THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 19, 1996 TAG: 9605180088
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
The summer broadcast course at WFOS-FM 88.7 is ``a rare opportunity for students to check out what is involved in the communications field by learning the basic broadcast skills,'' according to Dennis McCurdy, broadcast instructor and station director.
The course is free and open to any Hampton Roads student.
High school students must be at least 14 to participate. Good communications skills are essential since each student might be required to read news or public service announcements. Knowledge of a foreign language is helpful but not required.
McCurdy said the course will even help when it comes to getting into college.
``Any student from a public or private school considering college should take the radio broadcast course,'' said Dennis McCurdy, broadcast instructor and station director. ``By having broadcast experience, your college application might be considered with more care by those schools that happen to have a radio station. Several of our graduates have managed college radio stations because of their experience.''
Applicants are required to visit the WFOS studios at 1717 Cedar Road in Chesapeake before the session begins June 18. They must also fill out an application and obtain the signature of the principal of the home school indicating that he or she is a pupil in good standing.
Participants must attend classroom instruction from June 8 to July 5. Students will be able to choose either a morning (9-11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (1-3:30 p.m.) session. The FCC broadcasting exam will be given July 5.
``This is not a traditional classroom,'' McCurdy said. ``As I always say to my new students, we play real radio here.''
WFOS, a 15,000-watt, noncommercial station, is on the air from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week. Its programming includes classical music, nostalgia radio, big band swing, pop hits, several special music series, news programs, regular weather updates, Chesapeake Public school news, local news, Mutual Radio news and special news events as well as local, regional and national election results. MEMO: For more information about the station or the summer broadcast program,
call 547-1036 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
by CNB