Brooklyn College Radio Hosts Tries to Break Typical Radio Barriers

At 7p.m. on a Thursday, Chantel Archer, 22, is just finishing her weekly radio show called ‘Real-ish’. She spends a couple of hours every Wednesday evening thinking of topics to talk about. Whether it’s about relationships, school or family issues, Chantel tackles many issues young people face today. 

“I have always believed that I had a voice that I should share with others, regardless of how many wanted to listen.”, Archer says. “I was interested in radio because you can learn so much from others just by listening to their experiences.”

The Importance of College Radio

College radio is essential because it gives instant news updates for listeners on campus and in the community. Many college campuses have now adopted independent stations via from FM/AM platforms and online listening websites. College radio stations also provide students the necessary experience and familiarity for their fields after graduation. 

According to a report by  the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, there are over 44,000 radio stations worldwide. AM/FM radio listening accounts for 86% of the total time adults spend listening. 

Brooklyn College radio station is operated and ran by students and members of the Flatbush community. It’s a non-commercial network that gives students the freedom to learn and express themselves. 

Breaking Radio Sterotypes

Archer's ultimate goal is to be a podcast/radio personality. The journalism/news media major who's graduating this May hopes to produce a TV comedy show one day with her concentration in television and film. Growing up in a traditional Bajan household, Archer likes to play a variety of different island music and tries to break away from the stereotypical radio music.

"I like to incorporate everyone in the show", Archer says. "My goal is to get everyone involved one way or another. If thats by taking calls from listeners to help solve whatever their going through, then so be it." 

Archer uses her instagram profile and also uploads every weekly show to the 'Real-ish' Soundcloud place where listeners who missed the live show can still catch up with her and listen to the whole show on Soundcloud.

“I think [social media is] a trend because there are people who have talent and want to showcase them and share what they know with the world.”, Archer says. "On the other hand, there are those who create these platforms because they want fame on social media and hope to get a quick come up. Even on both sides, people see an opportunity to get discovered and everyone wants to take advantage of that."

Photo Credit: Ashleigh Brown via Instagram Screenshot.

Real-ish's Impact on BC 

"We wanted to name the show 'Real-S**t', but that didn't happen" jokingly says Archer's co-host Ishauna Jackson, 21, journalism & news media major at Brooklyn College. Jackson says her and Archer came up with the idea to do their radio show in 2016. Their goal was to provide content and advice to college students who go through everyday personal obstacles. 
"We just want to provide real content for the listeners, it's all about them." says Jackson. 

Archer explains how having her own show has opened many doors for her in terms of meeting different people around campus and the community. She's had numerous musicians around BC and the Flatbush area perform live during the show. 

"With my platform, I want people to challenge their viewpoints and I want to be able to have my audience relate to me through my words.” says Archer. 

Photo Credit: Ashleigh Brown via iPhone screenshot. 

"Chantel creates a space for everyone to be open to ask questions about anything in their lives." says Brooklyn College business management major Dion Mitchell, 23. "It's really down to earth, real, raw and natural and that's why I like her."   

“If I could make someone laugh, give them advice or strike a chord in them, whether it be good or bad, I know I’ve done my job," says Archer. 

Real-ish can be listened to live every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on mywbcr.com or on the 'real-ish' Soundcloud page.