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{{Infobox Radio station
{{Short description|Radio station at the University of Virginia}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WTJU
| image = [[Image:WTJU_logo_2017.png|175px]]
| name = WTJU
| city = [[Charlottesville, Virginia]]
| logo = WTJU_logo_2017.png
| logo_size = 100px
| area = [[Charlottesville, Virginia]]<br>[[Albemarle County, Virginia]]
| branding = ''"WTJU"''
| city = [[Charlottesville, Virginia]]
| slogan = ''"The Sound Choice in Central Virginia"''
| area = [[Charlottesville, Virginia]]<br />[[Albemarle County, Virginia]]
| branding = ''WTJU''
| airdate = May 10, [[1957 in radio|1957]]<ref>http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2010/D4-2010-BC-YB-7.pdf</ref>
| airdate = May 10, 1957<ref>[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2010/D4-2010-BC-YB-7.pdf American Radio History] {{dead link|date=September 2023}}</ref>
| frequency = {{Frequency|[[91.1 FM|91.1]]|[[MHz]]}}
| format = [[Variety (radio)|Variety]]
| frequency = {{Frequency|[[91.1 FM|91.1]]|[[MHz]]}}
| power = 1,500 [[watt|watts]]
| format = [[Variety (radio)|Variety]]
| haat = {{convert|325|m|ft|sp=us}}
| power = 1,500 [[watt]]s
| class = B1
| haat = {{convert|325|m|ft|sp=us}}
| facility_id = 69145
| class = B1
| coordinates = {{coord|37|58|55.0|N|78|29|3.0|W|type:landmark}}
| facility_id = 69145
| coordinates = {{coord|37|58|55.0|N|78|29|3.0|W|type:landmark}}
| callsign_meaning = '''W''' '''T'''homas '''J'''efferson's '''U'''niversity
| callsign_meaning = '''W''' '''T'''homas '''J'''efferson's '''U'''niversity
| former_callsigns =
| former_callsigns =
| former_frequencies = 91.3 MHz (1957-1993)
| former_frequencies = 91.3 MHz (1957–1993)
| owner = [[University of Virginia]]
| owner = [[University of Virginia]]
| licensee =
| licensee =
| sister_stations = [[WXTJ-LP]]
| sister_stations = [[WXTJ-LP]]
| webcast = [http://streams.wtju.net:8000/wtju-192.mp3 WTJU Webstream]
| webcast = [http://streams.wtju.net:8000/wtju-192.mp3 WTJU Webstream]
| website = [http://www.wtju.net/ WTJU Online]
| website = [http://www.wtju.net/ WTJU Online]
| affiliations =
| affiliations =
| licensing_authority= [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WTJU''' is a [[Variety (radio)|Variety]] formatted [[Broadcasting|broadcast]] [[radio station]] licensed to [[Charlottesville, Virginia]], serving [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County, Virginia]].<ref name="Arbitron">{{cite web|url=http://www1.arbitron.com/sip/displaySip.do?surveyID=WI14&band=fm&callLetter=WTJU|title=Arbitron Station Information Profiles|accessdate=October 31, 2014|work=[[Nielsen Audio]]/[[Nielsen Holdings]]}}</ref> WTJU is owned and operated by [[University of Virginia]].<ref name="FCC">{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WTJU|title=WTJU Facility Record|accessdate=October 31, 2014|work=[[Federal Communications Commission]], audio division}}</ref>
'''WTJU''' is a [[Variety (radio)|variety]]-formatted [[Broadcasting|broadcast]] [[radio station]] licensed to [[Charlottesville, Virginia]], serving [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County, Virginia]].<ref name="Arbitron">{{cite web|url=http://www1.arbitron.com/sip/displaySip.do?surveyID=WI14&band=fm&callLetter=WTJU|title=Arbitron Station Information Profiles|access-date=October 31, 2014|work=[[Nielsen Audio]]/[[Nielsen Holdings]]}}</ref> WTJU is owned and operated by the [[University of Virginia]].<ref name="FCC">{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WTJU|title=WTJU Facility Record|access-date=October 31, 2014|work=[[Federal Communications Commission]], audio division}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:DJ in the WTJU studio.jpg|thumb|right|325px|A WTJU DJ hosts a show during the 2013 Rock Marathon]]
[[File:DJ in the WTJU studio.jpg|thumb|right|325px|A WTJU DJ hosts a show during the 2013 Rock Marathon]]
[[File:WTJU live remote broadcast.jpg|thumb|right|325px|WTJU hosts a live remote broadcast from the "Rally on the Lawn," where thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and community members had gathered to support recently ousted University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan.]]
[[File:WTJU live remote broadcast.jpg|thumb|right|325px|WTJU hosts a live remote broadcast from the "Rally on the Lawn," where thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and community members had gathered to support then recently ousted University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan]]
WTJU was founded in 1955 when UVA’s Department of Speech and Drama decided to start a UVA-based educational radio station. The fraternity [[Kappa Delta Pi]] put up a large part of the funds necessary to get the station off the ground. On May 10, 1957, WTJU went on the air at 91.3 FM with a classical music format. It was able to broadcast throughout Charlottesville, building a small but dedicated group of listeners.<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/about/visiting/station-history/|title=Station History|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>


