World College Radio Day 2025 This Friday

College radio is where countless music industry professionals and musicians got their start behind the board, with their first airplay, or performing live. This Friday, this last bastion of live DJs playing and often saying whatever they want is being celebrated worldwide with World College Radio Day 2025.

At midnight in Cork, Ireland, the studio lights at UCC98.3 FM signal the start of something remarkable. With the press of a button, students launch the 15th annual World College Radio Day (WCRD) — a 24-hour online and over the air global marathon that connects college radio stations across more than 50 countries.

What begins as a local broadcast quickly becomes a worldwide conversation. From Ireland to India, Ghana to Mexico, and Malaysia to the United States, stations join the relay to share stories, music, and perspectives under this year’s theme: “Tune In To The People.”

A Global Relay of Student-Driven Broadcasting

Each year, World College Radio Day highlights the unique role student broadcasters play in shaping authentic and diverse media narratives. In 2025, the event is hosted by Live365, which provides the platform for the marathon, enabling listeners everywhere to tune in seamlessly as the broadcast travels across time zones.

The journey begins in Europe, then moves through Central America, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. Each participating station contributes its own programming, reflecting local cultures, challenges, and creativity. Participation remains open and free to college stations worldwide, preserving the spirit of accessibility and collaboration that has defined the initiative since its founding.

“A Safe Space Where Humanity Is Respected”

This year’s WCRD is led by Gabriel Menchero, President of World College Radio Day 2025 and General Manager of Frecuencia CEM at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. For Menchero, the event’s theme reflects a timely mission.

“At a time when our world faces growing challenges, divisions, and injustices, the role of college radio is more essential than ever,” he says. “We aim to amplify plural voices, promote understanding, and provide a safe space where humanity is respected. We invite everyone to listen.”

Menchero’s remarks underscore what many see as the enduring power of college radio: its ability to elevate diverse perspectives and foster dialogue beyond institutional or commercial constraints.

Marking 15 Years of Global Connection

World College Radio Day celebrates a milestone this year: its 15th anniversary. The initiative was founded by Dr. Rob Quicke, Director of the School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University, with the vision of creating a single day when student broadcasters could unite and make their voices heard around the world.

“For fifteen years, World College Radio Day has united stations worldwide to amplify the voices that matter most – those of the people,” Quicke reflects. “On this special anniversary, ‘Tune in to the People’ reminds us that every story counts, every voice is vital, and by truly listening, we build bridges of respect and understanding across borders.”

Over the years, WCRD has grown from a small idea into a coordinated, globe-spanning broadcast involving hundreds of stations and thousands of students, demonstrating the enduring relevance of student media.

Supporting Independent Voices

The partnership with online streaming platform Live365 is central to the technical execution of the marathon. By donating streaming resources, the platform ensures that audiences anywhere in the world can access the broadcast without interruption.

“Powering the World College Radio Day marathon aligns perfectly with our mission to empower diverse audio voices,” says Jason Stoddard, President of Live365. “College radio is the incubator for the next generation of talent. Providing a stable, global platform for these students is a privilege, and we look forward to the world hearing what they’ve created.”

For Live365, supporting WCRD is not just a sponsorship – it’s an investment in the future of broadcasting and media innovation.

Tuning In to a Shared Story

As the broadcast moves westward with the Earth’s rotation, the effect is both practical and symbolic. Studios light up one after another, each station contributing its piece to a collective story that spans languages, geographies, and generations.

World College Radio Day is more than a day of programming—it is a coordinated act of global storytelling. At its core lies a belief that meaningful connection begins not with speaking, but with listening.

How to Listen to World College Radio Day 2025

World College Radio Day 2025 takes place on Friday, October 3.

Listeners can follow the 24-hour broadcast live at Live365.com and learn more at www.collegeradio.org.

🎧 Notable U.S. College Radio Stations Worth Checking Out

Here are some of the top U.S. college / campus radio stations – especially those known for music, eclectic programming, or influence) – along with how you can listen to them online:

• In 2025, the University of South Florida’s station topped the Princeton Review’s “Most Popular College Radio Station” list. Radio Survivor

• Rowan Radio (WGLS-FM) was recently named College Radio Station of the Year by the College Media Association. Rowan Today

There are many more (hundreds) listed in directories like the List of college radio stations in the United States Wikipedia or The College Radio Database 35000watts.com.

Bruce Houghton is Founder & Editor of Hypebot, Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of Skyline Artists.