“Erie’s Rock Alternative” is a phrase synonymous with Gannon University thanks to 90.5 WERG, Gannon’s on-campus student-run radio station. WERG offers an alternative rock format to the Erie area, something that no other station in the region does. Moreover, it has been giving Gannon students a competitive edge when entering the media workforce since 1972.

“WERG provides an atmosphere that is as close to a professional setting as possible,” said Chet LaPrice, WERG operations manager and 1992 Gannon graduate. “We introduce students to the software and hardware that are being used in professional commercial radio stations, giving Gannon students the one-up on other communication arts students who have not had the opportunity to be involved with anything of the like.”

LaPrice said students can gain a lot of leadership experience by participating on the management staff at the station. Students can apply for a variety of management positions – like music director, sports director or promotions director – which allows them to develop their leadership skills in a professional setting.

“I feel like working at the radio station has better prepared me for my life after graduation,” said Lisa Lamperski, junior communication arts major and disc jockey at the station. “I like how WERG allows me to work by myself and be creative with my own radio show.”

Lamperski can currently be heard on 90.5 FM on Tuesdays from 9 p.m to midnight.

2009 WERG Staffers

Freshman communication arts major Allison Kessler was thrilled to learn that Gannon had an on-campus radio station when she arrived on campus.

“Working at the station has allowed me to gain more experience with my major,” Kessler said.  She also enjoys the creativity allowed by having an on-air shift.

The station recently received several major upgrades both on and off the air. In the studio, the new Wide Orbit system – a state-of-the-art, touch screen computer and music management system – was installed in early December 2009, which means the station is now broadcasting in crystal-clear digital sound.

In addition, the station’s Web site is being given a full facelift with new DreamWeaver software and should be up in the coming semester.

WERG FM can be heard at 90.5 FM or worldwide online at wergfm.com.

You can check out Edge Magazine editors on the air as well! Joe Kreydt is on air Tuesday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m.; Abby Badach is on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Nicole Dohoda is on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m.