WIXQ, previously known as WMSR, is the on-campus radio station that has been serving the community since October of 1968. Known for the tagline “Radical, Renowned, Real college radio,” the station has worked to create a name for itself through its long-lasting DJ alumnus and active presence in the Lancaster area.
Jaxon Coulborn, a second-year social studies education major, currently serves as the operations manager at WIXQ. He is also a DJ for his own show, “The Music Hall”.
“I would describe WIXQ as home! WIXQ is a place where both community and individuality thrives. Not only is WIXQ a family, but it’s a place where every single person can bring their own sound, style, and perspectives to build upon themselves and the listeners,” wrote Coulborn. “We at WIXQ teach real broadcasting skills to our DJs, while also promoting the idea of authentic, real college radio. WIXQ allows students, faculty, and staff to shape sound, connections, and culture in Millersville and beyond our base.”
WIXQ is an organization open to anyone interested in participating and not as a club requiring certain majors to join. The station prides itself in teaching anyone interested everything there is to know about college radio. The most important part is to be yourself and truly explore whatever interests you regarding music.
“There are many ways as to which we live up to our motto, ‘Radical, Renowned, Real.’ At WIXQ, all of our DJs experiment with sound, they take risks, and they put light on artists, bands, and projects overlooked by mainstream stations,” wrote Coulborn. “We have built a reputation here at the station for being real in our work. We are truly ourselves, with DJs sharing real experiences and art that moves them. Everyone here at WIXQ is creative, dedicated, and authentic to the station.”
Alana Halliday, a third-year government, policy, and law major, currently serves as the event coordinator at WIXQ. She is also a DJ for her own show, “According 2 Alana”.
“We as DJs are lucky in that we have complete creative freedom over our shows (so long as we follow FCC guidelines) and the results have been amazing. We had mostly variety shows at the beginning of the year, they usually play a mix of different genres or themes depending on the DJ’s mood, but more recently we’ve had some specific niches come to light!,” said Halliday. “New DJs have brought back full metal shows, music from around the globe, and even a show dedicated exclusively to classical music! You don’t get that kind of diversity from average radio stations.”
Jaxon Coulbourn truly believes that WIXQ is the perfect creative outlet for anyone interested in sharing what they are passionate about.
“If you want your voice to be heard and your favorite arts and passions to be shared, WIXQ is where it starts. We are not looking for experience, we are looking for passion! WIXQ is a device for every student to express themselves, to meet amazing people, and to learn real world broadcasting, leadership, and communication,” wrote Coulbourn. “WIXQ is not only for Communications majors either! I myself am a Social Studies Education Major. WIXQ has a spot for anybody and everybody, whether it be writing, organizing, managing, or just simply sharing music and love with everyone else in our community! You will find your second family here at WIXQ!”
Alana Halliday enjoys seeing the influx of new DJs joining WIXQ. With how much variety is in music, seeing new DJs with new music interests helps the station flourish with creativity. If you are interested in following these footsteps, there are ways to start.
“I would say reach out and start training right away! We’ve had such a high influx of new DJs this semester, so while you may not get a prime time spot right away, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get involved and have your own show!,” wrote Halliday. “This is such an amazing community of people, and if you so choose, you definitely won’t regret joining WIXQ!”
If you’re interested in joining WIXQ, then you should consider becoming a WIXQ trainee to become one of the station’s DJs. Three eligibility requirements needed to start this process consist of being currently enrolled as a Millersville University student, staff, or faculty member, a GPA of at least 2.00 (first-year and transfer students are exempt from this requirement), and a non-probationary university status.
To learn more about WIXQ events, shows, and more going on around the station, you can learn more on their Instagram @wixq or go to their website 917theville.com.
