Seton Hall University’s student-run radio station, WSOU, has been on air since 1948. 77 years later, WSOU stands as a distinguished voice of the university, now ranked No. 1 in the nation.
On August 14, WSOU was named the Best College Radio Station in The Princeton Review. The ranking originates from The Best Colleges: 2026 Edition, which includes survey results from over 170,000 students across 391 universities, reflecting what students value most about their college.
Broadcasting on 89.5 FM, WSOU is known for its signature “loudest rock” format. Beyond music, the station covers sports and news.
The No. 1 ranking sparked excitement from WSOU staff, who say it reflects their commitment and passion. WSOU Station Manager Chris Heite, a sophomore visual and sound media major, shared his initial reaction to the news.
“With all the hard work we've done in years past, like other accolades, it is always good to hear that our work is being appreciated and seen,” Heite said.
Heite said it was rewarding to see the station's name in that No. 1 spot, especially on a credible list. Ryan Fox, a junior communications major and staff representative for WSOU, echoed excitement similar to Heite.
“The staff we have at WSOU worked incredibly hard to be where they’re at, and ranking No. 1 made it even more rewarding,” Fox said.
Seeing the countless hours students dedicate to the station, Technical Operations Director Joe Morales, a senior visual sound and media major with a concentration in sports media, said he wasn’t shocked about the ranking, with WSOU’s history of recognition. The station has won two Marconi Awards in 2016 and 2023 and is once again nominated.
“I feel like it was expected,” Morales said. “We put a lot of work in…so it feels great when you get an award for it.”
Similar to Morales, Sports Director Lauren Reese, a junior visual and sound media major with a concentration in sports media, said the results were a great surprise, even though she expected a high ranking.
“Being No.1 is on its own level of incredible though,” Reese said.
However, Music Director Jack Reed, a junior audio engineering major, said the results were not a surprise, but surreal.
“I think the way I always view it as [that] I have faith and I would love us to be ranked No. 1, but I don't want to get my expectations too high,” Reed said.
News Director Allie Bodaken, a senior majoring in diplomacy and international relations, said she knows WSOU is incredible, but didn’t expect it to rank No. 1, considering the prestige of The Princeton Review.
“It seems like every year we keep getting better and better,” Bodaken said. “It’s so surreal to be recognized like this, especially since there are much bigger schools on that list.”
WSOU staff told The Setonian about the hours of behind-the-scenes work.
Reed said conducting interviews involves a lot of preparation. He reflected on his role in unexpectedly coordinating transportation for one of his interviewees.
“I found myself driving just this drummer of a popular metal band,” Reed said. “He was just casually sitting in my 2020 Honda Civic. Those are all things I just never had thought of that goes on behind the scenes in that degree.”
Other WSOU staff noted the same levels of dedication.
“The managers and staff are always working to help us reach the stars, as we’ve done now,” Bodaken said. “Before joining, I had no idea what went into this, but it is a 24/7 to 365 commitment to our music and our listeners.”
With hours of dedication and to continue the momentum of their title, Reese explains her outlook on how the station should operate, and that direction is “only up.”
“As the saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it,” Reese said. “Everyone here knows their job and what values and qualities of work have gotten us to this point of success and reputability.”
After ranking No. 1, WSOU staff are planning what’s next for the station.
“We simply continue to do what we do,” Heite said. “We submit to many different conferences/organizations for awards, so we will certainly be on the lookout to see if anything materializes.”
WSOU is also nominated for the Marconi Radio Awards for College Station of the Year, presented by the National Association of Broadcasters, with results set to be announced in October. Morales and Reed added that the 40th anniversary of WSOU’s heavy metal format is approaching, and the station has plans that they cannot disclose yet.
The WSOU staff expresses their gratitude to listeners and everyone who supported them to reach this milestone. Reese shared her appreciation for the station’s listeners.
“No matter when you listened to us, whether it be yesterday or 10 plus years ago, I'm so grateful you let us aspiring broadcasters make an impact on your day, week, year, or life,” Reese said.
“We love being able to make your day a little better, your drive home a little faster,” Morales added.
Fox emphasized the station’s connection to its audience.
“We hold our listeners and their voices extremely close to our hearts, and we hope we're able to continue doing what’s best for them,” Fox said. “We wouldn’t be No. 1 without the No. 1 group of listeners.”
Sofia Kasbo is the Managing Editor of The Setonian. She can be reached at sofia.kasbo@student.shu.edu
