WKCR, Columbia University’s student radio station, has been playing a crucial role in covering the ongoing student protests on campus. As pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to unfold, WKCR’s undergraduate reporters have become an essential news source, working tirelessly for up to 18 hours a day. A story in The Guardian recapped the details:
Quick Transition: On April 17, WKCR swiftly shifted its focus from music and specialized programming to breaking news. As students established a pro-Palestinian encampment on the university lawns, WKCR’s broadcasting studio became a hub of activity. Student journalists collaborated with field reporters to provide live coverage, capturing everything from police presence to performance arts clubs entertaining classmates.
Chaos and Thrills: WKCR’s live broadcasts have been as chaotic and thrilling as radio can get. During last Wednesday’s events, as NYPD officers arrested student protestors and Isra Hirsi (daughter of US Representative Ilhan Omar) faced suspension, WKCR reported directly from the encampment. The raw, unpolished dispatch conveyed the atmosphere of upheaval on campus, complete with audio gaps and hosts trying to keep up with the unfolding situation.
Dedicated Team: The station’s 19 reporters, mostly undergraduates, have been juggling their reporting duties with academic studies. Their commitment to delivering accurate news has been unwavering, even as tensions escalated during clashes between students, university administrators, and the NYPD. Columbia University’s renowned journalism school and other student publications have also contributed to comprehensive coverage from within the encampments.
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