The Communication Department of Kean University is excited to announce the renovation of the radio station, WKNJ. The last time the radio station was renovated was approximately 15 years ago in 2001, and the decade-old technology is now getting replaced with newer technology.

The radio station started in 1971 when a group of students formed a club. The radio station was eventually taken over by the Communication Department, and now students are able to be involved with the radio station while learning. 

"We want to make sure we provide the most state-of-the-art equipment for students," comments Dr. Jack Sargent, executive director of the School of Communication, Media and Journalism. "So once they get jobs, they can hit the ground running. So [by] providing great state-of-the-art equipment, we are providing great education to the students." 

Dr. Sargent is heavily involved with the radio station alongside communication Professor Scott McHugh.

"15 years ago we got new boards when we were located in Hutchinson [Hall]," comments Dr. McHugh. "And since that time, the technology has changed so much in terms of studio operation and the integration of computers that we needed to update [the station] to better service students...to give them the opportunity to work with equipment they are more likely to deal with in the industry."

All of the equipment will be upgraded, and more items will be added. Besides getting a new board and a new transmitter, the radio station will also be getting new computers. One of the many computers will schedule all the music playing throughout the night, just like a professional radio station. Another computer updates the streaming, that way students can listen to WKNJ online through the website. 

Also, Dr. McHugh comments that "one of the new updates that will happen will be an integrative phone system with a delay. So students who are on air will be able to talk to people who call in and have conversations as opposed to just having conversations with their co-host." Hosts can also bleep out words that cannot be used on the radio using the seven-second delay system.

Any student who wants to host a show or become a DJ has to take an audio production class to learn the functions of the radio. 

To listen to WKNJ, check out its website at wknj903.com to stream all shows online. To listen to WKNJ on the radio, tune into 90.3 FM. Be aware that the schedule changes every semester.

If a student wants to be a DJ or radio show host, visit the WKNJ website to apply. WKNJ is located in the Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic of Success (CAS) on the fourth floor.