A sophomore web master and DJ for WASU radio, Christian Morgan begins a broadcast for the radio station. WASU radio was recently added to iHeartradio, a national platform for radio stations that broadcast 13 other college radio stations from across the country. Margaret Cozens | The Appalachian

Appalachian State University's student-led radio station, WASU, is one of 14 inaugural schools in the nation to be added to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment's iHeartRadio.

iHeartRadio offers live-broadcast, digital-only radio stations and user-created custom stations with streaming access for computers and mobile devices, according to a press release from Clear Channel.

WASU Webmaster and DJ Christian Morgan said he thinks inclusion in iHeartRadio will increase access to the station and, in turn, increase the size of its audience.

"A big portion of our listenership is the family and friends of our D.J.s who, for the most part, live outside of our immediate area," he said. "iHeartRadio makes it easier for them because not only can they tune in through their computer, but now also through their smartphones and tablets as well."

Morgan also said being a part of iHeartRadio will make the station more "discoverable."

WASU Program Director Joel Gillie attributes the station's inclusion to its past success during events like mtvU's Woodie Awards, New York Festivals' Radio Program and Promotion Awards, as well as WASU's own supportive fan base.

"I think our listeners are the best out there," he said. "When we ask them to do things like vote for the Woodie Awards, they vote their hearts out and we get a lot of support from the university as well. They give us all the tools we need to succeed."

WASU DJ Jeffrey Peterson said being added to iHeartRadio is confirmation for students at the station that they're continuously doing better.

"Last year, we got second place with the Woodie Award and just with the national recognition we're getting, people are noticing that this isn't just a one-time thing," he said.

Incidentally, WASU's addition to iHeartRadio coincides with the station's 40th anniversary.

Gillie said the station plans to invite alumni from the program back for the anniversary, and that being able to reference this latest success will show just how far the station has come.

Story: EMMALEE ZUPO, Senior Lifestyles Reporter
Photo: MARGARET COZENS, Photographer