Currently, Revolution 91.7 is filled with PSA’s, Airforce advertisements and a music catalog that hasn’t been updated in four years.

Revolution 91.7 is WKU’s student alternative rock radio. It became obsolete in August 2023, due to a loss of student interest, said Ed Cohen, the faculty advisor of Revolution 91.7. 

“One thing I want to do is bring this thing back,” Cohen said. “This is a marvelous opportunity, not only for students to learn and to get experience, but it’s also something for the community. I mean, this was – this is a good radio station.”

Cohen has spent most of his career in radio. His duality shows as he has worked extensively in the areas of radio ratings and research at Clear Channel, now known as iHeartMedia, and Arbitron, now Nielson Audio. He also has experience working at college radio stations through the University of South Carolina. From hosting to understanding the radio’s audience, Cohen bears no hesitation about where radio stands in this world.

“There’ll always be a need for audio, entertainment and information, however it’s distributed,” Cohen said. “Whether it’s a tower in a field, sending it out over the air, whether it’s streamed, whatever it is, people want it. They want something.”

Cohen envisions a fun atmosphere at Revolution 91.7, allowing it to draw students in and build on campus. He sees students laughing and creating a community that will harbor talent, allowing the creation of memories that workers at Revolution 91.7 will look back on in their professional careers.

“You’re on the mic and it’s like, ‘let’s have a good time,’” Cohen said. “People say, when they have real jobs, ‘I don’t believe somebody pays me to just talk. And some of the best talents have been that way.”

Cohen met Rachel Comella, a broadcasting major on the Hill and student general manager of Revolution 91.7, through his personal trainer at the WKU Preston Center. The personal trainer spoke to Cohen about Comella’s interests and experience in radio.

Once they finally met, Comella decided to become the new manager of Revolution 91.7 and help kick-start the rebuilding.

“Students hear this all the time, and we keep harping on it, ‘you have to build a network because you never know who somebody knows,’” Cohen said. “That actually happened in this case.”

Comella found an interest in radio through her work at D93 WDNS Classic Rock Radio over the summer. Originally, Comella said she looked for an internship in broadcasting to fit her major, but she eventually stumbled upon radio. D93 brought a large influx of guests every morning, allowing Comella to meet various personalities. She described how conversation filled the station.

“It’s always very light-hearted (with) jokes (and) easy, flowing conversation,” Comella said. “There’s a lot of music going on too, meeting a lot of bands, artists (and) local people in Bowling Green.”

Comella said going on air for the first time is nerve-racking. She said the setup was really big to those unfamiliar with audio equipment. Eventually, Comella settled in, and that comfort allowed her to dive into the music community and connect with her guests.

“Eventually, you get so comfortable that you enjoy it, it’s just second nature,” Comella said.

According to Bowling Green Daily News, Revolution 91.7 has a history of investing time into local artists. Simply giving airtime to upcoming artists has helped play a role in the success of bands like Cage the Elephant in their early careers. Mayhem, Revolution 91.7’s music festival, brought together not only WKU’s community, but Bowling Green as a whole with its open access. Revolution 91.7 even served as the 2011 Kentucky State Headquarters for College Radio Day.

“We want to bring as many local bands and artists and DJs in as possible, get them in here for interviews, and hopefully get more of their music on air playing,” Comella said.

Revolution 91.7 Radio plans to host a discography of mainly alternative rock, highlighting local music and new releases. Cohen describes their library as eclectic. Being a college radio, Revolution 91.7 wants to remain open to new ideas, Comella said. They plan to try and let the individual host shine in how they run their segment.

“That’s just the nature of the beast in college radio,” Cohen said. “So it may not sound as smooth to a listener as a commercial station would, but they’re going to hear some things that are a little bit different.”

If you are interested in work for or learning more about Revolution 91.7, you can email [email protected].