MCC Student Radio Club Launches Internet Radio Station

Manchester, Conn., (November 14, 2008)…. A new ice age is forecasted at the state’s largest community college, and it has nothing to do with global warming or climate change. A group of students enrolled in Manchester Community College’s (MCC) student radio club recently launched ICE Internet Radio, a state-of-the-art internet radio station streaming audio, and featuring live music and talk show formats.

MCC students worked hard turning what started out as a pipe dream into a fully functional, live internet radio station. With the help of Albert Kim, faculty advisor and communications instructor, the dream has become a reality.

Kim started the student radio club in the spring of 2007 after his efforts to start a low-powered FM station did not come to fruition. “When I started teaching the Broadcast Performance course here in 2002, there was no available radio outlet for my students to plug into and practice their skills,” stated Kim. After conducting research, Kim became convinced that internet radio would be a relatively simple and cost-effective vehicle for students to get hands-on experience. “ICE Internet Radio will provide students an opportunity to practice and hear their craft by using the same digital audio equipment and technologies as commercial radio stations, while earning credits towards their associate degree,” said Kim. “Students will be more qualified and trained to become employed at radio stations around greater Hartford and across the country.”

The initial studio equipment was funded by a special Perkins Technology grant, a state grant that offers money to higher education programs that directly incorporate new technology. Tom Sullivan, 21, of Bloomfield, and student general manager of ICE Internet Radio, is enthusiastic about the new station. “Students today use the Internet for everything; their music, TVand movies, plus news, sports and information and we want, and need, to be where they are.” Broadcasting student Derek Scheer, 19, of Ellington, agrees. “I want to work in TV or radio after I get my degree from MCC and working on class projects and then hearing them on our own internet radio station is totally cool – we can be heard all over the world now!”

Kristine Vincent, director of student activities believes this is a wonderful new vehicle that is accessible to anyone. “ICE Internet Radio is the only exclusively internet radio station among all 12 community colleges throughout Connecticut and it is a student-led organization,” stated Vincent. “Students from all walks of life are really responding to this new station because it offers them a fun way to get involved here at MCC beyond just taking classes.”

“This is a unique opportunity whereby the most up-to-date technology is being incorporated into our communications curriculum; where any MCC student can train on our new studio equipment and get ‘real-time’ experience, as well as learning every aspect of radio station operations and management.” said Kim. This also includes giving students real experience in areas of music programming, digital audio production, promotions and marketing, business operations and community outreach.

The programming on ICE Internet Radio will revolve around a “Top 40” format aimed at adults ages 18-44 during daytime hours and then feature prerecorded specialty shows during evenings, overnights and weekends – all produced and hosted by MCC students, faculty and staff.

MCC students are continuing to develop new shows as varied as its diverse student population including “Rock Remains,” a classic rock show; “Walk of Faith,” an hour of upbeat contemporary Christian music, and “Sully on Sports,” with the latest sports headlines, scores and trivia. Additional shows currently in production include several hip-hop/R&B shows, a jazz fusion show, a cooking/restaurant review show, a poetry corner, a show that spotlights local bands, a classical music show and even ‘old-school’ radio dramas.

“This is a terrific way to highlight our programs and services and engage students across academic disciplines. We have very innovative faculty and students and this is an empowering, new venue to showcase MCC,” stated President Gena Glickman.

ICE Internet Radio is heard via your favorite media player by logging on to www.mcc.commnet.edu/ice. Local businesses and organizations interested in learning how to support ICE Internet Radio can contact the ICE staff via email: iceradio@manchestercc.edu, or calling the “ICE Box” voicemail: 860-512-3295. For additional information, contact Albert Kim at 860-512-2797.

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Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.