WTJU was founded in 1955 when the University of Virginia’s Department of Speech and Drama decided to start an educational radio station to serve the larger community. [[WCVL-FM|WUVA]], the university's [[carrier current]] [[AM radio]] station, had been broadcasting popular music to students since 1947. The [[Kappa Delta Pi]] fraternity put up a large part of the funds necessary to get the station off the ground. On May 10, 1957, WTJU went on the air at 91.3 FM with a classical music format and was able to broadcast throughout Charlottesville, building a small but dedicated group of listeners.<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/about/visiting/station-history/|title=Station History|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>
In 1959, the station aired its first ever music marathon: the Classical Marathon, held during U.Va.’s exam period. In 1963, WTJU became a full-fledged student organization, separate from the UVA Department of Speech and Drama. By 1971, WTJU began broadcasting rock music, as well as some jazz and folk programs. By 1974, WTJU is broadcasting 24 hours a day. It also allowed non-students to be DJs in order to keep the station broadcasting 24/7 year-round.<ref name="History"/>


In 1959, the station aired its first ever music marathon: the Classical Marathon, held during UVA’s exam period. In 1963, WTJU became a full-fledged student organization, separate from the university's Department of Speech and Drama. By 1971, WTJU began broadcasting rock music, as well as some jazz and folk programs. By 1974, WTJU was broadcasting 24 hours a day and also allowed non-students to be DJs in order to keep the station broadcasting 24/7 year-round.<ref name="History"/>
In 1993, WTJU's license was threatened when student administrators accidentally violated FCC rules in filing a routine document. The Dean of Students office insisted the station hire its first paid staff member, General Manager Chuck Taylor, requiring a transition from a student organization to direct oversight from the university. In the same year, WTJU changed its frequency from 91.3 to 91.1 FM. In the late 1990s, planned construction at U.Va.'s Peabody hall forced WTJU to relocate. In 2000, WTJU moved into its current studios in Lambeth Commons. By 2010, WTJU had also started streaming its radio programming over the internet.<ref name="History"/>


In 1993, WTJU's license was threatened when student administrators accidentally violated FCC rules in filing a routine document. The Dean of Students office insisted the station hire its first paid staff member, general manager Chuck Taylor, requiring a transition from an independent student organization – the model followed by WUVA – to direct oversight from the university. In the same year, WTJU changed its frequency from 91.3 to 91.1 FM. In the late 1990s, planned construction at UVA's Peabody Hall forced WTJU to relocate into studios in Lambeth Commons. By 2010, WTJU had also started streaming its radio programming over the internet.<ref name="History"/>
General Manager Chuck Taylor retired in 2010, and was replaced by Burr Beard. After stepping into his position, Beard tried to enact sweeping changes to the station’s operation and was met with major backlash from station volunteers and listeners. By fall of that same year, Beard resigned and the station began its search for a new manager. In 2011, Nathan Moore was hired and is the current General Manager of the station.<ref name="History"/>


