Back in 2002, things looked bad for student radio in Madison. Not that things ever looked great. There was the little matter of the Federal Communications Commission taking the old channel off the air in the 1970s due to broadcasting obscenities. Fact is, for all UW-Madison's student activism, student voices had never been heard to any great effect on the airwaves.
Enter Dave Black with a head full of know-how and a bellyful of desire. After slaying legal dragons many thought were unbeatable in 2002, the former grad student now oversees a state-of-the-art student radio operation. Broadcasting at 91.7 FM, the station provides some talk and much music to students and community members alike.
WSUM is alive and kicking. Last week the ambitious operation broadcast live, all evening long, from the Project Lodge benefit at the Majestic Theatre, with performances by All Tiny Creatures and Julian Lynch. On Feb. 22 the station turns 10, and events are planned all year. Check WSUM's website for details as they develop. Or tune in.