On Jan. 22, Vaquero Radio learned it had been awarded a $1,000 station grant from The College Radio Foundation.
In November 2019, political science Lecturer Robert Velez, the Vaquero Radio faculty adviser, submitted a grant request to The College Radio Foundation. The application required describing Vaquero Radio, its needs, and what the station would do with the grant money, should it be awarded.
Station Manager Natalie Zarate said the radio staff was surprised at hearing Vaquero Radio had been given the grant.
“We weren’t aware of the process of what [Velez] was doing, so shocked completely,” Zarate said. “But we were really excited, especially knowing that our adviser was putting in so much work and dedication into our program.”
Earlier this year, Vaquero Radio changed its name from UTRGV Radio. The station will use the grant money to help promote its new brand.
“Part of any name change is promotion and telling people about our station,” Velez said.
He conducted a small poll in one of his classes, and the results showed few students know UTRGV has a radio station.
Vaquero Radio is on 24/7. The station generally has live shows from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A rotation of music plays when a live DJ is not on the station.
The grant money will also bring a radio professional into the studio to ensure the equipment is fully optimized since Vaquero Radio is internet-based, Velez said.
“We all share a fondness for radio, but as far as the equipment goes, we don’t necessarily know how it all gets hooked up and all the steps that are involved in making sure that … people can hear us,” he said.
Vaquero Radio plans to host events in the near future and will offer promotional items, such as T-shirts. The staff will also reveal an upcoming surprise project.
“We’re working on a way to make it easier for people to tune in,” Velez said.
The project has been in the works for three semesters. With the grant money, the station has been able to finalize the project and it will be announced to the public by the end of the first week in March, Zarate said.
“To be finalizing the details for this project is super thrilling,” she said.
The project is expected to provide Vaquero Radio exposure to the community. With this exposure, the station wants to give back to its listeners.
“I hope for staff members, and us as a whole department, to further branch out into the community,” Zarate said. “We want to give back and to students, faculty and community members.”
According to The College Radio Foundation website, there were three $1,000 station grants and two $2,000 station grants.
To qualify for a grant, The College Radio Foundation requires applicants to host College Radio Day. Last year, UTRGV Radio held this event on the Edinburg quad, hosting local bands and offering giveaways.
“It’s just a way to raise awareness about College Radio,” Velez said.
Erik Guajardo, a criminal justice junior, said he will start hearing Vaquero Radio to know about campus news.
“I think having a radio in general is, well, for most places is very beneficial. You get public information out there,” Guajardo said.
To listen to Vaquero Radio, visit utrgvradio.com.
