Named one of the top ten college radio stations in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine, WZBC-Newton is a 1000 watt radio station operated by full-time undergraduates at Boston College. WZBC broadcasts at a frequency of 90.3MHz and can be heard throughout the greater Boston area. It is a non-profit, non-commercial entity operating under the auspices of Boston College.
Originally founded as WVBC, the voice of Boston College, the radio station began in 1960 as a carrier-current AM station. After operating in this capacity for 13 years, Boston College Radio took a big step by applying for a license to open and operate WZBC-FM, a nine watt, educationally-oriented station at the frequency 90.3. With the advent of WZBC-FM, the radio station expanded its listenership to begin serving the outside community.
WZBC has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 1973. A power increase was given to WZBC in 1974, bringing the station up to its current output of 1000 watts and allowing once again for an expansion in listenership. Another important touch was added in 1979 when our broadcast signal became stereo. However, arguably the most important change in WZBC history occurred later that year, when the station changed its format to something called modern rock. The frequency formerly home to James Taylor and his ilk became inundated with innovative new bands which commercial radio would not touch. At approximately the same time, WZBC also began broadcasting more experimental music under the moniker, No Commercial Potential, thus changing the future of WZBC irrevocably. Since the initial format change, WZBC has grown to become one of the most influential and respected college stations in the country.
