Rachel Chernok ’10
Staff Writer
Driving home angry and frustrated during the quarterfinals of the Staples boys’ soccer game, any Westport resident could tune into 90.3 FM and hear the sounds of the Superfans cheering in the background at the game and student announcers commentating.
The voice of the school’s very own broadcasters reported the play–by–play for every soccer game, and many other events.
With WWPT Wrecker Radio, students are able to hear their own peers live on the radio. Whether students take over the radio for an hour with a personal show, broadcast a sporting event, or give the rest of Staples a taste of their favorite music, WWPT never stops running.
On Sept. 1, broadcasters from WWPT were nominated as finalists for the 2009 John Drury High School Radio Awards. Mike Friedson ’10, Naveen Murali ’10, Ryan Crofts ’09, Eric Stefenson ’09, Brendan Rand ’11, DJ Sixsmith ’11, Eric Gallanty ’11 and Mike Nussbaum ’11 were rewarded as finalists in five out of the ten categories.
The WWPT staff was also a finalist for the title of best high school station in the country.
Every time 90.3 FM comes on the radio, most students just listen and enjoy the sports game or the music coming from a radio show. However, what students do not know is what goes on inside the sound booth.
“The elements of a good show are really up to the listener and what they’re interested in. But typically a show is good if the DJs really care about what they’re talking about and take some time to prepare,” Friedson said. “Also it helps to have good talking skills; that means no ‘ums,’ ‘uhhs,’ ‘errs,’ or anything like that. For a short while I had a problem with ‘you knows’.”
Gallanty works on WWPT as a sports broadcaster and a radio show host. Gallanty explained his routines before a show in order to prepare to speak live.
“For sports, I do a lot of preperation: finding rosters and schedules of other teams, reading articles on past games, and knowing a little about even the teams.”
Gallanty researches teams that Staples might not even play because it“can be helpful.”
Gallanty’s method of advance planning also applies to his DJ–ing duties.
“For music, it’s good to have an idea what songs you want to play, because if you are choosing a song right then and there, the audience will notice. Also, it’s good to know a little something about each song, it adds to your credibility as a DJ,” Gallanty said.
From cars or computers at home, the broadcasters and radio show hosts make their jobs seem easy.
It is very difficult to tell whether or not the students are nervous as they speak live on a radio station listened to by an audience of parents, students, teachers, and even people outside of Westport.
“I used to get really nervous, especially when I messed up, but it’s gotten gradually more comfortable being on the air. Most recently, the station began online streaming, and I was unbelievably nervous because I knew a lot more of my friends would be listening. However, if you sound confident, the show is bound to be great,” Paige Weinberg ’10 said.
As the advisor of WWPT Wrecker Radio, Mike Zeeto plays a large role in the broadcasting and radio show productions.
“I love the students that are involved in WWPT. I get caught up in their energy and how positive they are. It’s just the most fun and most rewarding experience I’ve ever had in radio,” Zeeto said.
“The key is to talk on the air like you’re having a conversation with someone else, rather than talking like you’re talking to a microphone,” Gallanty said.
