Fri 11/28 @ 5:30pm-8:30pm
A rotating crew of former WCSB DJs, now operating under the name XCSB, continues to spin every Friday at the Happy Dog “Save College Radio” nights. The weekly series gives Clevelanders a chance to experience the eclectic sounds that once defined 89.3 FM before its programming was unexpectedly turned over to Ideastream’s 24/7 mainstream jazz format, JazzNEO, on October 3. The controversial backdoor deal between CSU President Laura Bloomberg and Ideastream CEO Kevin Martin remains a hot topic in the Cleveland creative community, as momentum around the controversy continues to build thanks to local and even national media coverage.
On Friday, 11/14, Ally from Squirrel spun from 5:30-6:15, with Mar from Listen While You Can from 6:15-7, Sophie from Chiaroscuro from 7-7:45, and Cian from Coll-Edge Radio from 7:45-8:30, featuring everything from riot grrl to synth-pop. The recurring event is free and welcomes all to experience the diverse taste of XCSB DJs, who, despite being displaced from their 49-year home on 89.3, refuse to be silenced.
A recent public records request from Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer revealed that CSU had signed a non-disclosure agreement more than six months before the radio station deal transpired, confirming secret talks prior to the abrupt reprogramming. Concerns have been raised that the deal may have violated Ohio’s open meeting laws, and a growing consensus suggests that the persistent lack of transparency from both institutions is only fueling public scrutiny.
The Happy Dog XCSB Happy Hour is a reminder of college radio’s essential role in Cleveland’s vibrant music ecosystem. The WCSB DJ nights continue through Friday November 28. They are also be holding a $5 ticket raffle for 4 people to win a pair of tickets each to one of two Dead Milkmen shows in January 2026.
Show up and tune in to support XCSB’s long tradition of creative expression and community engagement every Friday in November (only two left)!
Follow @xcsb on Instagram for live advocacy, news, and event updates.
Check out xcsb.org for everything XCSB: past, present, and future.
[Written by Morgan Mueller; all photos by Morgan Mueller]