WUOG is an alternative media outlet. As such, it is our duty to air quality programming that is neglected on commercially operated channels. The station’s music philosophy is designed to help new and independent artists gain exposure on campus, in the Athens community, and throughout the nation. WUOG is much more than a mere stepping stone on the road to an artist’s commercial success; many artists who choose to avoid the world of “big media” can find a home on our station throughout their careers.
Music considered for airplay in our regular rotation is judged on an artist by artist basis; songs and individual albums are not considered by themselves, but as part of a whole. Artists who meet any of the following criteria are automatically disqualified from airplay on WUOG 90.5FM:
- The artist is or has been in regular rotation on major commercial radio stations. This does not apply to material used in specialty shows on major commercial stations.
- The artist has a music video that has aired on major music video stations. This does not apply to material used in specialty shows on major commercial networks.
- Another criterion that DJs must use when selecting music for airplay is its position on the Billboard Album Charts. If one of the artist’s albums has entered the top 50, then a DJ cannot play that artist.
Oftentimes bands will retire, or graduate, from WUOG. Once this happens, a band cannot re-enter our programming as part of the regular rotation.
In short, we play good music that is not played on major commercial stations.
This music philosophy applies to all songs played during regular rotation shifts, including open selections. Though we do not hold specialty shows to the same standard, it is still strongly suggested that hosts at least hold the individual songs they play to the standard established in the first item of the above list.