Taylor retired in 2010. At the time, the station had low listenership and was in deep financial trouble. Administrators pressed ahead with a search for new management, even as the university's [[Board of Visitors]] approved turning in the station's license if they did not see a path to viability. Burr Beard was hired as Taylor's replacement in April 2010. Beard proposed sweeping changes to the station’s operation: abandoning the longstanding [[freeform radio|freeform]] scheduling policy in favor of a focus on "[[Americana (music)|Americana]]" music; moving specialty jazz and rock programs to evening and late night, respectively; eliminating classical music altogether; and instituting a small [[rotation (music)|rotation]] of four songs per hour. Beard's proposals led to backlash from both volunteers and listeners, who feared the potential loss of the station's identity and cancellations of specialty shows.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNeill|first1=Brian|title=Programming changes shake up UVa's radio station WTJU 91.1|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/programming-changes-shake-up-uva-s-radio-station-wtju/article_1f2d422f-8ae7-511c-b2e8-a3ab4875b48d.html|work=The Daily Progress|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=McNeill|first1=Brian|title=Community meeting on WTJU set for Monday|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/community-meeting-on-wtju-set-for-monday/article_76bcebbd-3001-5063-8655-f51e951cc1f3.html|work=The Daily Progress|language=en}}</ref> Beard resigned in October 2010 without implementing any changes and the station began its search for a new manager. In 2011, Nathan Moore was hired and is the current general manager.<ref name="History"/> The station has seen a resurgence of interest and increased fundraising in the following years.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Koon|first1=Samantha|title=After time of turmoil, WTJU reprograms, increases fundraising|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/entertainment/after-time-of-turmoil-wtju-reprograms-increases-fundraising/article_d7772d9e-cfba-5de5-ad4e-a3a8792a5e29.html|work=The Daily Progress|language=en}}</ref>
In 2011, WTJU participated in the first-ever [College Radio Day]. And in 2012, WTJU aired a live remote broadcast of the "Rally on the Lawn" demonstration against the ouster of U.Va. President [[Teresa A. Sullivan]].<ref name="RallyLawn">{{cite web|url=http://www.wherevent.com/detail/Tyler-Magill-Community-Microphone-WTJU-Live-from-the-Rally-on-the-Lawn|title=Community Microphone: WTJU Live from the Rally on the Lawn|date=June 18, 2012|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=13 Pass Multimedia}}</ref> Also in 2012, WTJU aired a special modern adaptation of [[The War of the Worlds (radio drama)|The War of the Worlds]] on Halloween night.<ref name="WarWorlds">{{cite news|newspaper=C-Ville Weekly|location=[[Charlottesville, Virginia]]|publisher=C-Ville|title=Aliens invade! WTJU broadcasts "War of the Worlds"|url=http://www.c-ville.com/aliens-invade-wtju-broadcasts-war-of-the-worlds/#.VAdt66M0fg0|date=October 31, 2012|accessdate=October 31, 2014|last=Cooper|first=Allie}}</ref> In August 2017, following the [[Far-right]] [[Unite the Right rally]] in [[Charlottesville]], WTJU aired a pair of special broadcasts: a live music event called [https://soundcloud.com/wtju/gather-round-cville "Come Together Charlottesville"] and a healing and reconciliation program called [https://soundcloud.com/wtju/gather-round-cville "Gather Round Cville"].


