WVUA-FM is the student-run college radio station at the University of Alabama. The station was established for the purpose of giving students an environment in which they could learn to be radio broadcasters.
History
WVUA was chartered in 1981, although student-run stations existed at UA since 1941. WVUA has changed its name a few times. It has been referred to as "V-91", "Rock of The South", and "New Rock 90.7" but it currently operates under the branding, "90.7 The Capstone." Originally, the "VUA" in the station's call letters was used to suggest the "Voice of the University of Alabama," which is a tagline the station often uses. Starting in May 2007, the station started a revitalization project to make it "an agent for a collaborative community." This effort included collaborations with the Student Government Association, The Crimson White, College of Nursing, Stillman College, University Programs, and more. WVUA-FM emphasizes local music that derives directly from the Tuscaloosa community. It airs local music and hosts benefit concerts that feature local bands. About two-thirds of WVUA’s operating budget is raised through sponsorships, benefits and other student-led fundraising efforts. WVUA also uses the tagline "The Capstone Sports Authority." It is the radio home for Crimson Tidegymnastics, soccer, and volleyball. Due to conflicting schedules, only home matches for soccer and volleyball are broadcast on the station, while both home and away events are broadcast for gymnastics. Before each football home game, the station airs "Crimson Tide GameDay". The station features sports in"The Student Section."
Programming
Programming on the station features many specialty shows that air weekly. When a specialty show is not airing on the station, WVUA-FM runs its alternative rock format playlist, run by several regular or "playlist" DJs. The specialty shows on the station include a wide variety of genres, including electronic, indie, soul, R&B, industrial rock, folk, hip-hop, variety, metal, and jam. The station streams all of its content, including its sports and music, from its website: . WVUA is maintained by the Office of Student Media, which is also the parent organization of UA's campus newspaper, The Crimson White. WVUA is located in the Student Media Building at 414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The building also houses The Crimson White, Marr's Field Journal and The Office of Student Media administrators.
