Mon 3/23-Sun 3/29

The outcry and blowback against heartless demolition of Cleveland State University’s nearly 50-year-old radio station WCSB-FM last October made it clear how much Clevelanders value college radio. And, as that outcry made clear, much of its support — listenership and financial — comes from the community.

Case Western Reserve University’s WRUW-FM 91.1 is the oldest of Northeast Ohio’s existing college radio station, emerging from a strictly campus station to become a low-power FM in 1967. It now broadcasts at 15,000 watts and can be heard across northern Ohio and even into Michigan and Canada, as well as online, playing a radically diverse range of music (“more music, fewer hits”) not heard on commercial radio, along with public service programs such as “Gaywaves” and “It’s About Justice” — just as WCSB did.

This week, WRUW launched its annual Telethon fundraiser, running from Monday March 23 through Sunday March 29. It’s a time when you can step up and donate during your favorite program to show your support for your favorite host — or just donate.

“In 2025, listener donations made it possible for us to purchase a new radio transmitter, reel-to-reel machine, two new digitizing robots, and live broadcast equipment,” they share. “This year, we are focusing on raising money to cover the cost of installation of the new transmitter and supporting technology. This investment in our signal will improve sound quality, prevent drop outs, and fix other technical issues, giving our audience the best listening experience possible.”

It is a really critical time to show support for college radio. Call 216.368.2208 or go online to telethon.wruw.org to donate and show how much college radio means to northeast Ohio.