WAER Collection, 1937-2013

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Summary

Creator:
WAER (Radio station : Syracuse, N.Y.)
Abstract:
Memorabilia, documents, audio recordings and publications related to WAER's programs and operation at Syracuse University
Extent:
3.5 linear ft.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

WAER Collection,

Background

Scope and content:

Materials in the WAER Collection span from 1937 to 2013 and document the programs produced by WAER and its operation. This collection is divided into four series:

The Audio recordings series contains cassettes of ad hoc meetings in 1974 and the 1975 William K. Beard Lecture.

The Lawrence Myers Jr. files contains materials created and compiled by Lawrence Myers Jr. dating from 1947 to 2013. Myers was a professor in the Radio Department at Syracuse University and was involved with WAER during his time at the school.

The Memorabilia series contains mugs, clothing, and other items with WAER logos. For example, the series includes two miniature steins from a joint event between WAER and Alpha Epsilon Rho, the broadcasting honor society on campus.

The Publications series includes newsletters, brochures and program schedules produced by WAER.

Biographical / historical:

Photograph of students broadcasting WAER

As early as 1930, Kenneth G. Bartlett, professor of radio and television, began the early steps toward a Syracuse University radio program. He initiated the Radio Workshop, which produced programs for local stations such as WSYR and WFBL. In the fall of 1946, Syracuse University took advantage of new radio technology and was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to do some experimental broadcasting. On April 13, 1947, WJIV broadcasted its first program. When renewal of their license with the FCC came up three months later, WJIV became WAER. In 1951, WAER had a regular broadcast license and became Syracuse University's permanent radio station. Up until 1983, WAER was student-run, but then its operation was taken over by the University and full-time professionals came in to train students, a decision that was controversial among students.

WAER's purpose in the early days was to broaden Syracuse University's educational reach, to present programs that couldn't be found elsewhere in Central New York, to give students more information than found in print media, and to give students the opportunity to gain experience in broadcasting. Today, WAER offers a variety of programs such as local sports coverage, jazz, and programs from National Public Radio (NPR) and can be heard on 88.3 FM.

Acquisition information:
The majority of the materials in this collection were transferred from the Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1992 and 1997. The Lawrence Myers Jr. files were the gift of Claire Myers in 2018 and 2021. These materials were separated from the Lawrence Myers Jr. Papers. Some program schedules were the gift of Jason Squire in 2021.
Processing information:

Materials were placed in archival folders and boxes.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged in alphabetical order within series.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Please note that the Reading Room does not have the equipment to play audiocassettes. Advance notice is required to create listening copies of audiocassettes.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

WAER Collection,

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu