Towson University Radio Graduates To State-Of-The-Art Public Station

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) — The phrase "college-radio" might bring back memories of students stumbling through what they're trying to say. But in Towson, college-radio has graduated.

Mike Schuh takes us to a place like no other in the country.

From a cramped basement on campus. A new sound at Towson University. Moving trucks are taking one program off campus and moving it into a new radio station in the heart of Towson.

"So now we're coming into our air studio, built to record five piece bands, six piece bands, seven piece bands," said Steve Yasko, WTMD general manager.

Towson University is investing an undisclosed amount to not just rebuild a radio station but to put it literally at the center of the community.

"No, this is not the basement. One of the goals of the new WTMD is to bring the community in to the station each and every day," Yasko said.

So from its perch in a renovated music store at the base of the building with the university's name on top, the station is literally inviting people to come in and listen to artists make music.

"So the heart of this station is this 1300 square foot performance studio," Yasko said.

It's a place for bands, artists, and other creatives to use and share.

"Is any other radio station doing what you're doing here?  No, no other public station has taken on this ambitious of a community performance space," Yasko said.

While the university footed the bill for this state-of-the-art renovation, fund drives are what keeps public radio on the air.

"Still playing tons of music during the fund drive, so make that call," said DJ Galler.

So, add in more educational opportunities for Towson students, and this space achieves multiple goals.

"They've been calling it a clubhouse of sorts, a place for creativity, a place for inspiration both our listeners and for musicians and artists in the area," Galler said.

The public unveiling and open house will be held around Labor Day.