In 2011, WTJU participated in the first-ever [[College Radio Day]]. In 2012, WTJU aired a live remote broadcast of the "Rally on the Lawn" demonstration against the ouster of UVA President [[Teresa A. Sullivan]].<ref name="RallyLawn">{{cite web|url=http://www.wherevent.com/detail/Tyler-Magill-Community-Microphone-WTJU-Live-from-the-Rally-on-the-Lawn|title=Community Microphone: WTJU Live from the Rally on the Lawn|date=June 18, 2012|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=13 Pass Multimedia}}</ref> Also in 2012, WTJU aired a special modern adaptation of [[The War of the Worlds (1938 radio drama)|The War of the Worlds]] on Halloween night.<ref name="WarWorlds">{{cite news|newspaper=C-Ville Weekly|location=[[Charlottesville, Virginia]]|publisher=C-Ville|title=Aliens invade! WTJU broadcasts "War of the Worlds"|url=http://www.c-ville.com/aliens-invade-wtju-broadcasts-war-of-the-worlds/#.VAdt66M0fg0|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=October 31, 2014|last=Cooper|first=Allie}}</ref>
In addition to its on-air activities, WTJU also produces a variety of music and educational events such as an annual block party & record sale, film screenings, and youth radio camps.<ref name="GMQR1">{{cite web|url=http://wtju.net/media/WTJU-GM-quarterly-report-2014-Apr.pdf|title=WTJU General Manager’s Quarterly Report - April 2014|date=April 2014|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref><ref name="GMQR2">{{cite web|url=http://wtju.net/media/WTJU-GM-quarterl-%20report-2014-July.pdf|title=WTJU General Manager’s Quarterly Report - July 2014|date=July 2014|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> Since 2015, WTJU has hosted a series of free outdoor concerts at Charlottesville's [[IX Art Park]] each fall, emphasizing eclectic music and creative community building.<ref name="NBC29">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc29.com/story/36106582/wtju-to-hold-freefall-music-art-festival-each-saturday-in-sept-oct|title=WTJU to Hold Freefall Music & Art Festival Each Saturday in Sept. & Oct.|date=Aug 10, 2017|accessdate=August 28, 2017|publisher=[[WVIR-TV]]}}</ref>


On February 1, 2015, WTJU entered into a three-year [[local marketing agreement]] with [[WHAN (AM)|WHAN]] (1430 AM) in [[Ashland, Virginia]]. WTJU's programming was rebroadcast on WHAN and its [[Broadcast translator|FM translator]] (W275BQ, 102.9 FM) to cover the city of [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] with a broadcast signal. WTJU exited the agreement early on August 16, 2017, as the signal was found to be inadequate and the increase in underwriting from the Richmond market did not offset the cost.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Venta|first1=Lance|title=WHAN Drops WTJU Simulcast To Launch Local Community Format|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/119340/whan-drops-wtju-simulcast-launch-local-community-format/|work=RadioInsight|date=17 August 2017}}</ref>
Among the well-known artists who have been DJs at WTJU are [[Pavement (band)|Pavement]]'s [[Stephen Malkmus]], [[Dave Matthews Band]]'s [[Boyd Tinsley]], [[Rolling Stone]] critic [[Rob Sheffield]], [[Yo La Tengo]]'s [[James McNew]], and blues musician [[Corey Harris]].


In addition to its on-air activities, WTJU also produces a variety of music and educational events such as live concerts, film screenings, and youth radio camps.<ref name="GMQR1">{{cite web|url=http://wtju.net/media/WTJU-GM-quarterly-report-2014-Apr.pdf|title=WTJU General Manager's Quarterly Report - April 2014|date=April 2014|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref><ref name="GMQR2">{{cite web|url=http://wtju.net/media/WTJU-GM-quarterl-%20report-2014-July.pdf|title=WTJU General Manager's Quarterly Report - July 2014|date=July 2014|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> Since 2015, WTJU has hosted a series of free outdoor concerts at Charlottesville's [[IX Art Park]] each fall, emphasizing eclectic music and creative community building.<ref name="NBC29">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc29.com/story/36106582/wtju-to-hold-freefall-music-art-festival-each-saturday-in-sept-oct|title=WTJU to Hold Freefall Music & Art Festival Each Saturday in Sept. & Oct.|date=Aug 10, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|publisher=[[WVIR-TV]]}}</ref>
==WXTJ==
[[Image:WXTJ_radio_logo.png|thumb|left|150px|WTJU's sister radio station, [[WXTJ-LP]] 100.1 FM]]Hiring professional staff in the 1990s necessitated removing WTJU from limits on non-university-affiliated members that bind student organizations and club sports. Initially brought on to keep the station running over breaks, community members began making up an increasing proportion of announcers in the 1990s and 2000s. In response to declining student involvement, WTJU founded [[WXTJ-LP]] (100.1 FM), a sister station run and staffed entirely by students, in October 2013.<ref name="WTJX">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/wtjx-goes-live-tomorrow/|title=WTJX is Back!|date=August 25, 2014|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> WXTJ operates within WTJU's building and primarily consists of rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Several student DJs host programs on both stations.<ref name="WTJXSchedule">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/schedule/?station=wtjx|title=WTJX Schedule|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>


