WALZ
1670 AM/90.9 FM (The Cage) started off as something of a joke. One day
Lucas Huttenga and some friends were discussing the idea of starting a
radio station at DeWitt High School with a teacher, Jason LaFay. The
station was going to be underground (pirate) until Lucas made the
better decision to doggedly pursue a legal one with the help of local
radio stations and broadcasting professionals.
After receiving some donated
equipment Lucas contacted and enlisted the invaluable help of Larry
Estlack, a veteran local broadcaster and Director of Technology of the
MAB (Michigan Association of Broadcasters). Lucas - with some
assistance from Mr. LaFay - wrote a grant proposal to the DeWitt
Boosters for an antenna and transmitter. The Boosters in their infinite
compassion and understanding approved the grant; WALZ 1670 AM (The
Cage) was born.
The antenna was installed with the
help of Dirk Huttenga, a local business (they provided a construction
platform/lift) and personnel from the DeWitt Public School District
Maintenance and Technology departments. Once the antenna and
transmitter became operational Larry, Lucas and his assistant Ralph
prepared a soundboard, microphones, and other vital equipment to make
the station ready for its initial broadcast.
Soon various students required training to create
competent radio programs. Bill Brown, a community member and parent
with an extensive background in audio engineering, became an
indispensable source of training and inspiration for the novice
broadcasters. Behavior contacts were also signed in order to ensure
appropriate behavior and that programs stayed true to the founding
principles of WALZ 1670 AM (The Cage):
- Radio Broadcasting Must reflect
- WALZ is for and by the people of DeWitt High School
- WALZ will not willingly violate FCC standards
- WALZ will provide training for students on how to develop quality radio broadcasting skills
- WALZ will expose the
people of DeWitt, DeWitt Township, and Lansing Township and all other
areas in its broadcasting radius to varied and unique music, (grindcore
through Ethiopian jazz) ideas, and information
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