Daily Herald Jan. 6, 2016

Students in Elgin Area School District U-46 are hitting the airwaves again on the district's radio station, WEPS 88.9FM.

Student broadcasts air at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays through Wisconsin Public Radio and feature the district's student-run programs.

"We're excited to relaunch the radio season with some great teachers and students who provide excellent programs each week," CEO Tony Sanders said. "The shows are a valuable resource for our community to tune in to and learn about what's happening in our district."

Radio clubs at Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood high schools each produce a weekly program. A teacher or radio club professional from each high school helps students produce one hour of programming per week, with special featured shows airing in Spanish.

"At Elgin High, radio club members are encouraged to explore the possibilities, to use their voice to make a difference and tell their own stories,'' said Virginia Bailey, a radio professional. "This is an opportunity for students to be adventurous and have fun as they gain valuable broadcast experience."

Student broadcasts will include a variety of shows from school news, sports, musical and speech performances and entertainment.

"At South Elgin High School, the show formats differ from student to student; some prefer news-based interview shows while others enjoy talking about topics in pop culture," said Ben Erickson, a radio professional. "These opportunities give students the experience and confidence to perform in a variety of communication settings in college and beyond."

WEPS is Illinois' oldest operating noncommercial, educational radio station. Once the radio station was approved by the school board in 1949, WEPS received its Federal Communications Commission license. The station's first show aired on Jan. 13, 1950, with one hour of programming.

High school students in 1950 were able to receive credit for taking a radio broadcasting class. Until the late 1980s, students were able to participate in the "WEPS Radio Club."

Aside from student-produced content, the district will air Wisconsin Public Radio throughout the week.