David Humphrey, For The Herald Bulletin

PENDLETON — When Pendleton Heights High School sophomore Matt Soverns heard that WEEM-FM was slated to shut down operations, he saw some hopes for his future fade away.

Dropping the radio program at Pendleton Heights  is one of the cost-cutting options that the South Madison School Board recently approved, saving $90,000 in annual operation costs for the student-run station.

The station plans to broadcast spring sports before signing off for good.

The action to eliminate the station came on Feb. 11  despite superintendent Tom Warmke’s earlier indications that  the station would remain on the air.

“WEEM has been very beneficial and helpful to me and other students,” Soverns said. “I plan on having a career in radio or television. What I have learned here will help me in college. Maybe a scholarship will come from this.

“I attended the board meeting when the decision was announced about the station. I learned a lot at the meeting about money and how schools are financed. It sure isn’t an easy task, and the administration has a lot on their minds.”
WEEM went on the air Nov. 1, 1970. Nearing its 40th year, the station is owned by the South Madison School Corporation and operated by students at Pendleton Heights.

Live and taped broadcasts serve Madison County and portions of Henry, Hamilton, Hancock and Marion counties. WEEM general manager Jered Petry said recently the radio station has provided hands-on learning for students who are looking toward careers in radio.

“This is a great introduction into radio broadcasting,” Petry said. “It is a one-trimester class, and we currently have 47 students in radio and 49 in the introduction course. Kids spend time in the classroom before moving into the studio. 

“I think in the modern world, this course is very important. It prepares students for Twitter and Facebook, and of course, radio broadcasting. Many of them will have careers in the electronic media.”