About WBRS 100.1 FM Waltham

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

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WBRS is a non-commercial student radio station for Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. We broadcast 24/7/365 and serve Brandeis, Waltham, and nearby communities. WBRS transmits at 25 watts ERP (effective radiated power) from 46 meters HAAT (height above average terrain). Our studio sits in the Shapiro Campus Center, and our transmitter stands on top of the Rabb Graduate Center. As an FCC-licensed Class D station, WBRS reaches listeners from Framingham and Natick in the west to East Boston and Logan International Airport in the east. WBRS 100.1 FM Waltham hosts the third largest record collection in the state of Massachusetts.

WBRS’ motto is ‘Something for Everyone.’ We encourage all artists, labels, and radio services to contribute material for airplay. WBRS takes pride in providing Brandeis University’s student body with a diverse array of services. Radio DJ training and certification, music review blog, concerts and live music events, equipment rental, station education, and professional development for students. Although WBRS is entirely student-run, the station has shows run by community members and Brandeis faculty. Tune in today for the latest and greatest from WBRS 100.1 FM Waltham!

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 makes several structural changes and becomes an all-genre cooperative community radio station. The station adopts a new constitution and membership contract, defining membership by participation in the cooperative rather than by affiliation with Brandeis University. Members must volunteer at least three hours each month to stay in good standing. The new constitution establishes an executive board of four elected members along with several appointed positions. With some amendments and one major revision, this constitution and contract continue to guide the station 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!