Management practices of student-run broadcast radio stations: A national review of contemporary college radio

Radio stations owned by colleges or universities have been in existence since the earliest days of the medium, but little research has been conducted on college radio stations. Even less has focused on campus stations that are led primarily by students. This study examined management practices of student-led FM college radio broadcast stations in the United States and provides a contemporary review of the programming, practices, and challenges associated with today's campus stations. The study used an online survey instrument to secure data from leaders of student-directed college radio stations across the country. Henri Fayol's five elements of management provided the theoretical base for the research. These included the areas of planning, organizing, commanding, co-ordinating, and controlling.;Study results indicated that student management teams are primarily responsible for day-to-day operations with Faculty-Advisor- Managers (FAMs) providing assistance with equipment and technical needs, discipline, and regulatory compliance. The study concludes with observations and comments relative to college radio provided by student managers and FAMs of campus stations from all around the United States.