Written By Daniel Cocklin
Arts & Culture
Title: Winthrop University Eagle Air Radio Spotlight
Students experience hosting their own radio show
Byline: Daniel Cocklin
Eagle Air is the 24-hour online radio station at Winthrop University. The student-run station features music ranging from KPop to rock to R&B rap. However, Eagle Air provides more than just a chance to play music—it offers a space to explore passions, build skills, and connect with others through radio. But, who are some of the students behind the mic?
Sophomore English major Gabriela Griggs, host of “Mercurial Mesh,” said she started her show to share the music she loves while also gaining experience with radio. Griggs, who wants to be a professor, says that Eagle Air is a way to show her passion outside of English.
Griggs often builds her shows around creative themes, drawing inspiration from books, films, and her personal music collection. Through this show, Griggs continues to gain experience.
“Having a radio show has helped me get more comfortable with establishing my own space to share what I’m passionate about,” Griggs said. I’ve loved getting to curate an Instagram page for my show, allowing me to gain experience with building a sort of brand, and also just getting more familiar with communication concepts, which has helped me feel more well-rounded in my academics.”
Meghan Townsend, the station manager, is the host of “Meghan’s Town,” which is on the air Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Townsend was always interested in hosting a radio show.
“I’ve always loved making playlists,” Townsend said. “I just used to make playlists for dinner at home when I was with my family. I just love doing that. And I knew that campus radio at college was a thing.”
At the time, Eagle Air was down, but Townsend kept contact with Dr. Joseph Kasko until Eagle Air was revived.
As a music tech major and DJ, Townsend was well prepared in working with the mics and soundboard in the radio studio. Not only that, but Townsend uses what she learns in her classes and incorporates it into her work.
“I learned so many things about music that I would then come out of my radio show and share,” Townsend said. “I would play music that I had learned about in my class, and I would be like ‘This was the first ever Boston Nova album in the 60s,’ and so it just influenced me with what I ended up showcasing in my shows.”
Townsend says that having a radio show has opened herself up to new music.
“It’s been holding me accountable for making sure that I’m constantly finding new music, and that just opens my [music] pool, too,” Townsend said.
In combination Eagle air has given Townsend a vision of what she can do with her major.
“I would love to work in radio, like SiriusXM and being a host for that,” Townsend said. “I mean, it’s kind of all my favorite things combined because I love radio. I love music. I love music programming and I love talking. I love talking to people. I love sharing music.”
Townsend acknowledges the other avenues her degree can lead her towards, but she loves working behind the scenes whether it’s live music, music scoring, film scoring, or sound design.
Students interested in joining Eagle Air can reach out through the station’s Instagram account or contact Professor Kasko.
“DM the Eagle Air Instagram and we can help train you,” Townsend said.
There are many other student-led radio shows on Eagle Air that listeners can check out daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with each show being held once a week. Listeners can access them on the TuneIn app or through the link on the Eagle Air Instagram.