90FM to Host Annual Radiothon

Radiothon will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7 to entertain listeners and raise money for the station.

Dylan Shanahan is the station manager and has been involved with 90FM since his freshman year. During this time he has seen Radiothon improve.

“The way we use social media and our website is pretty professional,” Shanahan said. “For the most part we’re approaching the Radiothon in the most professional manner that I’ve ever seen. The items donated every year continuously have been getting better and better.”

Shanahan played a huge role in getting businesses to donate packages auctioned off during Radiothon.

“The whole day is insane,” Shanahan said. “In previous years the station managers would coordinate a lot. This year we brought in a lot more students to help with packages.”

Public relations director Jana Schleis is in charge of managing a promotions team of volunteers. Schleis said 90FM depends on events like Radiothon to aid in upkeep of the station.

“Those who donate like to tune in and see how much their items go for,” Schleis said. “I’ve heard more than one listener say they do their Christmas shopping through Radiothon.”

Schleis said the station gets donations from the Wisconsin Rapids, Plover, Wausau and Stevens Point areas.

Kat Taylor, a promotions team member, advertised Radiothon on campus and in the community.

“We went to the holiday parade and handed out flyers, candy canes and stickers for Radiothon,” Taylor said. “The community was really excited about it because a lot of people know about 90FM. It’s an event that the community loves.”

Taylor, Shanahan and Schleis said they enjoy working with other students at 90FM to help the station succeed.

“The thing about a student-run radio station is we do a lot of work and learn a lot from it,” Schleis said. “There are always challenges at the station but we work together really well.”

Caroline Chalk

Reporter

cchal845@uwsp.edu