Q: What qualifications do I need to have to host a radio show?
A: All full-time, matriculated SVA students (in degree-seeking BFA or MFA programs), as listed in the SVA handbook, are qualified! No DJ experience is required!
Q: How long can my show be?
A: All shows are one hour long. Additional time can be requested via email and approved by the station managers.
Q: Am I limited to one music genre for my radio show?
A: You can play any song you want, in any genre! Your show is yours to do whatever you want with.
Q: Do I have to play music, OR can I also host a talk show?
A: Both are allowed, as well as a combination of music and a talk show! All forms of radio content are welcomed and encouraged <3
Q: What equipment do you use?
A: Our booth has a dual monitor Mac computer connected to a Numark NS6II Mixdeck with 2 microphones. You can connect your personal laptop, phone or iPod to the mixing board via a provided headphone jack or bring in music or audio files via flashdrive.
Q: Is WSVA Live only online? Do you have a radio station frequency?
A: We stream online using radio.co, a streaming platform for internet radio stations. We do not have a broadcast radio frequency (we used to though! In the 90s it was 590FM)
Q: Are we allowed to curse on air?
A: WSVA is a free-speech/open radio station, so yes, but we ask that you keep it classy and follow SVA Handbook rules regarding conduct & hate speech :^)
Q: Can a faculty member or continuing ed student have a radio show?
A: Unfortunately No, only full-time matriculated (BFA or MFA program) SVA students are allowed to host a show, as listed in the SVA handbook. sorry!
Q: Can I bring a non-SVA student to my show?
A: All guests must fill out a SPLAN form AT LEAST 24 hours prior to coming. This can be found on your MyID page.
Q: Can I bring in musicians to perform live in the booth?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure that If the performer is from outside of SVA, you fill out a SPLAN form AT LEAST 24 hours prior to their visit. This can be found on your MyID page.
Q: Can I have a listener call in on the station phone and talk on my show live?
A: Yes! Our station landline is 212.592.2345 BUT you can also connect your phone via jack to the mixdeck!
Q: What should I do if I can't make my show for the week?
A: If you are unable to host just email WSVA@sva.edu before your show begins (preferably with a few hours of notice). If you consistently cancel (more than 3x) we may give your time slot to another student who wishes to host a show.
Q: Does my show carry over into next semester?
A: Not unless specified. Returning DJs get first dibs on time slots & will receive an email from the Manager of Production before the next semester confirming if you wish to return.
Q: Are you open OvER BREAK/HOLIDAy?
A: We are closed over breaks as are other SVA offices (also student run so we want a vacay)
working at WSVA:
Q: CAN i work at WSVA?
A: YES! All full-time students (BFA or MFA) are welcome to apply! All staff must mainatain a 3.0 GPA during their time as staff and must be here in person since all WSVA work is held at the station! :D
Q: Are you hiring?
A: WSVA hires for the NEXT academic year each spring. Manager applications typically open beginning of February with general staff hiring opening later in the month.
Q: What positions/job roles are there?
A: Our staff includes Managers(Production & Operations), Social Media Coordinator, Website Coordinator, Photo & Video Director, Event Coordinator, Graphic Designer, and Tech Specialists.
Q: What do you do on shift?
A: All staff have scheduled shifts each week (always the same, coordinated around student schedule). On shift you are expected to be in the station as support for DJs, answering emails, solving tech problems, and listening to the broadcast to ensure DJs are good + equipment is working.
Q: Do I need prior work experience?
A: No but its always a bonus! We hire from interviewees each year and ask you submit a resume. We like to see passion for the station and a desire to learn + grow :D
Q: Do I have to know the equipment/ Be a radio wiz?
A: Not at all! New staff are all trained on equipment + will learn anything they need to know!
Q: How much does it pay?
A: The same as other SVA student jobs (currently $16 an hour)
Q: How Many hours do you work weekly?
A: Staff on average work 7-11 hours weekly with managers working at least 12. Depends on personal availability but all student workers can only work up to 20hrs weekly.
Q: CAN I work at WSVA while working another sva job (RA, student center, labs, library)
A: Yes! But keep in mind your total student worker hours may not exceed 20 weekly.
Q: Can I work at the station freshman year/ apply as an accepted student?
A: Unfortunately, students cannot work a campus job prior to second semester of their first year. Since WSVA hires each spring for the following academic year students cannot work here DURING freshman year. You can absolutely apply freshman year for staff positions which start the next year :^D
Q: Who runs the station?
A: Student managers run the station but it is under the office of Student Engagement & Leadership.
Q: What is the difference between the two managers?
A: The Manager of Operations is more of a general manager who keeps track of employees, maintains the physical station, and budgets for staff, events, and equipment. The Manager of Production keeps track of DJs, manages the broadcast schedule, and leads tech maintenance + research. Both work together weekly and share responsibilities for marketing, growth, and hiring.
Q: Are you paid for events?
A: Yes! When WSVA hosts an event or DJs for Student Engagement events workers are paid hourly in addition to their normal shift hours.
Have a question we haven't answered? Ask us at WSVA@sva.edu
