From A Hobby To A Career

Janice Abel, station manager of WPFS 105.9 Proud Fighting Scots, won the inaugural Next Step Radio Scholars for 2023. Abel and the other four recipients received scholarships to help them pursue a career in radio.

“When I came into college, my goal wasn’t anything radio related. But after taking the workshop my freshman year I was hooked,” said Abel. “I’ve always loved music, and being able to share it with people is something I would love to do as a job.”

Not only does Abel oversee WPFS, she balances being a double major in English and Public Relations.  Student Media Advisor Chris Goble told Abel she should apply to the Next Step Program.

“Goble told me about the scholarship, and he really had my back through all of it,” said Abel. “When I got the email on the 4th, he was one of the first people I called.”

The Next Step Radio (NSR) program was launched last year to help college students who aspire to have a career in radio after graduation. The annual Vinylthon event raises funds for the NSR Scholarships and is designed to give a boost for future broadcasters, and at the same time, expose our industry to young people who want to work in radio and strengthen the industry.

“When I was in the workshop in 2020, I think I was the only girl. It’s really weird to think that radio is still really a dude’s industry, and I’m really proud that I get to break into that. I want to be a DJ, and I never would have known if not for WPFS.” said Abel

Sanaia Jenkins - Contributing Writer