Cleveland State University abruptly shut down its student-run alternative radio station WCSB on Friday, replacing it with 24/7 jazz programming operated by Ideastream Public Media.
The announcement came during a Zoom call Friday morning, leaving students scrambling to pack up 50 years of history from the studios. General Manager Alison Bomgardner was on-air when the transmitter switched off.
“The only way I knew it turned off is people were saying they can’t hear my voice on air anymore,” Bomgardner said. “To hear my own perspective and my own opinions be silenced by smooth jazz and boring music sucks as a general manager of an alternative station.”
Cleveland State Police arrived later Friday and escorted students out of the building.
The station, which began broadcasting in 1975, was nearing its 50th anniversary. Staff had planned a reunion dinner and shows featuring current and previous DJs. The station had about 120 members and featured programming ranging from goth to reggae, jazz to classical, hip-hop and ethnic shows, along with public affairs programming.
Bomgardner said administrators told station management in the Friday meeting that the station was “defunct.” She added that students had less than 24 hours to pack up decades of equipment and memorabilia.
“I am grieving the loss of a giant community, not just a community of DJs and students, but Northeast Ohio’s alternative community,” Bomgardner said.
CSU President Laura Bloomberg said Ideastream approached the university several months ago about taking over the FM signal for JazzNEO programming. Both organizations operated under non-disclosure agreements during talks because discussions involved the university’s FCC license. Both boards of trustees voted to approve the agreement Friday morning.
In exchange for the FM signal, CSU students would gain access to paid internships and for-credit learning opportunities at Ideastream in journalism, television, radio production, marketing and graphic design. The number of positions has not been determined.
“I hope they realize this is a strategic partnership that’s built on opportunities for students,” Bloomberg said. “It will be rough as we transition. It will be hard for the students deeply involved in the radio station but ultimately I believe it’s a very positive thing for CSU.”
Bloomberg told reporters the deal was “cost neutral” with no money changing hands between the organizations. She denied the move was made for budgetary reasons, though CSU has faced significant financial pressures.
The university has dealt with enrollment drops since 2019 and budget shortfalls that led to layoffs, buyouts and program cuts. Budget deficits have been projected as high as $40 million, leading to controversial decisions including cutting the wrestling team and freezing admissions to 42 academic programs.
The partnership means student fees will no longer fund WCSB operations. Bloomberg said the university is working with Ideastream to offer digital or streaming options for niche programming that previously aired on WCSB. Ideastream opened three spots on their digital platforms for nationality-based shows to continue temporarily.
Bob Drake, a community programmer for WCSB and CSU alumnus, said the abrupt change displaced shows with decades of history.
“Station members are distraught, there was no warning whatsoever,” Drake said. “Besides the student programming, there were a number of nationality-based shows, some with 40 plus years history, displaced and with no chance to transition.”
WCSB featured diverse programming that wasn’t available elsewhere on Cleveland radio.
“We aim to play what you’re not hearing,” said Liam Main, treasurer and business manager of WCSB.
Charles, owner of My Mind’s Eye Records in Lakewood, expressed frustration with the decision.
“I am still in shock – a little bit of anger, a lot of anger,” he said. “WCSB’s legacy is far and wide.”
Ideastream CEO and President Kevin Martin said in a statement that expanding jazz programming on the airwaves ensures the music “remains vibrant, accessible, and part of the cultural fabric of our community.” JazzNEO had previously been available only through streaming or HD radio. Ideastream operates several public radio stations in Northeast Ohio, including NPR affiliate WKSU 89.7 and classical station WCLV 90.3.
The shutdown occurred on World College Radio Day.
Cleveland State University retains the radio license and call letters while Ideastream controls programming on the 89.3 FM signal. The station’s website went down Friday afternoon.
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