Founded in 1947, WUSC is USC’s non-commercial, student-run radio station and has become a dependent source for unique music in Columbia, but it would not have survived as long as it has without donations from valued listeners.
Every year the station holds two fundraiser weeks, one in the fall and another spring. This year, they’re aiming to raise $14,000 to cover operating costs.
Music Director Mason Youngblood said that without revenue raised from fundraiser programs, the station would have to shut down.
“[WUSC] depends on donations from our listeners to stay on the air,” he said. “Our fundraiser week … pairs with fundraising events like shows, dance parties, percent nights that all help to raise money for the radio station.”
WUSC’s DJs took on the biggest part of the fundraiser week with a change in programming, where they alter weekly radio shows to follow a specific theme.
After kicking off Oct. 16, the “Dress up your show,” theme allowed students to change the feel of their time slot with new, diverse music.
Whether it’s playing pop on a metal program or hearing bands with male singers on a female fronted show, DJs are getting creative by exploring different genres, while also following WUSC’s strict "no Top 40" rule.
Aside from this week's themed programming, WUSC is hosting several shows to raise money.
To kick off the fundraiser’s events, the station held their annual Zombie walk last Saturday. After transforming attendees with face paint, undead students made their way from Russell House to El Burrito to attend a cover show, which featured several groups that dressed as and performed music by iconic bands like the Ramones, Velvet Underground and Devo.
A jazz night, to be hosted at Drip in Five Points on Oct. 28, will aim to raise money and awareness of the community’s acoustic scene.
To wrap up this year’s fall fundraiser, WUSC is paring up with Youngblood’s Moas Collective on Oct. 30 to host a dance party at Lucky’s bar, featuring several electronic artists.
While WUSC’s goal is to bring students together to have fun, the fundraiser is serious in that the money they raise now will let them continue providing Columbia with a variety of independent music. Anyone can make donations to help support the station on their website wusc.sc.edu.