WRBB is a non-commercial, non-profit, free-form station run by students at Northeastern University in Boston providing the surrounding areas with a musical diversity not available on any of Boston’s commercial stations. In addition to an eclectic mix of shows, all major Northeastern basketball, baseball, and hockey games are also broadcasted live. There are lots of things going on with WRBB so stay tuned, check back often for updates, and spread the word about the hottest station in the Back Bay.
Where are we located?
WRBB broadcasts from the Curry Student Center 24 hours a day seven days a week. We are located at 174 Curry on the first floor behind the center for community services.
What is WRBB’s history?
WRBB first began broadcasting on December 13, 1962 as WNEU, a carrier current station which reached only two dormitories. WNEU soon grew, gained more power, and became WRBB 91.7. In 1970 the frequency changed from 91.7 to 104.9, and the current WRBB was born. WRBB is a Class D non-commercial radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission that transmits from the campus of Northeastern University.
How do I get a radio show?
It’s easier than you’d think. You are required to take a clearance class taught by WRBB’s technical director. The class is open to all students as well as community members and is taught in our state-of-the-art production studio. During the class, you’ll learn WRBB and the FCC’s rules and regulations. You’ll also be taught how to run all the radio equipment needed to produce your own radio show! Once this has been approved, you may go to the program director to request a show. It really is not that difficult and we encourage anyone who is interested to apply!
Who runs the radio station?
WRBB is a 100% student-run organization overseen by a faculty advisor at Northeastern.
What does it mean to be a member and how do I become one?
There are different levels of involvement at WRBB: community members, student members, and executive board members. Community members are non-students, either alumni or members of the local Boston community, who hold a show on WRBB. These shows are usually more limited in numbers but are still very much a part of the station and subject to the rules and regulations set forth by WRBB. These members must still pass a clearance class to get a show.
Most of the students involved at WRBB are student members who are involved at the station on a very basic level. Student members usually hold a show at WRBB, attend station meetings, and help out at station events.
Executive Board membership is one of the highest levels of involvement that one can achieve at WRBB. Becoming an “E-board member” at WRBB requires putting in a certain amount of volunteer time within different WRBB departments.
Only full-time Northeastern students may become student members or hold executive board positions.
How do I get involved?
The easiest and best way to get involved is to attend one of the station’s general meetings held each semester. Meeting dates and times are announced on our website and social media. At the general meetings, new students wishing to get involved can meet executive board members, sign up for clearance classes, and find the way they would like to get involved at WRBB. It’s that easy!
What type of programming is aired on WRBB?
WRBB is a free-format college radio station. There is a wide variety of music played on WRBB from rock to rap, electronic to jazz, blues to gospel — WRBB has something for everyone. WRBB also hosts a variety of talk and specialty shows including weekend community shows, weekly news shows, and sports talk shows. WRBB also broadcasts, photographs, and writes articles about Northeastern basketball, hockey, and baseball games, often traveling when the teams do.
Are there Work Study or Co-op positions at WRBB?
WRBB offers a limited number of paid work-study positions, which students can apply for based on their financial aid package. Interested students should contact the operations director at least two weeks before the semester starts. WRBB is a student organization and student DJs are not compensated. WRBB does not offer co-op positions.
Does WRBB do advertising?
No! WRBB is a non-commercial station. For companies interested in gaining exposure on WRBB, we do offer underwriting which is a form of advertising that gives companies and organizations the chance to sponsor a Public Service Announcement over the airwaves. Please email the General Manager for more information.
What if I still have questions?
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please refer to the Contact Us page to find the email address for the person who you feel would best answer your question.