WMSC’s Debate/Discussion October 16th – 2012

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WMSC Radio’s news director (Chelsea Masterson) and WMSC host/activist (Mark Ludas) co-hosted on October 16th 2012 live, one-hour forum on the Presidential election. It was heard from 5:30pm-6:30pm on WMSC 90.3 FM and live on the web.  This was the first student debate of its kind in many years, and its success suggests we will have more to come.  Thanks to Chelsea and Mark for taking the interest, and the risk — and showing they have the stuff to make an hour of compelling talk radio.

Melissa Ribaudo was our expert board operator and folded the debate seamlessly into her show. James Grabow was invaluable as our technical director.  Our student management team (SMT) helped to promote and plan. In the role of Exec Producer, our General Manager Dick Hinchliffer did pre-debate planning and briefing.

Chelsea and Mark were face-to-face, discussing the top domestic and foreign policy issues of the 2012 campaign.  They began with political philosophy, and a discussion about the overemphasis on swing state voters at the expense of the broader electorate. From there they addressed such topics as the economy, jobs, education, tuition hikes, health care and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. At the end of the broadcast they found room for agreement: that no matter what side they were on, voters would choose not because they like and admire their candidate, but because they don’t want the other guy to win. The lingering question: what does this mean about our democratic system and the participation of an informed electorate?

Check out this short piece from the show to get a feel for how it went and what the future holds.

What Will Drive People To The Polls

November 9th – Friday – Xero Gravity on Japan Nick’s Rock and Metal Pandemonium

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Hard Rock/Metal Band Xero Gravity will make an appearance on Japan Nick’s Rock and Metal Pandemonium on Friday November 9th at 10pm for an interview and possibly play some live songs. Japan Nick discovered Xero Gravity at the Blue Room in Secaucus a few weeks ago and enjoyed their show. Xero Gravity have also played concerts at the Stone Pony, Starland Ballroom, and more. Xero Gravity were formed when the members met each other in the RockIt Program.
In the Rockit Program, kids ages 8-16, who pass auditions, participate in a seven-week group program where they learn a specific repertoire of songs, supplemented with individual instruction. Around forty-five young musicians divvy up to form separate groups who together, at the program’s end, perform in concert replete with high-production gear and lighting at the legendary Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. That’s where it all began.

From there, side projects were formed. Jack and Alex formed a band called Noise Pollution who exploded into the rock scene playing venues like the Stone Pony and the Wonder Bar. Steven was also in a side project doing the same in a band called Reverse Evolution. When there were some creative differences within each of the bands, these friends came together to form Xero Gravity and are now the perfect heavy hitting rock trio. They all gelled and are now like brothers. They are making a name for themselves at a rapid pace in the New York/ New Jersey area. Alex with his face melting guitar solos, and Steven with his hard hitting, effortless drumming and Jack who is not only musically talented but charismatic and draws everyone in. Their songs have catchy riffs and leave you wanting more. They are influenced by bands like Kings X, AC/DC, Type O Negative, Iron Maiden, Rush, The Misfits, Megadeth and Metallica to name a few. They have a unique hard rock/metal sound that people respond to. They have already played numerous venues like The Stone Pony, Crossroads, The Court Tavern and most recently The Starland Ballroom.

Keep your eyes and ears open for Xero Gravity. You will be hearing about them for years to come because they are doing now what most bands try do for years and they are barely teenagers! They are Xero Gravity and nothing is gonna hold them down!!!

This is the Xero Gravity Facebook Address