HOPKINS: The spirit of radio lives on WBNY

“Here, John. Give these guys a listen. You’ll like them.”

I was the sports director at Buffalo State’s radio station, WBNY 91.3-FM, during my senior year of 1992-93 when Kris Krause handed me a copy of the debut CD from a new band called Cracker.

Still a neophyte to “alternative” music, the stuff that dominates college radio, I was willing to give the disc a spin. If I liked it, I would add them to my slowly growing list of favorite new bands and I would also know a little more music than the steady diet of classic rock I listened to throughout high school and a good part of my college life.

I was hooked with the first song, “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now),” which became somewhat popular from its inclusion in the soundtrack from the movie “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

WBNY, “Buffalo’s original alternative,” has been on the air for 26 years and continues to have an influence on the local music scene despite many struggles. For those who aren’t familiar with the station, which can be picked up throughout most of the Tonawandas (it’s a little static-y in North Tonawanda), it has a dedicated student staff that hails from many walks of life. There may not be many future disc jockeys in the group, but their passion for music is undeniable.

The station itself has had its share of memorable alternative music moments. Athens, Ga.-based R.E.M. came to Buffalo, long before the band was famous, courtesy of WBNY. Sinead O’Connor made her United States debut in Buffalo, because of WBNY. Of course, local favorites such as Buffalo’s own Goo Goo Dolls and Kenmore’s Green Jello were played almost to the point of overkill. But, local bands were and are part of the station’s foundation. And Lance Diamond is cool.

Because it is a club, the station attracts students from all majors on campus, not just from communications. That’s not a bad thing; it adds to the eclectic experience of college. However, its status as a campus club means it receives most of its funding from the college’s United Student Government.

That means that members of student government, who wouldn’t know Hole from a hole in the ground, get to leave their grubby little fingerprints all over the station when they want to. It’s a microcosm of what’s happening with American banks who accepted bailout money: The government gave them money, now it wants to dictate everything from the CEO to the tellers. But I digress.

WBNY boasts some famous alumni, many of whom have gone on to become famous in cities across the country. Local sports personality Howard Simon is one. So is Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Perhaps the most famous alumnus is Tom Calderone, the executive vice president and general manager of VH1.

A few years ago, some of WBNY’s most dedicated former DJs formed an alumni association. The group is hoping to return the station to some of its former glory, or at least give it some new equipment. The station relied on record players for several years. It still has the turntables, but try to find a needle to play some of the great vinyl still located in the on-air studio.

The station for years hasn’t been able to bring in cutting-edge acts; student government prefers “safer” and better-known bands. Besides, if it wants the funding, WBNY better let student government have its say. Despite these handicaps, WBNY continues to defy “corporate rock,” holding true to the rebellious days of FM radio.

Soundproofing on the walls hasn’t been replaced since it was last installed, during my junior year. The CD players constantly break down. A year after I graduated, brand-new remote equipment — used mostly for sporting events — was stolen.

Fortunately, the alumni association holds fundraisers, and has found a way to get donations directly to the station. Still, it’s an uphill battle to help restore the station to its former glory. Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy over the years to help out the alumni association, but I have my moments, such as using the power of the press.

Cracker is always among the bands I play whenever I have a cameo at WBNY, which occurs during the station’s alumni weekend. In fact, station alumni will take over the airwaves this weekend, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and continuing through Sunday night. My two-hour shift is from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday morning.

During my shift, you will hear many staples of the WBNY airwaves from years gone by: Cracker, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Ramones, The Clash, Talking Heads and — breaking the station’s format — The Who. But it won’t be any Who song you’d hear on the mainstream stations. I’m also planning a tribute to one of the most popular college pastimes: Drinking.

The tribute may be a little childish, but the overall air shift is going to be a blast. And, yes, there will be some Green Jello. For those of you who don’t like loud music, you’ll want to stay away. The rest of you, feel free to tune in and enjoy some spirited radio!

John Hopkins is the night city editor of the Tonawanda News. His column appears Thursdays. Contact him at john.hopkins@gnnewspaper.com.

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