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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV PF College Radio
HEADLINE: In nation’s capital, college-owned station broadcasts news, music and opportunity
TEASER: For more than 50 years, the Howard University-owned station WHUR has kept Washington residents informed and entertained
PUBLISHED AT: 02/25/2025 AT 10:45AM
BYLINE: Cristina Caicedo Smit
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: Cristina Caicedo Smit
VIDEO EDITOR: Cristina Caicedo Smit
SCRIPT EDITORS: JJ, Baragona
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, Howard University publication
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:52
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVR
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
For more than 50 years, WHUR has been broadcasting to the nation’s capital from Howard University, a historically black institution. A commercial station owned by the university, it offers music, news and education opportunities. During Black History Month, VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit met the team behind the unique station.
((NAT SOUND SUNNI))
“76.3 WHUR. Happy Monday, DC, MD, VA, listen, I’m making plans for the... you know I’m already talking about the summertime …”
((NARRATION))
Since 1971, WHUR 96.3 FM has broadcast to listeners across the Washington region. It was founded with a dual purpose: showcase jazz and advance the role of Black Americans.
Located at the heart of Howard University — a historically Black university — it was described as ((Mandatory CG: Howard University)) “a new and different venture in radio broadcasting that combines entertainment with education.” ((end courtesy))
((NARRATION))
For mid-day host, known as Sunni and the City, the station’s history and mix of content is a big draw.
((Sunni and the City, WHUR Host)) ((Female in English))
“This is such a great part about being here at WHUR 96.3. We're a timeless radio station, right? So, we do play a lot of current R&B. Somewhat hip hop here and there, but it's just such a good listening experience for if you're at work.”
((NARRATION))
As a former refugee from Bosnia, Sunni and the City asked us to only use her show name. She moved to the United States and learned English when she was 12. She fell in love with radio after leaving high school.
((Sunni and the City, WHUR Host)) ((Female in English))
“It just felt so alive, and I just was so in awe of what it takes to do a radio show and to do this, do these things. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to be here.’”
((NARRATION))
The station also serves as a learning ground. Part of its function is to offer internships to students majoring in radio broadcasting at Howard.
((Sunni and the City, WHUR Host))
“So, they kind of rotate through semesters and they come and they learn. So yeah, I mean, there's many different departments here.”
((STAND UP)) ((For house use: VOA Video of the radio station outside, banners of HU and buildings))
((Cristina Caicedo Smit, VOA News))
"One of the few commercial radio stations owned and run by a college or university, the station broadcasts to residents in the nation’s capital."
((NARRATION))
Serving the community is WHUR’s focus, and music is a big part of what the station offers its listeners.
((For radio: Al Payne is the senior director of programing at WHUR))
((Al Payne, WHUR Senior Director of Programing))
“Go-Go music, other things, we have local DJs that are able to do their mix shows on the weekends. And so, so again, we definitely have been very unique. We call ourselves ‘We sound like Washington.’”
((NARRATION))
News is another focus, with the station covering current events and analysis with shows like “The Daily Drum” …
And Sunni and the City’s segment, “White House Wednesday.”
((Sunni And the City, WHUR Host))
“I have a really great correspondent from the White House [who] checks in and we talk. Her name is Ebony McMorris. We talk about all the political things, and there's endless things to talk about, especially now.”
((NARRATION))
Since its inception, the Howard University radio station has served as a source of news, music, and — through its internships — opportunity, covering issues and Black history and culture for its audiences.
((Cristina Caicedo Smit, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 25, 2025 10:36 EST
BylineCristina Caicedo Smit
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
