SIUE’s WSIE-FM 88.7 Tunes its Dial to More Success with New Director Jason Church
Twenty-year radio broadcast veteran Jason Church has been named director of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s WSIE-FM 88.7 The Sound.
“I have long been a loyal fan of SIUE’s WSIE station and have always hoped for the opportunity to lend my experience to its operation,” said Church, of Eureka, Mo. “My experience in both commercial and non-commercial radio will play a crucial role in the continued success and development of WSIE.”
“Jason Church is bringing a level of expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm that will continue to grow and advance WSIE-FM,” said University Marketing and Communications Executive Director Doug McIlhagga.
“In the current budget environment that requires the station to be self-sufficient, we believe Jason will be able to capitalize on the station’s current momentum, and its important transition to a self-sufficient operation.”
Church’s radio broadcasting career includes positions as news director, program director, music director, director of development, promotions coordinator, new media specialist and on-air talent. He has also served as an adjunct professor of communications at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.
“Jason is the future of jazz radio in the St. Louis area,” said Michael Silverman, of Autumn Hill Records and founder of Chesterfield Jazz Festival and the U. City Jazz Festival. “It only makes sense that he has the opportunity to run this regional treasure – WSIE.”
Church succeeds Steve Jankowski, who is retiring effective June. 30.
WSIE-FM went on the air on September 4, 1970 as a National Public Radio affiliated station delivering a variety of programming, while serving as an educational platform for SIUE mass communications students. In the 1980’s, WSIE became The Jazz Station, featuring such broadcasters as Leo Chears. WSIE has also produced a long list of highly successful broadcasters including Dewayne Staats, the current broadcast voice of the Tampa Bay Rays. On August 1, 2016, WSIE launched its new brand, 88.7 The Sound; providing listeners with a rich blend of jazz, smooth jazz, blues and R&B to create “the Sound.” WSIE is a community supported radio station which must rely upon its listeners and underwriters to maintain operations.
Photo: WSIE-FM 88.7 The Sound Director Jason Church.