In March 2019, WTJU and [[WXTJ-LP]] moved into new studios, which include a stage for live performances and community events.<ref name="UVAT1">{{cite web|url=https://news.virginia.edu/content/wtju-celebrate-new-home-guinness-world-record-attempt|title=WTJU to Celebrate New Home With a Guinness World Record Attempt|date=March 21, 2019|access-date=November 21, 2019|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> On March 23, the station opened the new studios by breaking the [[Guinness Book of World Records|Guinness World Record]] for "most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously," although it only briefly held the title as it was broken again 18 days later.<ref name="GUIN">{{cite web|url=https://guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-radio-djs-presenting-one-radio-show-simultaneously|title=Most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously|date=April 2019|access-date=November 21, 2019|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited}}</ref>
==Broadcasting to Richmond==
In February 2015, WTJU began simulcasting its programming on [[Ashland, Virginia]]-based [[WHAN_(AM)|WHAN]] and its translator W275BQ 102.9.<ref name="WHAN1">{{cite web|url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/91757/wtju-adds-richmond-rimshot/|title=WTJU Adds Richmond Rimshot|date=January 28, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015|work=RadioBB Networks|last=Venta|first=Lance}}</ref> WTJU operates the station as part of a three-year [[local marketing agreement]].<ref name="WHAN2">{{cite news|newspaper=Hanover Herald-Progress|location=[[Ashland, Virginia]]|publisher=Lakeway Publishers, Inc.|title=U.Va.-owned station to take over WHAN|url=http://www.herald-progress.com/?p=19494|date=January 21, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015}}</ref> WTJU will have the option to buy the WHAN and translator W275BQ in the future.<ref name="WHAN1"/> WTJU is in negotiations with [[Virginia Commonwealth University]] webcaster [[WVCW]] to broadcast on WHAN from 6pm to 1am daily.<ref name="WHAN3">{{cite news|newspaper=[[Style Weekly]]|location=[[Richmond, Virginia]]|publisher=[[Landmark Media Enterprises]]|title=U.Va.-owned station to take over WHAN|url=http://www.styleweekly.com/Studi/archives/2015/01/13/uva-radio-station-wtju-coming-to-richmond|date=January 13, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015|last=Baldwin|first=Brent}}</ref>


Among the well-known artists who have been DJs at WTJU are [[Pavement (band)|Pavement]]'s [[Stephen Malkmus]], [[Dave Matthews Band]]'s [[Boyd Tinsley]], ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' critic [[Rob Sheffield]], [[Yo La Tengo]]'s [[James McNew]], [[Jagjaguwar]] founder [[Darius Van Arman]], and blues musician [[Corey Harris]].
==Programming==
WTJU is unusual in a number of ways. It is a [[public radio]] station, yet it is not part of the [[NPR]] system. The station allows its volunteer [[DJ]]s to play nearly anything they choose, as long as it does not violate [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) rules for decency. All of WTJU's DJs are volunteers from the community, including U.Va. students, faculty, and staff, alumni, and community members with no other UVA affiliation.


==WXTJ==
Most of the shows feature music, with the bulk of the music being in the genres of classical, folk, jazz and rock.<ref name="WTJUSchedule">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/schedule/?station=wtju|title=WTJU Schedule|accessdate=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> The music across all genres tends to be highly eclectic, with a heavy emphasis on music that is rarely, if ever, heard on commercial radio stations. WTJU's schedule also includes daily news interviews and a number of short arts & community-oriented public affairs modules.<ref name="WTJUSchedule2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/media/program-schedule.pdf|title=WTJU Program Schedule|accessdate=August 27, 2017|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>
{{Main|WXTJ-LP}}
Hiring professional staff in the 1990s necessitated removing WTJU from limits on non-university-affiliated members that bind student organizations and club sports. Initially brought on to keep the station running over breaks, community members began making up an increasing proportion of announcers in the 1990s and 2000s. In response to declining student involvement, WTJU founded [[WXTJ-LP]] (100.1 FM), a sister station run and staffed entirely by students, in October 2013.<ref name="WTJX">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/wtjx-goes-live-tomorrow/|title=WTJX is Back!|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> WXTJ operates within WTJU's building and primarily consists of rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Several student DJs host programs on both stations.<ref name="WTJXSchedule">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/schedule/?station=wtjx|title=WTJX Schedule|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>


