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For the first time in 10 years, award-winning Radio DePaul’s studio was stripped, gutted and remodeled with a new control board, new microphones and state-of-the-art furniture.

Renovations began last summer and continued through spring break. Not only was the equipment outdated, but the studio’s dreariness also made it difficult to broadcast for long periods of time.

Senior instructor and general manager of the studio, Scott Vyverman, said improving the aesthetics of the studio was the first phase of the renovation, which included a fresh coat of “DePaul blue” paint and decorative soundproofing equipment.

In the second phase of the project, freshman Jacob Alderman applied his technological expertise and helped install the new control board and multi-line talk show phone system. State-of-the-art countertops were also installed over break.

“We went to a countertop manufacturer who made the counter tops and furniture for WGN, the professional station downtown in the loop,” said Alderman. “We wanted to get the equipment similar to and a studio set up similar to what students would experience … out there in the real job.”

Among the many programs on the air, some programs feature phone and studio interviews, which Vyverman said had been considerably improved by the new equipment.

“Hosts and guests can now look at each while they are on the air,” said Vyverman. “That wasn’t possible in the old studio.”

Radio DePaul staff and broadcasting students make up the 200 people who use the main studio. Of its many recognitions, Radio DePaul was named the Best Station in the Nation in 2010 by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System and the Best Online College Station this past March. 

According to Vyverman, students and staff have already positively responded to the studio’s “new do.”

“This is the nicest studio I’ve ever worked in,” said Alderman. “We really got everything we possibly could to make this station as good as it can be.”

Vyverman and Alderman both said the station is always looking for new hosts and shows.

“Anyone who’s got something to say,” Alderman said. “We look for a variety of hosts.”

Applications for shows can be found at the bottom of the Radio DePaul website under “Who We Are.”

“We strive to provide meaningful learning opportunities for DePaul students and to offer a diverse and vibrant blend of programming to our listeners,” said Vyverman.