A few weeks ago, WEGL 91.1 posted a sign on their door saying broadcast was shut down by a lightning strike to their antenna, and while we are sorry for our friends, we would like to take this opportunity to give them some much needed advice.
To say WEGL has been going downhill is an understatement. Their programming has left much to be desired. Even before the lightning strike, we noticed that hours of the day would go by without any music at all.
We are not saying we hate WEGL, far from it. We believe that WEGL is an underutilized source for entertainment, but also music that is not available on any other local radio station. However, we do think that some changes need to be made for our radio station to be respected again.
Long gone are the days when radio was the only way people listened to music, but WEGL's inconsistent programming and disc jockey quality aren't doing anything to help expand their listener base. Although any student can be a DJ, which is a good policy, there needs to be a bit more training before a fledgling DJ goes on the air.
We suggest holding DJs to a higher standard. They should know that their listeners expect them to put in some effort, especially when it comes to avoiding profanity and FCC fines.
WEGL could also benefit from proper promotion. We wish we didn't know so many people who didn't even know Auburn had a radio station. Unfortunately, passing out sunglasses at Camp War Eagle isn't going to cut it.
We would like to see DJs and staff out promoting the station as much as possible. People can't listen to something they don't know exists.
According to the SGA's budget, which also funds the Glomerata, Circle, Eagle Eye and many other Auburn institutions, WEGL was approved $72,468 for 2011-2012.
According to the 2011-2012 budget, WEGL has spent $10,612.96 to date.*
WEGL has been operating in a fantasy world for too long, and we would like to see them come back down to the real world. We think expecting some professionalism from its DJs is a good place to start.
We miss the WEGL of yesteryear.
We miss hearing local bands play live in the studio, and we miss listening to DJs that kept us captivated. Most of all, we miss the music. Not the top 40 junk we could get anywhere else, the real music, the music that makes college radio better than all the rest.
They have the ability to create something wonderful, something worth listening to. All they have to do is take what they do a little more seriously.
The best thing WEGL could do now is take the down time to not only repair their antenna, but also repair their operating standards.
We look forward to seeing a revitalized WEGL that is a breath of fresh air when compared to the commercialized monotony that plagues other radio stations.
*In the original publication, we reported the incorrect budget of WEGL. We regret this error.
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