The UF College of Journalism and Communications will broaden its reach with the addition of two radio stations in the Fall.
Beginning in August, WRUF-AM 850 will also broadcast on an FM station, and a new station featuring classical music will begin later in the semester.
“There’s no better place in the world to learn this craft,” said Randall Wright, the executive director of media properties. “The experiences we have here for the students are richer than anywhere else.”
WRUF-AM 850, the AM sports program, will begin to broadcast on an additional frequency at 95.3 FM.
The move to FM will provide the station with better sound quality and a large amount of additional exposure, Wright said.
The classical-music station will find its home on 92.1 FM and provide listeners with an experience rich in art.
With students in the journalism programs working closely with those involved in the College of the Arts, the station will eventually expand to live concerts and other programs associated with fine arts, Wright said.
The stations’ websites will be getting a makeover before relaunching in the Fall.
The platforms will continue to be supported by students in the college who are producing original content alongside professionals.
Ben Murphy, a 20-year-old UF telecommunication junior, co-hosts sports segments for WRUF-AM 850 and covers the UF baseball team as a beat reporter who gathers interviews and sound bites for the station.
“I’m getting my feet wet and getting to work as a professional while still in college,” Murphy said, “and the exposure of the news stations will just further that.”
