The Edge, ETSU’s radio alternative station has grown immensely with over 40 DJs, 10 specialty shows and a full schedule.

A shift at the radio station is required for all RTVF majors and minors, but at the same time it provides a way for students to interact and learn in a real-world scenario with music.

Edge manager Ryan Renfro emphasizes the significance that the Edge is run solely by students.

The station streams directly online and operates 24 hours a day, with specialty shows that broadcast from 8 p.m. to midnight.

“Music wise we’ve had bluegrass, we’ve had Celtic music, it’s just you name it and there’s probably been a specialty show for it,” Renfro said.

In the past, the Edge Radio Alternative has provided an assortment of specialty shows that ranges from an Indie music show, multiple news shows to even a Hip Hop show.

“If you take pop music, classic rock, rock, not necessarily heavy metal but some heavier music, for some reason if you put them all together they kind of work,” Renfro said.

Since the Edge is a college station, the music is a combination of everything.

“We have so many different tastes around here,” Renfro said. As for bringing in guests, Renfro said he generally leaves it to the specialty shows to decide.

“We’ve actually had some bands in the past,” Renfro said. “On my show, I had a musician come in and play live.”

As far as recent bands, Renfro said it hasn’t been done since 2013.

“We want to work with Buctainment more as far as how they book the shows and everything but it’s very tricky because you can’t just contact a manager or band and say ‘Would you like to come to the radio station?’,” said Renfro. “There’s so many different channels you go through and they [bands] aren’t always here long enough to come into the studio.”

Ultimately, if the Edge wants to coordinate with bands, they would have to go meet them while the band is performing.

“It’s just too hard to get them all the way down here,” Renfro said.

Local artists are also frequent guests, who provide a regional ambiance to the music broadcasted. “Local artists are usually looking for, not necessarily an outlet, they’re just more willing to come and record,” Renfro said. “It gives them an opportunity and it gives us an opportunity.”

The Edge is also looking to get involved in more events.

“We have talked about it, in the past we’ve done to write love on your arms, the chemistry run back in the fall, Relay for Life and Food City, we’ve played music for them,” Renfro said. “If we get contacted, we’re more than willing.”

However, there have been a few problems with the stream as far as the feed dropping, Renfro said.

“There are some really big plans going on right now as far as format and things like that,” Renfro said.“So by next semester, we won’t have a problem.”

Renfro alluded to a big change to be expected within the next semester.

“We are trying to branch out more,” Renfro said. “Our biggest thing is trying to get more focus on the campus. We want students to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the radio.”