CSI in the News - CSI Today

But most of all, WSIA showcases its home turf and prides itself on playing local music.
In the last two and a half years, the station has acquired modern equipment for recording and audio editing.
Soon, it will begin converting reel-to-reel audio tapes to digital formats.
It's a labor of love, operated by about 100 CSI students. Each volunteers a minimum of two hours each
week in 11 departments, among them programming, engineering, public services, production, personnel,
and, of course, music.
The station was started in the former Staten Island Community College in Sunnyside. Next year marks its
30th year of operation. These days, it is run by a full-time general manager and professional engineer, along
with student board of directors elected by the station staff.
It all sounds impressive, but who listens
When a pair of Advance reporters questioned Staten Islanders about the station, 80 percent admitted that
they'd "never heard of it."
Once told about WSIA's music selection and what it had to offer, respondents said they would certainly scroll
to the frequency.
Phil Masciantonio, WSIA's general manager for the last four years, said high-school teens, college students
and local band members make up a majority of the audience. But he acknowledged that the station does not
have a method of measuring the station's number of listeners, the way most other radio channels do.
Andrew DiLorenzo, a drive-time dee-jay with a variety of other tasks, and one of WSIA's most experienced
volunteers, sees the station as an educational tool. Because operating it requires so many different skill sets,
it's a great place for students looking to work in various industries, such as business, to cut their teeth.
"It's not just for communication majors," said DiLorenzo, a South Beach resident who's been at the station
since 2007. "You pretty much get a shot at everything (WSIA offers)."
He also speaks highly of CSI's music department, which maintains a great relationship with record
companies.
Volunteers arrive and depart each semester as students graduate, so turn-over is constant. But those who
put in extra time definitely gain the most, says DiLorenzo, who is present at least 10 hours a week.
"It's been very successful for me," the communications major said. "Somebody gets to listen to me for three
hours on the air."
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