High Frequencies, High Spirits: The Significance of WNTI

Down the main hallway of the front entrance of the David & Carol Lackland Center, there stands a gigantic window showcasing a room full of microphones and monitors. This area is the primary hub of Centenary’s online radio station, WNTI. This studio has been a staple of the Centenary campus for decades, and continues to remain one of its most consistent extracurricular activities.

It’s gone through quite a journey, having originally been located in Van Winkle Hall—a student-exclusive dorm hall—and the Seay Administration Building. Additionally, it saw an entire shift in format in 2015, going from a local broadcast frequency throughout Northwest Jersey to an online approach which allows the station to be heard anywhere in the world at any time. The studio allows students to host their own weekly radio shows—in any style they want—while also letting volunteers outside campus host their own programs as well. Currently, there are 24 shows hosted throughout the week by a crew of talented DJs, resulting in a wide range of content full of variety.

WNTI is one of the most unique programs Centenary has to offer, not just in how consistently unique its programming is, but also in how it can impact its users, including yours truly.

I was first introduced to WNTI in spring 2023—my second semester at Centenary—when I took an audio production course required for my communication major. It was through this program that I was introduced to John Del Re—a Centenary graduate and director of WNTI—who let his passion for the medium shine in every lecture and lesson he provided. But little did I know that this class was about to change my entire college experience for the remainder of my years at Centenary, all thanks to one requirement.

To achieve full credit in the course, students are required to host their own weekly radio show, a concept which horrified me at the time due to my inexperience in radio. I could barely even handle hearing my own voice over the phone, let alone over the airwaves to hundreds of potential listeners. But eventually, I created a concept—a show called The Ticket Booth, which would cover the latest and greatest in the film industry—and anxiously counted down the days until my broadcast debut.

When I first entered the station to begin my first show, feelings of terror and excitement raced through my mind. On one hand, I got to spend an hour talking about movies, my biggest passion! On the other, I panicked at the thought of me hitting the wrong button or messing up the entire flow of my show. My brain sprinted as the seconds counted down for me to begin. 3… 2… 1. The live music cut out, I turned on the microphone, and my timid voice amplified over the airwaves. In that moment, all of my fears vanished, as I began having a conversation with my fellow listeners.

Despite a few stumbles and stutters, I left the studio that night feeling accomplished. Not only because I successfully went on air for the first time, but also since I managed to overcome my anxiety and have fun on the air. I spent the rest of my semester continuing to improve my skills, and helping my peers to understand the station’s inner workings, all culminating in me excelling in the course, leaving me eager to come back to WNTI in my sophomore year. But little did I know that my door of opportunity in radio was about to burst open.

Shortly before my class went on summer break, I was invited by Del Re to become a director of WNTI, as he recognized my commitments and newly-discovered passion for the medium. We sealed the deal in May 2023, when I was officially appointed as the studio’s student programming director—meaning I would be in charge of co-managing the station, coordinating appearances at events, and assisting DJs with understanding the studio’s inner workings. I began this role at the beginning of my sophomore year in fall 2023, and have maintained it to this very day, though my successor will be selected at the end of spring 2026. 

This position allowed me to bond with WNTI in a whole new way. I was no longer just a guy hosting a movie show, I was a significant factor in helping the station remain relevant and unique. Whether it be through training new DJs to understand its broadcast format or promoting ourselves at campus events like the Involvement Fair, I took every task I was given seriously, always feeling proud to be a part of this incredible crew. Combined with continuing my weekly show, I managed to form a very strong bond with the station, Del Re, and the numerous talented DJs I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. 

Not to mention, since I first became part of the WNTI crew, I managed to get involved in some of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever been involved with. Namely, in fall 2023, WNTI participated in World College Radio Day, a global event celebrating the medium with different stations in numerous countries. I was appointed to a member of the World College Radio Day student board, which saw me collaborating with other DJs throughout the country in creating content and promoting the event. 

