WTBU (Boston University)

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WTBU Radio

not applicable / not FCC-licensed.
Broadcast area	Boston University campus
Frequency	640 kHz & 89.3 MHz (Part 15/FCC unlicensed) BUTV Channel 6
Branding	WTBU
Programming
Format	Music/Sports/News
Ownership
Owner	Boston University College of Communication
History
First air date	1960 (1960)
Call sign meaning	"Terriers of Boston University"
Links
Website	www.wtburadio.org/

WTBU (640 kHz/89.3 MHz) is a "Part 15" student-managed and -operated radio station at Boston University. Under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations it does not require a license, and operates legally under special "low power" rules (not to be confused with LPFM FCC licensed stations). The operation does not qualify for official call letters; thus the identification as "WTBU" is a self-assigned branding.

WTBU has a block-format programming schedule, with individual DJs able to play pretty much whatever they choose during their weekly airshifts (usually two hours in length). Overall the sound skews mostly rock/alternative, but can vary significantly, including pop, urban, rap, classic rock, Triple-A, trance, electro, industrial and metal or just true freeform.

WTBU is on the air 20 hours a day,^[1] any day that the BU dorms are open (at least eight months of the year). During the summers the studios may be used for special classroom exercises by the Boston University College of Communication, or "COM."

Taking advantage of the large number of broadcast journalism majors at COM, there are regular newscasts and sports updates. There is also extensive live coverage of BU sporting events, like hockey, basketball, soccer and more.^[2]

WTBU is entirely student managed. There is a faculty advisor with some oversight duties. Virtually all positions are unpaid volunteers. There is an informal policy of only having current students to be on the air; community volunteers and alumni are not allowed.

There is no formal class curriculum specifically for radio broadcasting at B.U., save for some broadcast journalism classes that include radio.^[3]