==Programming==
==Teej.fm Podcast Network==
WTJU allows its volunteer [[DJ]]s to play nearly anything they choose, as long as it does not violate [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) rules for decency. All of WTJU's DJs are volunteers from the community, including U.Va. students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members. Most of the shows feature music and are broadly categorized into classical, folk, jazz and blues, and rock.<ref name="WTJUSchedule">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/schedule/?station=wtju|title=WTJU Schedule|access-date=October 31, 2014|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref> The music across all genres tends to be highly eclectic, with a heavy emphasis on music that is rarely, if ever, heard on commercial radio stations.
[[Image:Teej.fm_logo.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Teej.fm logo]]

In early 2017, WTJU launched [http://Teej.fm Teej.fm], a network of podcasts produced by a corps of [[University of Virginia]] students and [[Charlottesville]] community members. Teej.fm seeks to connect listeners with exceptional stories, conversations, and music, cultivating community and enriching our culture.<ref name="Teej1">{{cite web|url=http://teej-podcast.squarespace.com/about/|title=About|date=January 2017|accessdate=August 28, 2017|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>
The station is not a member of [[NPR]], although its schedule includes some spoken-word programming in overnights and short public-affairs modules during and between shows.<ref name="WTJUSchedule2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtju.net/media/program-schedule.pdf|title=WTJU Program Schedule|access-date=August 27, 2017|publisher=[[University of Virginia]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of community radio stations in the United States]]
* [http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2007/01/18/COVER-amalg.rtf.aspx "Radioheads: locals succumb to the call of the airwaves"] 2007 article in ''[[The Hook (newspaper)|The Hook]]''
* [http://www.dailyprogress.com/entertainment/after-time-of-turmoil-wtju-reprograms-increases-fundraising/article_d7772d9e-cfba-5de5-ad4e-a3a8792a5e29.html "After time of turmoil, WTJU reprograms, increases fundraising"] 2012 article in ''[[The Daily Progress]]''
* [http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/columnists/mckenzie-wtju-keeps-it-eclectic/article_260b8634-6cd7-11e2-bd39-001a4bcf6878.html "WTJU keeps it eclectic"] 2013 article in ''[[The Daily Progress]]''
* [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia/articles/2017-03-11/charlottesville-radio-station-celebrates-a-century-of-jazz "Charlottesville Radio Station Celebrates a Century of Jazz"] 2017 article in ''U.S. News & World Report''
* [http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2017/04/13/radio-station-visit-129-wtju-at-university-of-virginia "Radio Station Visit #129 – WTJU at University of Virginia"] 2017 article in ''Radio Survivor''


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.wtju.net/ 91.1 WTJU Online]
* [http://www.wtju.net/ 91.1 WTJU Online]
* {{FM station data|WTJU}}
* {{FM station data|69145|WTJU}}
* [http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2007/01/18/COVER-amalg.rtf.aspx "Radioheads: locals succumb to the call of the airwaves"] 2007 article in ''[[The Hook (newspaper)|The Hook]]''
* [http://www.dailyprogress.com/entertainment/after-time-of-turmoil-wtju-reprograms-increases-fundraising/article_d7772d9e-cfba-5de5-ad4e-a3a8792a5e29.html "After time of turmoil, WTJU reprograms, increases fundraising"] 2012 article in ''[[The Daily Progress]]''
* [http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/columnists/mckenzie-wtju-keeps-it-eclectic/article_260b8634-6cd7-11e2-bd39-001a4bcf6878.html "WTJU keeps it eclectic"] 2013 article in ''[[The Daily Progress]]''
* [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia/articles/2017-03-11/charlottesville-radio-station-celebrates-a-century-of-jazz "Charlottesville Radio Station Celebrates a Century of Jazz"] 2017 article in ''U.S. News & World Report''
* [http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2017/04/13/radio-station-visit-129-wtju-at-university-of-virginia "Radio Station Visit #129 – WTJU at University of Virginia"] 2017 article in ''Radio Survivor''


