By Amy Arnett
Chris Long, center, and staff at the ribbon-cutting on July 14. Photo courtesy of WTSQ
On the eighth floor of the historic Union Building in downtown Charleston, a group of passionate locals are out to make a new history for the Capital City. The group, led by President Chris Long, founded the radio station WTSQ 88.1 FM – The Status Quo and are bringing an alternative music and news outlet to the community.
The launch party for WTSQ was held on July 14, but the station began running on air earlier this summer as they worked to get their multi-genre schedule ready for the official launch. Since hitting the airwaves, the station has added several new shows to its already jam-packed schedule, and they plan to debut even more as they perfect their rhythm.
The station is the realization of a longtime goal for Long. “This started with a lot of people thinking I wasn’t serious,” he says. “I said I wanted to start a radio station. I’d always shared music with friends, from CDs and mix tapes to MP3s and file sharing. No matter where you go, you hear the same music, so we are a station for passionate and enthusiastic people who love music.”
Long began researching a way to make a radio station happen and found the Federal Communications Commission’s licensing process for low-power FM radio stations. Created in January 2000, low-power FM services were created for noncommercial broadcasts, which means WTSQ operates as a nonprofit powered by generous donations from sponsors and individuals and allows for a broadcast radius of approximately 10 miles. In Long’s words, that means, “Essentially, we’re completely independent, and we need money.”
To reach their donation goals, WTSQ has set their sights on taking advantage of the natural community atmosphere in Charleston. Events like Downtown Charleston ArtWalk and Live on the Levee serve as the perfect venues for getting the word out about the new kids on the block in radio while giving locals the chance to support the endeavor financially—and no donation is too small. “Three dollars here makes a huge difference. We had a fund drive at ArtWalk, and the money people put in the jar there bought the blinds we use to cool down our office,” says Long. “It’s going to take the community to make this succeed, but it takes very little funds to make that happen, and there’s an incentive. Our sponsors are going to hear their names over and over on the air, and our donors will keep hearing something different as a result.”
Everything about the station—from their neon green and black studio office walls to their show schedule—aims to be set apart from
Cassie Long, first lady of WTSQ, promoting at ArtWalk
the norm. “The station name is a tongue-in-cheek thing,” says Long. “I felt like everything out there is the status quo: you have the same personalities, the stereotypes, the clichés. I think our name lets you know something is different.”
The lineup right now reflects a diverse group of talents and passions in Charleston. Everyone on staff is entirely volunteer, which means the project has attracted and kept on only the most committed personalities. The show schedule features The Black Cassette, hosted by Josh and Caitlin Gaffin and billed as “jangly indiepop and punk;” Lost Highways, “country-ish roots rock,” and “Jazz mix (self-explanatory),” to name a few. The station is still looking to fill a few gaps in what they think audiences are looking for, e.g. a heavy metal connoisseur, and the station is open to showcasing everyone’s interests.
“If you want to get involved, send me your demo. Show me how you know it, eat it, breathe it, make love to it, and I’ll find a way to get your baby on the air,” says Long. “There’s not a station out there right now for the new Bob Dylans, David Bowies, and Nirvanas. When they came out, they were edgy. We want to help make the new hits, and no one else is doing that in Charleston.”
The station’s ultimate goal is to highlight national and local bands they feel deserve more exposure through recordings and live performances. WTSQ wired cables from their building on Kanawha Boulevard to the riverfront to broadcast Live on the Levee each Friday night during the summer. Their first broadcast was July 17, and they’ve continued to play the performances since. In-studio sessions are also a work in progress as the staff works toward getting a great performance space ready.
“We’re community-minded,” says Long. “Not only do we attend events like ArtWalk, but we promote them on air. I think Charleston is sometimes a little down on itself, and I don’t understand that mentality. Charleston is a cool town, and we need to have some pride in it.”
Mission Statement from the Staff
“We wanted to have a kickass radio station in Charleston.” – Kenny Lavender, Vice President
“We want to be the game-changer in Charleston.” –Ray Whiting, Secretary and Co-Host of The Locker Room
“This is about having an alternative and not being confined to the status quo.” – Damon Cater, Treasurer
“Remaining independent to give Charleston the best uncompromised radio station.” – Chris Long, President
Schedule
1 Comment
I really like this station!! It is now our home radio 24/7 station!!!