Shaw University Sells WSHA Radio Station; Will Modernize Mass Communications Department

Raleigh, NC – Shaw University today announced plans for a major overhaul of technology, facilities, and learning infrastructure for its department of mass communications thanks to a sizable investment secured through the sale of its WSHA radio frequencies. The investment is part of the Shaw University Board of Trustees’ strategic plan to modernize curriculum across all academic divisions to prepare students for rewarding careers as leaders and innovators in a variety of industries.
 
“When WSHA was founded in 1968 as the first public radio station owned by a historically black institution, radio was perhaps the most important communications medium in the world,” said Shaw University Interim President Dr. Paulette Dillard. “It was an innovative move by the University. Fifty years later, the media landscape has evolved. Shaw is proud to remain at the forefront of innovation in communications and media arts, and in other areas of importance to the City of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina.”
 
“We look forward to revealing more exciting details on the department’s academic and training emphasis on digital media, in order to prepare our students for the careers of the future,” said Dillard.
 
Ownership of the frequencies will be transferred to the Educational Media Foundation, which supports a programming mission that is consistent with the university’s academic and faith-based traditions. Shaw will maintain ownership of the radio tower, call letters (WSHA), and broadcasting equipment. WSHA will continue to stream content over the Internet. WSHA campus offices at the James E. Cheek Learning Resources Center will be reconfigured as laboratory space for audio engineering, video editing, social media data analysis, and streaming content creation.
 
“WSHA has been a part of Shaw University for 50 years, and we are proud of the rich tradition and legacy of this station,” said Shaw Board Chairman Joseph Bell. “As the oldest HBCU in the South, Shaw University has a special appreciation for this history and this important moment. We will continue to focus our efforts on providing a high-quality, modern education to our students.”

Shaw University, located in North Carolina’s vibrant Downtown Raleigh, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the Southern United States. Founded in 1865 by Dr. Henry Martin Tupper, Shaw is proud to be educating more than 1,800 students who will become the change agents of tomorrow. Our motto is “This is E.P.I.C,” as we are committed to advancing our mission with Entrepreneurial Thinking, Positioning and Presence, Innovation, and Customer Care. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.