Chapman Radio is has been ranked amongst the most-listened-to college radios in the country. It is the oldest organization on campus, and with over 300 members, also the largest. Under the wing of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman Radio began as a form of extra practice for students looking to go into broadcasting. Today, it belongs in the Wilkinson School of Humanities and Social Arts, and is a completely student-run club anyone enrolled at Chapman can join. Senior Becca Lengel, business administration major and four-year veteran of Chapman radio, tells why she enjoys being a part of the organization.
“My favorite part of Chapman Radio is probably the freedom they allow us as DJs. We basically have free range of what we want to do with our shows, which is pretty cool. I think it’s a good outlet for students to express themselves and their interests.”
Becca also mentioned that Chapman Radio can be a good way for students to overcome speaking anxiety. “I think it’s a more fun way to develop general public speaking skills. Talking on the radio can be a little nerve-wracking the first time you do it, but it definitely gets better the more you do it. “
Freshmen screenwriting major Gabriel Espinosa is a newbie on the team, but already one of the most popular DJs. This passed week, Gabriel’s rock-n-roll show Extreme Voltage was the most listened to program on Chapman Radio. “I ask for song requests during the week, and I actually go through all of the songs, and spend at least two days just listening to them. Eventually, I play the songs which are appropriate and are good,” he said of his method.
“I like the fact I get a little escape from myself and from a stressful week,” Gabriel added. “I can just listen and play some awesome rock-n-roll. I love that all my listeners try to write to me during the show. It makes me feel kind of cool and invincible for an hour.”
To catch Becca, tune into Chapman Radio on Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. For Gabriel’s ExtremeVoltage, tune in on Saturday mornings at 11:00 a.m.