{{-}}
{{Clear}}


{{University of Virginia}}
{{University of Virginia}}
{{Charlottesville Radio}}
{{Charlottesville Radio}}
{{Virginia college radio}}
{{Virginia college radio}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1957 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:1957 establishments in Virginia]]
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[[Category:Community radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Community radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:University of Virginia]]
[[Category:University of Virginia]]
[[Category:Mass media in Charlottesville, Virginia]]

Latest revision as of 10:34, 30 October 2024

WTJU
Broadcast areaCharlottesville, Virginia
Albemarle County, Virginia
Frequency91.1 MHz
BrandingWTJU
Programming
FormatVariety
Ownership
OwnerUniversity of Virginia
WXTJ-LP
History
First air date
May 10, 1957[1]
Former frequencies
91.3 MHz (1957–1993)
Call sign meaning
W Thomas Jefferson's University
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID69145
ClassB1
Power1,500 watts
HAAT325 meters (1,066 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
37°58′55.0″N 78°29′3.0″W / 37.981944°N 78.484167°W / 37.981944; -78.484167
Links
Public license information
WebcastWTJU Webstream
WebsiteWTJU Online

WTJU is a variety-formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Charlottesville, Virginia, serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia.[3] WTJU is owned and operated by the University of Virginia.[4]

History

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A WTJU DJ hosts a show during the 2013 Rock Marathon
WTJU hosts a live remote broadcast from the "Rally on the Lawn," where thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and community members had gathered to support then recently ousted University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan

WTJU was founded in 1955 when the University of Virginia’s Department of Speech and Drama decided to start an educational radio station to serve the larger community. WUVA, the university's carrier current AM radio station, had been broadcasting popular music to students since 1947. The Kappa Delta Pi fraternity put up a large part of the funds necessary to get the station off the ground. On May 10, 1957, WTJU went on the air at 91.3 FM with a classical music format and was able to broadcast throughout Charlottesville, building a small but dedicated group of listeners.[5]

In 1959, the station aired its first ever music marathon: the Classical Marathon, held during UVA’s exam period. In 1963, WTJU became a full-fledged student organization, separate from the university's Department of Speech and Drama. By 1971, WTJU began broadcasting rock music, as well as some jazz and folk programs. By 1974, WTJU was broadcasting 24 hours a day and also allowed non-students to be DJs in order to keep the station broadcasting 24/7 year-round.[5]

In 1993, WTJU's license was threatened when student administrators accidentally violated FCC rules in filing a routine document. The Dean of Students office insisted the station hire its first paid staff member, general manager Chuck Taylor, requiring a transition from an independent student organization – the model followed by WUVA – to direct oversight from the university. In the same year, WTJU changed its frequency from 91.3 to 91.1 FM. In the late 1990s, planned construction at UVA's Peabody Hall forced WTJU to relocate into studios in Lambeth Commons. By 2010, WTJU had also started streaming its radio programming over the internet.[5]

Taylor retired in 2010. At the time, the station had low listenership and was in deep financial trouble. Administrators pressed ahead with a search for new management, even as the university's Board of Visitors approved turning in the station's license if they did not see a path to viability. Burr Beard was hired as Taylor's replacement in April 2010. Beard proposed sweeping changes to the station’s operation: abandoning the longstanding freeform scheduling policy in favor of a focus on "Americana" music; moving specialty jazz and rock programs to evening and late night, respectively; eliminating classical music altogether; and instituting a small rotation of four songs per hour. Beard's proposals led to backlash from both volunteers and listeners, who feared the potential loss of the station's identity and cancellations of specialty shows.[6][7] Beard resigned in October 2010 without implementing any changes and the station began its search for a new manager. In 2011, Nathan Moore was hired and is the current general manager.[5] The station has seen a resurgence of interest and increased fundraising in the following years.[8]

In 2011, WTJU participated in the first-ever College Radio Day. In 2012, WTJU aired a live remote broadcast of the "Rally on the Lawn" demonstration against the ouster of UVA President Teresa A. Sullivan.[9] Also in 2012, WTJU aired a special modern adaptation of The War of the Worlds on Halloween night.[10]

