Get ready for a nonstop stream of music, talk and personality. Radio DePaul will be hosting its third annual Rock-the- Clock 48-hour marathon starting at 3 p.m. this Friday,Jan.24 through 3p.m.Sunday, Jan. 26.

Rock-the-Clock was an idea brought to Radio DePaul in 2012 by current program director, Roy Harris, who borrowed the concept from his high school radio station.

This year, 22 of Radio DePaul’s best DJ’s, newscasters and sportscasters will come together for 48 hours of continuous live programming. The goals of the marathon are to make extra money for the station, support local businesses and, most importantly, bring the members of the station together.

The marathon would not be possible without the local businesses sponsoring the event this year. Every person hosting a show for Rock-the-Clock made an effort in finding these sponsors over the course of three months. General station manager Scott Vyverman helped in overseeing, troubleshooting and assisting students to secure these sponsors.

His experience in the radio industry led students in the right direction. The goal in seeking out sponsors is not to simply receive money from local businesses, but to form a relationship that is mutually beneficial to both Radio DePaul and the businesses involved.

“As a community-based station, we want to give back to the community that we’re in,” student assistant general manager Jessica Schell said.

Student general manager Joe Lanzerotti added that, in exchange for a few hundred dollars, the sponsors will get publicity in the form of Tweets, ticket giveaways and special mentions on-air during the marathon, among other promotion. Bacino’s, Derby Bar & Grill, Devil Dawgs and Uncle Sammy’s are just a few of the sponsors for this year’s Rock- the-Clock.

In addition, some of these businesses will be offering special deals for listeners during the weekend of the marathon. Harris and Lanzerotti noted that Rock- the-Clock is a great way for DePaul students to connect with the local businesses around campus. As Radio DePaul is “Chicago’s college connection,” the managers of the station chose these local businesses for their possible appeal to DePaul students.

Extra money is important to Radio DePaul for expansion. Funds given by sponsors will go towards a new outdoor PA system for the station to use when they are invited to on-campus events.

Lanzerotti explained that the staff has had to turn down invitations by other on-campus organizations to emcee their events because the station did not have a sound system to do so. However, with new equipment, Radio DePaul can go to such events and gain prominence among the DePaul community.

But money is no object when it comes to the true reward of the event: bonding among the staff of Radio DePaul. The event, as Vyverman describes, is one that helps to build the team by working together to attain a goal. Not only this, but Rock-the- Clock is, at its core, two days of pure fun for all at the station, making the programming all the more entertaining.

“It’s the time of year we’re most excited to be here,” Lanzerotti said.

Each host will be deviating from their typical show themes and formats in some way, making for a one-of-a-kind listening experience for audiences.

There will be special guests and interviews with local talent as well. During the event, students and listeners can interact with the station through Facebook and Twitter. With the hard work and positivity of the Radio DePaul staff, Rock-the-Clock 2014 will be a weekend of quality radio programming.

Radio DePaul broadcasts online at radio.depaul.edu or the iHeartRadio app.