Randolph-Macon College celebrated the official dedication of the Jacobs Radio and Podcast Studio inside the Neville House, the home of the Department of Communication Studies and Stinger Radio, the evening of Tuesday, March 5.

The studio now houses the entire set of main studio equipment from the Richmond-based station WREJ, generously donated by station owner Jim Jacobs, the studio’s namesake. The facility will provide an industry-quality space for students to get hands-on experience in broadcasting. Additionally, the Department of Communication Studies plans to launch a podcasting class in the fall, further immersing students in the world of audio content creation.

“I’m looking around at the future of the business, and I think it’s in good hands,” Jacobs said of the students gathered for the dedication ceremony.

“I want to thank my colleague Bill Roberts for initiating this opportunity,” said Joan Conners, the Charles J. Potts Professor of Social Sciences and the Communication Studies Department Chair. “For not just taking the lead on bringing it to fruition, but literally helping wire the entire studio, down to the ‘ON THE AIR’ light above the door.”

Stinger Radio, the student radio “Voice of the Yellow Jackets” that provides 24/7 programming under the guidance of Roberts, is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2023-24 academic year and can be found on TuneIn.