In an interview with Julius A. White, newly appointed station manager of WVAS-FM 90.7, a vision for growth was unveiled.
White shared his plans to steer the station towards a brighter future, emphasizing community engagement, technological enhancements, and a commitment to educational empowerment.
When queried about his objectives for WVAS-FM 90.7, White said, “To get back to full strength of our 80,000 watts power.” With the installation of a new transmitter planned for this summer, progress towards this goal has already begun this week. This upgrade will enhance the station’s reach across the 17 counties it serves, ensuring that communities are kept informed about local happenings.
White revealed plans to align WVAS-FM with the HBCU Radio Network at Howard University’s Sirius XM Radio, marking a significant milestone in the station’s evolution. Scheduled to commence this week, this collaboration will amplify the station’s reach to an audience of 97 perspectives. This implementation will help receive the “global push” that the station is seeking.
The station will also be introducing the Black Information Network, featuring succinct 60-second updates on national news headlines.
White emphasized the importance of continuous learning and engagement, describing this initiative as “an arm of iHeart Radio that focuses on the audience of the black community … This is a commitment to providing relevant information to our listeners.”
Addressing areas for immediate attention within the station, White emphasized the importance of maintaining dynamic programming to avoid any instances of “dead air.” He emphasized the station’s dual role of entertaining and informing its audience, highlighting the need for “intentional engagement.”
“Our first goal is making sure what we’re saying helps the community in some way,” White affirmed. Ensuring the station’s dedication to promoting the interests of the university and its student body is always a “primary goal” of the station.
Looking ahead, the station anticipates celebrating its 40th anniversary with a commemorative event in June, marking four decades of service and community impact. White also shared a message he often imparts to students, “You don’t have to know everything, but you should know an inch of something …This keeps you involved in the conversation.”