On February 1, 2015, WTJU entered into a three-year local marketing agreement with WHAN (1430 AM) in Ashland, Virginia. WTJU's programming was rebroadcast on WHAN and its FM translator (W275BQ, 102.9 FM) to cover the city of Richmond with a broadcast signal. WTJU exited the agreement early on August 16, 2017, as the signal was found to be inadequate and the increase in underwriting from the Richmond market did not offset the cost.[11]

In addition to its on-air activities, WTJU also produces a variety of music and educational events such as live concerts, film screenings, and youth radio camps.[12][13] Since 2015, WTJU has hosted a series of free outdoor concerts at Charlottesville's IX Art Park each fall, emphasizing eclectic music and creative community building.[14]

In March 2019, WTJU and WXTJ-LP moved into new studios, which include a stage for live performances and community events.[15] On March 23, the station opened the new studios by breaking the Guinness World Record for "most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously," although it only briefly held the title as it was broken again 18 days later.[16]

Among the well-known artists who have been DJs at WTJU are Pavement's Stephen Malkmus, Dave Matthews Band's Boyd Tinsley, Rolling Stone critic Rob Sheffield, Yo La Tengo's James McNew, Jagjaguwar founder Darius Van Arman, and blues musician Corey Harris.

WXTJ

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Hiring professional staff in the 1990s necessitated removing WTJU from limits on non-university-affiliated members that bind student organizations and club sports. Initially brought on to keep the station running over breaks, community members began making up an increasing proportion of announcers in the 1990s and 2000s. In response to declining student involvement, WTJU founded WXTJ-LP (100.1 FM), a sister station run and staffed entirely by students, in October 2013.[17] WXTJ operates within WTJU's building and primarily consists of rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Several student DJs host programs on both stations.[18]

Programming

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WTJU allows its volunteer DJs to play nearly anything they choose, as long as it does not violate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules for decency. All of WTJU's DJs are volunteers from the community, including U.Va. students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members. Most of the shows feature music and are broadly categorized into classical, folk, jazz and blues, and rock.[19] The music across all genres tends to be highly eclectic, with a heavy emphasis on music that is rarely, if ever, heard on commercial radio stations.

The station is not a member of NPR, although its schedule includes some spoken-word programming in overnights and short public-affairs modules during and between shows.[20]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ American Radio History [dead link]
  2. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WTJU". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ^ "Arbitron Station Information Profiles". Nielsen Audio/Nielsen Holdings. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  4. ^ "WTJU Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c d "Station History". University of Virginia. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  6. ^ McNeill, Brian. "Programming changes shake up UVa's radio station WTJU 91.1". The Daily Progress.
  7. ^ McNeill, Brian. "Community meeting on WTJU set for Monday". The Daily Progress.
  8. ^ Koon, Samantha. "After time of turmoil, WTJU reprograms, increases fundraising". The Daily Progress.
  9. ^ "Community Microphone: WTJU Live from the Rally on the Lawn". 13 Pass Multimedia. June 18, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  10. ^ Cooper, Allie (October 31, 2012). "Aliens invade! WTJU broadcasts "War of the Worlds"". C-Ville Weekly. Charlottesville, Virginia: C-Ville. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  11. ^ Venta, Lance (17 August 2017). "WHAN Drops WTJU Simulcast To Launch Local Community Format". RadioInsight.
  12. ^ "WTJU General Manager's Quarterly Report - April 2014" (PDF). University of Virginia. April 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  13. ^ "WTJU General Manager's Quarterly Report - July 2014" (PDF). University of Virginia. July 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  14. ^ "WTJU to Hold Freefall Music & Art Festival Each Saturday in Sept. & Oct". WVIR-TV. Aug 10, 2017. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  15. ^ "WTJU to Celebrate New Home With a Guinness World Record Attempt". University of Virginia. March 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  16. ^ "Most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously". Guinness World Records Limited. April 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  17. ^ "WTJX is Back!". University of Virginia. August 25, 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  18. ^ "WTJX Schedule". University of Virginia. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  19. ^ "WTJU Schedule". University of Virginia. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  20. ^ "WTJU Program Schedule" (PDF). University of Virginia. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
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