WCNI inducted into New England Music Hall of Fame
WCNI, Connecticut College’s free form radio station, is among the 2024 inductees to the New England Music Hall of Fame.
Run by community volunteers and students, WCNI is known for broadcasting a wide variety of music—"from folk to funk and polka to punk.” Its motto is, “For the love of music,” and the station has a reputation for nurturing local talent and providing students with opportunities to learn multiple aspects of radio broadcasting and management. Training sessions are offered for interested students each fall.
Originally a low-power carrier current AM, WCNI transitioned to FM in 1974, initially broadcasting at 91.5 before moving to 90.9. The FM antenna was first installed atop Bill Hall using a modified air raid siren tower and later moved to a professional tower next to the Crozier-Williams student center. A new antenna will be placed on campus later this year.
In a College Voice article published last spring, WCNI hosts Luke Acton ’24 and Riley Madden ’26 described the WCNI broadcasting studio as an “eclectic haven for music lovers” of all ages.
“Inside, you’ll be greeted by a hall covered in stickers and posters from artists that cover pretty much every genre imaginable,” they wrote. “You’ll see an old-fashioned radio soundboard, microphones, CD players, record turntables, and an overwhelming collection of vinyl and CDs that would make any audiophile go nuts.”
The College will mark the station’s 50th anniversary with a celebration during Fall Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2024. Alumni of the radio station who wish to participate are asked to contact event co-chairs Jamie Sachs ’85, Richard Kadzis ’76 and Ken Abel ’76.
