New Books Network Live from the Underground: A History of College Radio
May 29, 2025
Dr. Katherine Rye Jewell, a historian and professor at Fitchburg State University, explores the vibrant history of college radio and its unexpected impact on music culture. She reveals how college stations were vital in propelling bands like R.E.M. and Nirvana into the limelight. The conversation dives into the evolution of these platforms, highlighting their role in defying mainstream norms and fostering diverse voices. From navigating media deregulation to battling censorship, college radio emerged as a resilient force in America’s cultural landscape.
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College Radio's Cultural Power
- College radio's rise was deeply linked to higher education politics and deregulation of media in the 1980s.
- These stations became key in culture wars, influencing music and cultural politics beyond expectations.
Personal Roots in College Radio
- Katherine Jewell experienced college radio firsthand as a student DJ and director at Vanderbilt's WRVU.
- This personal involvement reignited her academic curiosity when Vanderbilt sold the station's FM signal in 2011.
College Radio Reflects Higher Ed Crisis
- The crisis in college radio mirrors the broader crisis in higher education, especially regarding the liberal arts mission.
- College radio exemplifies the struggle to maintain exploratory creative spaces amid rising costs and diminished institutional support.
