WKNC airs We are WRAS simulcast

In partnership with College Radio Day, WKNC 88.1 FM will join more than 50 college radio stations across 25 states on Thursday, June 26 in a one-hour simulcast in support of Georgia State University’s WRAS. Earlier this summer, Georgia State announced a deal with Georgia Public Broadcasting to turn over WRAS’s daytime hours to GPB programming. The students of WRAS were not involved in any negotiations and not informed of the deal until after it was finalized.

Anastasia Zimitravich, outgoing General Manager of WRAS, issued this statement: “To our fellow college stations across North America, we at WRAS humbly ask for your support in this battle to retain our student voice. By airing this 1-hour public affairs program, which focuses on the history and legacy of WRAS Album 88.5FM, you can show support for our cause and help spread the word of college radio’s influence. WRAS-Atlanta asks you, the future broadcasters of America, to help us educate the public on how college radio affects music, media, and opportunities for students.”

Peter Kreten, President of College Radio Day, stated, “In this hour program, WRAS will show just how much of an impact they have made in their 43-year history and why it’s important that they should continue to be student-run.” The program will also include audio messages of support from many of the participating radio stations. “Many college radio stations throughout the country want WRAS to know that they are not alone during this time, and we at College Radio Day are incredibly excited to have so many stations from across the country participate in this simulcast to show support for WRAS,” added Kreten.

“The injustice happening to WRAS could happen to any of us at any moment,” said Walt Lilly, WKNC’s program director, on his decision to air the program. “We need to make it known how valuable stations like WRAS are to their listeners and the community.”

The “We are WRAS” simulcast will air Thursday from 1-2 p.m. on 88.1 FM and online at wknc.org/listen. WKNC is the only North Carolina college radio station to participate.