About WBRS

WBRS is the sole broadcasting entity at Brandeis University, dedicated to providing for the needs of its listeners in the areas of entertainment, information, and public service. WBRS also undertakes a wide variety of non-broadcasting services in order to diversify, improve, and advance broadcasting at Brandeis University.

VIEW OUR CURRENT EXECUTIVE BOARD

WBRS is the non-commercial student radio station licensed to Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. We broadcast 24/7/365 serving Brandeis University, Waltham and the surrounding communities. WBRS broadcasts with an ERP (effective radiated power) of 25 watts at an elevation of 46 meters HAAT (height above average terrain). Our facilities are located on the Brandeis campus with studios in the Shapiro Campus Center and transmitter on top of the Rabb Graduate Center. WBRS is licensed by the FCC as a Class D station, reaching Framingham and Natick to the west and as far as East Boston and Logan International Airport to the east.

WBRS’ motto is ‘Something for Everyone.’ We encourage all artists, labels, and radio services to contribute material for airplay. WBRS prides itself in also being able to provide Brandeis University’s student body with a diverse array of services including radio DJ training and certification, an in-house music review blog, concerts and live music events, equipment rental, station education, and professional development for students interested pursuing careers in media or broadcasting. Although WBRS is entirely student-run, the station also reaches out to the greater Waltham area with shows run by community members and Brandeis faculty. Tune in today for the latest and greatest from WBRS 100.1 FM!

LOGO EVOLUTION

OUR HISTORY

1950s
WBRS enters the world a campus radio club called WLDB (for Lewis Dembitz Brandeis’ initials). The club never broadcasts under this call sign, which was assigned to an AM station in Atlantic City.
1964
WLDB changes its name to WBRS Brandeis Radio Service. WBRS broadcasts via carrier current instead of a conventional radio tower, and can only be heard on campus.
1968
WBRS obtains an FM radio license and begins broadcasting at 91.7 MHz with an FCC Class D license.
1980s
WBRS undergoes several structural changes and became an all-genre cooperative community radio station. A new constitution and membership contract is instituted, and membership is formally defined in terms of the contract and participating in the cooperative, rather than as an affiliation with Brandeis University. Members are required to volunteer for at least three hours a month to maintain good standing. The new constitution calls for an executive board of four elected members and a number of others appointed by the elected members. With some amendments and one major revision, the constitution and contract remain in force today.
1984
In the late 1970s, the FCC stopped issuing low power class D licenses, and stations were pushed to upgrade to class A (100 watts minimum). In dense urban markets such as Boston, this was often difficult or impossible due to band crowding and interference. WBRS negotiates with other stations in Boston and finally finds a home at 100.1 MHz as a ”grandfathered” class D station in 1984. For 15 years, WBRS’s signal covers many surrounding towns, as far as East Boston and Logan International Airport to the east, and Framingham and Natick to the west.
2013
The WBRS executive board drafts and passes major revisions to the station contract, creating a more horizontal leadership structure and policy changes to reflect the maturity and growth of the station.
2020
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, WBRS switches to virtual broadcasting.
2021
WBRS DJs are able to begin broadcasting in person again at the station! Also, The WBRS executive board amends the constitution to absorb Student Music Committee. The group is rebranded as WBRS Student Musicians and a permanent Student Musicians Coordinator position is added to the executive board. These amendments will ensure continuous support for student musicians in the future!