WZRD

Infobox Radio station
name = WZRD


city = Chicago, Illinois
area =
slogan =
branding = "The Wizard"
frequency = 88.3 MHz
airdate =
share =
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format = Variety
power =
erp = 100 watts -
haat = 22.0 meters
class = A
facility_id = 49444
coordinates = coord|41|58|56.00|N| 87|43|7.00|W|region:US_type:city
callsign_meaning = WiZaRD
former_callsigns =
owner = Northeastern Illinois University
licensee =
sister_stations =
webcast =
website =
affiliations =

WZRD (88.3 FM) is a student radio station licensed to Chicago, Illinois, USA, the station serves the Chicago area. The station is currently owned by Northeastern Illinois University. [ cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WZRD |title=WZRD Facility Record |work=United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division ]

Started in 1974, WZRD, is one of the first and only freeform radio stations out there.Unlike other formats, even the Jack format, there is no restriction on what's playable on air (save FCC regulations). It would not be unheard of to hear Tibetan Buddhist chants, early 80's punk rock, eclectic mixes, a spoken word piece and public service announcements in succession. They also have one of the longest running live band shows on Thursday nights which began around 1987.Fact|date=April 2008

WZRD is unlike most college stations in that it does not necessarily play the "flavor of the month" indie bands (although these can occasionally be heard). Its library features some of the most obscure/strange music on the planet. These include: free jazz, imported recordings, trance, spoken word, Experimental/Noise/Industrial, New Wave, No Wave, field recordings, early 20th century Blues recordings, novelty/comedy, homemade recordings, and more.

Even though WZRD is by and large a freeform station, occasionally throughout its history a few exceptions were made.These included: "Maximum Rock 'n' Roll" (a syndicated Punk/Hardcore/Garage show from the same people who publish Maximum RocknRoll zine) which used to air on Sunday afternoons for an hour and then on Monday nights again) in the 1980s and early '90's, "The Hour of Slack" (an audio collage of weirdness from The Church of the Subgenius) and a production from Pacifica radio network's flagship station, KPFA, called "Over the Edge" which was produced by Don Joyce, of the Experimental band Negativland, and used to air The first Saturday of every month from 1pm-4pm.

WZRD also has a close relationship with the local music scene in that it occasionally gives away tickets to various clubs and throughout the years has produced live events at The Metro, The Abby Pub and The Empty Bottle to name a few venues. The Thursday Night Live show features local acts of all types of music, but live sets can be heard anytime really on such a station.

Unlike most radio stations, the individual DJs are not identified by name, solely as Wizards.WZRD accepts no outside funding. Its operating budget is provided in full by Northeastern Illinois University. The station is also an affiliate of the Pacifica radio network. It broadcasts Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News.

References

External links

* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wzrdchicago883 WZRD Archive Stream (1974-200X) (MP3 format)] - Note: WZRD does not have a live stream anymore.
* [http://www.myspace.com/WZRD WZRD myspace]
* [http://www.neiu.edu/~wzrd Northeastern Illinois WZRD Webpage]
*fmq|WZRD
*fml|WZRD