As the state headquarters for the first College Radio Day, the University of North Florida’s Osprey Radio promoted the effort to increase public awareness and unify the voices of participating stations Tuesday.

“I’d like to see more support for stations across the country,” responded Andrew Landis, Osprey Radio station manager. “College Radio is the lifeline for new music, and I hope that music fans who aren’t in college can realize how college radio launched the careers of the bands they love.”

Rob Quicke, College Radio Day co-founder, focused on another group of individuals – college students.

“College radio is a very, very important medium,” he said. “Don’t take it for granted, because if it vanishes, the voice of an entire generation of students will vanish with it.”

According to CRD’s website, WVUM (University of Miami), Radio X (NOVA Southeastern University), Hawk Radio (Hillsborough Community College), WGRP (Florida International University), Bulls Radio (University of South Florida) and Rock104 (University of Florida) also represented Florida. The site reported over 350 participating stations across North America.

“CRD is really important.” Andrew continued. “One of Osprey Radio’s biggest obstacles is that not a lot of people know about us. As the Florida headquarters, we got our name on some pretty big websites and shared in some vital radio circles. We’re grateful.”

In an article about College Radio Day, The Washington Post reported that an increasing number of college stations use the Internet to air their content. Osprey Radio streams on its website, http://www.ospreyradio.com, and campus cable, Channel 171.