WPCR Spotlight: Samantha Ahern

CLOCK PHOTO / NINA WEINSTEIN

This may only be Samantha Ahern’s second semester involved in 91.7 WPCR, but so far she has only great things to say about the organization. Her show, titled “Hot Mess”, plays an assortment of alternative, classic rock, jazz, funk and some pop when the time is right. Aheran found out about the WPCR by walking by the station’s office in the HUB and decided to write her name down on the bulletin board outside. The station is always looking for new names, and Samantha and wanted to become involved in a club that doesn’t hold a time commitment but is a way to release some creative energy. 

“You can really play whatever you want, something I like best about being on the radio. And it’s also cool to be able to expose people to new music. You never really know who is tuning in. We know how many online listeners we have, it counts on the computer, but as far as radio listeners, we have no idea which is cool and interesting,” said Ahern. At first, she was terrified to speak on the air. The host of the show doesn’t know exactly who’s tuning in, it can be intimidating to think that any person can stumble upon your voice or your music selection. But like Samantha further explained, the comfort takes time and it falls into a nice relaxing pace. “My happy place is in the studio. It just feels good to be there.” 

She’s not one to talk about current events or special topics, but adds that the thought of being able to use your show to get your ideas out there is just another advantage that comes with being involved in the organization.

Samantha hopes to see the radio station become more involved in events, shows, or anything music related on campus. She adds that being involved in this club is, “So worth it. The people are really cool and it’s a great and relaxing environment. It’s nice to have an hour or so where you can listen to your favorite songs and even grab requests from friends and family who are tuning in.”  Another different aspect to Samantha’s show is her Wildcard segment. This segment, Samantha adds, is a fun way to keeps things entertaining and innovative, especially when ideas for song choices run out. The Wildcard can be any one song from any genre, whether that it’s rock, classical, or world music.