On Tuesday, May 6th, Georgia State University announced a new partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. The agreement states that, as of June 2nd, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) will begin broadcasting using the University’s radio station, WRAS-Atlanta, signal during daytime hours.
The format shift will allow GPB to broadcast its programming, which will primarily be focused on news and information, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. During which time, students will be able to stream their music programming online. From 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., the transmission signals will belong to the students, as it has in the past.
While some welcomed the change, others met the decision with strong opposition.
Not long after the announcement, a social media campaign was launched against the format shift, utilizing #saveWRAS as their battle cry. Below are some of the reactions from those opposing the format change, captured via social media.
Among the multitude of responses, some were tame. Many went to Twitter to show their love for the station or to voice their opposition to the decision.
I support public radio, but losing daytime programming at WRAS, one of the best college radio stations ever, is unacceptable #saveWRAS
— Brad McDonald (@b_mcdonald) May 6, 2014
Love public radio…but this would probably have been a better move forward if they had at least consulted or informed the staff #SAVEWRAS — [B]. ®oane (@RebelToUhmerica) May 6, 2014
@wrasalbum88 is one of the most powerful/diverse student run radio stations in the US. Decades of music history are about to end #SaveWRAS
— Taylor Garner (@TaylorGarNerd) May 6, 2014
Listening to @wrasalbum88 now bums me out…like hanging out with a friend on their deathbed. Someone needs to #SaveWRAS @SaveWRAS @mygpb
— Chris Seaver (@chris_seaver) May 12, 2014
Of course there’s the fair share of these, shall we say, zingers.
Slumlords have been big news lately. First Donald Sterling, now Georgia State University. http://t.co/9oTMHsjMiZ #saveWRAS
— Chris Shattuck (@ChrisShattuck) May 13, 2014
Atlanta’s Album 88. Where else would I hear a PSA about bedbugs during rush hour in the car? #SaveWRAS http://t.co/YcSfcv7Bmm
— David McDaniel (@DMcD100) May 13, 2014
Some incited a call to action to sign a petition or write a letter/email to the university.
I wrote my email to [email protected] laying out my reasons for opposing the programming change. I hope you will too! #SaveWRAS — Dave Mardis (@DaveMardis) May 13, 2014
Bands even got involved supporting the cause.
If you didn’t know this about us, we’d love to #SaveWRAS ! This is something that is really important to us. @SaveWRAS FOR LIFE.
— Small Reactions (@smallreactions) May 13, 2014
One particularly devoted supporter even did her part from a hospital bed.
Even when you’re in the hospital you can still #SaveWRAS http://t.co/fohSXfLf3O — Sarah Joy Richards (@Richardsarahjoy) May 13, 2014
Others took to Twitter to wax nostalgic.
I would have never survived my teens without this station. #SaveWRAS #album88 (Can’t spell radio without rad)
— elien (@drelsaschneider) May 12, 2014
my first exposure to album 88 was as a 13 year old kid listening to caribbean shakedown on tuesday nights in the summer. #SaveWRAS — amysusanne (@sabrinaobscura) May 11, 2014
Meanwhile, these folks got artsy and expressed their support of WRAS through t-shirts, stickers, even paint.
Pardon the photo of my bosom, but it’s feeling rather awesome right now #savewras get your tee at… http://t.co/Ut31BlbUwW
— Gish (@ladygish) May 13, 2014
Commencement is about to begin. We’ve passed out well over 1,000 stickers so far. Share your pics with #saveWRAS! pic.twitter.com/JSPlqvtowr — Chris Shattuck (@ChrisShattuck) May 10, 2014
Local businesses and organizations are even doing their part to show support for the student-run station.
“@BellStBurritos: @wrasalbum88 #SaveWRAS pic.twitter.com/vUlW3cMdCD” Save WRAS, best college radio station in the country #gsu
— KilljoyTshirts (@KilljoyTshirts) May 8, 2014
Thanks @adultswim for the goodies! We love you guys, thanks for helping to #saveWRAS http://t.co/gVZ3HloZpe — WRAS Atlanta 88.5 FM (@wrasalbum88) May 9, 2014
#saveWRAS at The Drunken Unicorn this thursday! http://t.co/Q4fWYWc5Zp
— Bang! Arts (@bangarts) May 13, 2014
So there you have it- a breakdown of whats been happening on the Twittersphere. The question is, which side of the issue are you on? We want to know! Leave us a comment below (we LOVE comments) or give us a shout on Twitter.
