If you thought the staff of the former Cleveland State University radio station WCSB-FM 89.3 was just blowing smoke when they promised to be broadcasting again by March 1 under their new tag as XCSB, guess again. As of that date, they’re back “on the air” — not at their former terrestrial signal but online at https://xcsb.org.
If you’ve followed the story, you know that the station, which would’ve celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, was yanked off the air without warning on Friday October 4, 2025, and its signal turned over to Ideastream Public Media to broadcast mainstream jazz 24/7. Protests and lawsuits followed, but so did strategic plans to preserve the eclectic and unique programming WCSB had provided. The former staff began organizing as XCSB and is now a nonprofit under the name XCSB Alternative Media.
Many of its signature shows have sprung back to life as streaming shows, ranging from its German show and the Hungarian Hour to The Ray Carr Show and Monster Boogie Ska. Even former WCSB fixture Steve Wainstead has returned to the “airwaves.” Some slots remain to be filled, but the staff is working on filling them with both new and returning hosts. You can find a full schedule here see if your favorite host is back yet.
The staff has announced that it will be moving into a studio in the Waterloo Arts District on May 10. So far, they’ve kept all the promises. If you want to support them or donate to their cause (tax deductible!) — the new outlet will be entirely listener-supported — go to xcsb.org.