Their voices can be heard most days, transmitted across the airwaves into radios and headphones. They can be found on channel 90.3 reporting the news, discussing the most recent developments in sports, and introducing musical guests.

The WWPT broadcasters.

They talk you through the basketball, football and soccer games taking place at home in the afternoons and evenings, but have you ever wondered what it takes to get the radio shows up and running?

Well, for your typical WWPT basketball game coverage, which is simulcast with the Staples Television Network, STN, the preparations start a good 2 hours beforehand.

For especially important games, however, such as the Homecoming football game, set up can take 3 hours. Sometimes, it even has to begin the night beforehand.

The preparation begins with bringing everything needed into the gymnasium, including cameras, microphones, and a switcher.

Despite the complicated set up for WWPT and STN, finding chairs for the broadcasters to sit in is, oddly enough, the most difficult part of preparing for the show, according to supervisor Mike Zito.

Another necessary part of the WWPT game coverage is the all-important “piano bench”.

This large, navy blue podium houses all of the equipment, and according to Jake Chernok ’13, shields the broadcasters from the action on the court.

“It provides protection so we don’t get hit in the face,” Chernok said.

About ten minutes prior to the game, the commentators put on their headsets to start the pre-game show.

These commentators are given the opportunity to claim games or time slots during WWPT meetings. These meetings take place in the media lab, where the eighty or so members of WWPT wait to be called and be able to negotiate time on the air. Priority is determined based upon the amount of work a given individual puts into running the radio station.

The commentators discuss everything from previous competition to specific players as game time nears. When play begins, they keep up a continuous stream of talk, announcing the game blow by blow, their voices sounding on WWPT as well as behind STN’s live footage of the gameplay.

At halftime, as well as at the end of the game, the broadcasters break down the event and analyze players. Also, guests including the coach and key players join them.

Fifteen minutes after the end of the game, they sign off, giving credit to all of the crew present who make WWPT happen. They take an hour to disassemble their equipment, and their work is done.

While broadcasting an hour-long game takes about 4 hours, the broadcasters don’t let it get in the way of school.

“You find a way to get work done,” Chernok said.

Zito praises the responsibility of his broadcasters, who, according to him, get the job done better than he could hope for.

“Its evolved to the point where I don’t need to do much,” Zito said. “The kids do a great job.”