis while he worked on The Perch, UTC’s web-based student run radio station. Lewis said working on WUTC is different, a very professional environment, where you have to come 100 percent prepared. He said he wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, because he wouldn’t mind having a career in radio. He is also polishing his writing skills in his communication classes.
His advice to those who want to hear the voices of UTC students is simple.
“Tune in!” Lewis said enthusiastically. “You’ll hear a very different show each night, and you’ll enjoy what you hear.”
