WKKL: Voices of Cape Cod Community College
by Alexis Nawrocki
“Recovery Radio” Host, Chris Hills, on the air
The show also offers advice about effective coping mechanisms for those who suffer from anxiety and depression.
Aside from “Recovery Radio,” WKKL also produces shows that enable listeners to learn about different cultures.
For example, September 23 marked the 16 year anniversary of “Somos Tu Mundo,” which is WKKL’s weekly Spanish language program hosted by Rosario Quiroz. This one-hour show emphasizes the importance of wellness and self-improvement. The show also includes upbeat Spanish music for those who like to dance.
Among other diverse radio shows on WKKL is “Sly Fox Radio,” hosted by Douglas Pocknett Jr.
“My show began back in 2013 during my first semester of college. I decided that I really wanted to do a show highlighting my Native American Heritage,” Pocknett said. The show consists of traditional Native American music, current events and a new addition to the show called “Daily Elders Meditation.” Listeners can tune in from 9 until 10 AM on Fridays.
According to General Manager of WKKL Naomi Arenberg, one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing students from Project Forward, and those with expressive language issues get on the air. For many years, Project Forward has had a mass communications class that takes place at WKKL. It is a requirement that all students go on air.
“One young man was so painfully shy that he refused to speak in class. But, the second he got in front of the microphone, it was if he was born knowing how to host a radio show,” Arenberg said.
That alone speaks volumes about how a confined recording studio at WKKL can serve as a safe place for people to openly express themselves.
“This little place has become a safe atmosphere for some people who may not feel safe in other circumstances, and they can actually open up,” Arenberg said.
One of Arenberg’s primary objectives for the future of WKKL would be to widen the horizon so that the station appeals to not only the students, faculty, and alumni of 4Cs, but also the entire community at large.
WKKL is always open to fresh ideas for radio shows and music. Shows about science, politics, different cultures, sports and anything in between are welcome.
“We are on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so we have plenty of space to fill” Arenberg said. “There is room for everyone at the table.”
WKKL is living proof that radio is an unshakable cultural force and it is here to stay. Spotify and Apple Music may have forever changed how people listen to music, but they cannot capture the raw authenticity that comes with hearing the voices and stories of those in the community.
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