It's the beginning of an exciting new era for Cavalier Radio in the Communication Department at Cabrini University. Recognizing the accelerated growth of music streaming services and podcasting, the department has taken the bold step to expand its Internet radio operations by ending its FM license timeshare with Villanova University. Cav Radio will now be 100 percent streaming at CavalierRadio.com.

This strategic decision has several advantages.

First, it meets today’s listeners where they are - online. Buzzsprout’s July 2022 Podcast Statistics report is proof. It indicates that (1) “73% of the U.S. population 12+ have listened to online audio in the last month”; and (2) “over one-third (104 million) of Americans listen to podcasts regularly.” The Wall Street Journal backs up these statistics. It reported on March 25, 2022 that “digital audio audiences are on the upswing.” This is especially true among younger audiences.

This move also increases Cavalier Radio’s hours of operation to 24/7 all year long. Increased hours mean more opportunities for Cabrini COM students and community DJs to stream their shows, and to do so multiple times per week. Freedom from FCC license regulations also opens Cavalier Radio up to students outside of the major who previously needed training in FCC rules to secure a show on the station.

Pivoting to exclusively Internet radio programming is consistent with the COM Department’s history of continually reshaping its curriculum to respond to disruptions affecting traditional media. As the production and consumption of media content has changed, the department has nimbly and rapidly changed with it. Always with an eye to the future, it makes decisions like this one to competitively position its students against the best communication graduates in the nation.

This pivot is not without its nostalgic look back at the evolution of radio at Cabrini University. From the first sounds of WCAB via carrier current in the 1980s, to the joint-licensure agreement with Villanova to become 89.1 WYBF-FM in 1991, the radio program at Cabrini has always been a driving force for student engagement and learning at the university. Its rich history, coupled with support from its army of radio station alumni, will propel Cav Radio forward into its next new phase of growth.

The voice of Cabrini throughout the decades remains strong and is now just a click away at CavalierRadio.com. This is your invitation to listen.