About WERS 88.9 Radio
WERS 88.9 Radio has been a Boston broadcast staple since 1940, when Emerson College students first signed on. The station later moved to 88.9 FM, giving the city a rare student-run voice on commercial-free airwaves. Its transmitter sends alternative rock, indie pop, and specialty shows across the Charles River basin.
A Local Historian’s View
For decades, WERS 88.9 Radio reflected Boston’s changing music scene. In the 1980s, the station helped break new wave and college rock acts. By the 1990s, it balanced grunge with local punk. But the mission stayed simple. Train students. Serve listeners. That dual focus made 88.9 FM a training ground for future broadcasters.
And the frequency still matters. Unlike corporate playlists, WERS lets student DJs build sets around deep cuts. A morning show might spin soul, then shift to hip-hop after noon. The schedule includes Emerson College news breaks and community interviews. Listeners hear real voices, not automated repeats.
- Alternative and indie rock blocks
- Specialty shows for jazz, blues, and world music
- Student news, sports, and cultural coverage
The station’s tower and studio sit near Boston’s Back Bay, close to the Emerson campus. That location gives WERS a strong signal through downtown, Cambridge, and beyond. WERS 88.9 Radio remains a non-commercial outlet, funded partly by listener support. It does not chase charts. Instead, it chases curiosity.
Friday nights often feature loud guitars. Sunday mornings slow down with acoustic sets. The mix can feel unpredictable. That is the point. For commuters, students, and late-night drivers, the station offers a local alternative to streaming algorithms. Boston’s radio history lives here. Tune the dial, and the city sounds different.
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