Our efforts paid off greatly, as listeners around the world tuned into the non-stop array of shows we and other studios hosted throughout the day. I even had the opportunity to interview Dr. Dale Caldwell—then-newly appointed President of Centenary and current Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey—in one of the highlights of my entire college experience. 

I was so proud of what I and other stations were able to accomplish, to the point where I returned to the Student Board to help them plan the next two annual World College Radio Days. Each one had their own share of great opportunities—including being able to interview artists like Gavin DeGraw, Earth to Eve, and Emmy Russell. 

Furthermore, through my connections with the planning committee, I was able to participate in Student News Live, a special nationwide program focusing on live coverage of the 2024 presidential election. The event was broadcast live over video and audio, involving hundreds of college radio stations across the country. WNTI had a 30-minute segment, where co-host Joe Hamway—CU alumnus Class of 2025 and former managing editor of The Cyclone Chronicle—and I covered the current state of politics and live updates on who was winning the election. 

Though we weren't on the air for a massive period of time, I still savored every moment we were, and was ultimately proud we got to partake in a significant nationwide event. 

My connection to radio even managed to secure me an internship at WRNJ 92.7 FM, a local live studio based in Hackettstown, which I have maintained for three consecutive semesters. As an intern, I’ve been able to conduct man-on-the-street surveys and interview respected individuals—including Dr. Linda Poisseroux of Centenary’s Institute of Entrepreneurship. I also craft relevant news features which are broadcast over the air, ranging from the promotion of upcoming events to coverage of local crimes. 

I even began hosting my own weekly feature, Fresh Popcorn, which covers each weekend’s lot of upcoming movies, and conducted live hourly news broadcasts. This position has helped me to bond with radio even further, especially in understanding how a more mainstream station functions and differs from a college environment. 

But even with all of these incredible opportunities, I’ve been the most proud of one aspect of this entire journey: my role as WNTI’s student programming director helped me to discover a whole new passion. I’ve learned so many great things about radio, including the inner workings which help bring it to life and just how far it can reach its listeners. But above all that, I learned how much of a collaborative and welcoming environment there is behind the microphone, and recognized how it encourages creativity and diversity. 

There’s no limit in who can be behind the microphone, nor is there any limit in what can be broadcast over the air. No matter what’s being presented, stations like WNTI give its DJs and listeners a creative outlet, and has a prominent purpose in amplifying voices and ensuring they can transcend the airwaves. I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to accomplish at WNTI throughout my four years, and am eager to see where the station goes next as I begin the next chapter of my life’s journey. 

I’ll admit, I never would have guessed at the start of my college journey that I would form such a close bond with radio. But through a combination of meeting great people, being able to broadcast what I love, and taking part in so many incredible opportunities, I feel a massive sense of accomplishment as I reminisce on how I’ve developed my bond with the medium. As my time at Centenary reaches its finale, I can confidently say that WNTI managed to leave a massive impact on me, leaving me excited for what comes next as the station opens its doors to a new generation of DJs.

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In light of Tanner’s legendary tenure at both Centenary’s student-run radio station (WNTI.ORG) and Hackettstown’s local radio station (WRNJ-92.7 FM) the editors here at The Cyclone Chronicle reached out to the directors of both for a few words.

“Tanner is one of those students who, when you meet him the first time, you know you are going to have a successful student. From serving as radio host, Student Programming Director, to editor at The Cyclone Chronicle, Tanner has gone above and beyond what it means to be a Cyclone. I am confident any organization will benefit from Tanner’s work ethic,” said John Del Re, director, WNTI.ORG-The Sound of Centenary.

“Thinking back on his time interning at ‘RNJ conjures memories of his sincere joy in learning more about radio. Interns complete tasks. Tanner did that, while following-up with what he could do next. Polite, gentle, inquisitive, I found myself wanting to commend his parents on what a fine young man they’re raising. Life skills that will serve him and those around him well,” said Joyce Estey, news director WRNJ Radio 92.7 FM.

Tanner, all-the-best from your friends at The Cyclone Chronicle, Centenary University and the radio stations that have formed your experience.