Goza’s dedication and enthusiasm seemed to run through everyone at the station, from students simply keen for talking on air to community volunteers who devote hours of personal time designing programs, choosing music and promoting shows.

“Probably 80 percent of our community DJs have no previous radio experience and learn through doing,” says Pemberton. “The desire for exposing music not represented out there drives them. Their passion pulls them through.”

Late last year WQNA lost a treasured voice and special on-air personality with the passing of Edward Ruebling [see a tribute

by David Antoine in “Remembering the lives they lived,” Dec. 30, at illinoistimes.com]. Known as Fast Eddie to his radio program listeners, his story epitomizes the volunteer DJ experience.

“Bill Hickerson brought him in to meet me one day after they were finished bowling and told me he was my country classics guy,” explained Pemberton. “Truth be told, I wasn’t going to use him. I didn’t think he could do it on air. Good thing he got started because he became one of our most popular DJs and just got better as he went along. He was warm and real and played what he knew and liked. Listeners who didn’t even like country music would tune in just to hear what Eddie was going to say. He was the embodiment of what WQNA stands for and we all looked up to him.”

The importance of having an interesting alternative to commercial radio and data-based programming in Springfield is immeasurable, as is the station’s contribution to our arts culture. Or, as Metal Chris puts it, “I think, more than ever before, a station needs to be good and give the people what they want. I think WQNA stands out because our shows are done by music lovers for music lovers, and listeners appreciate that.”

continued on page 16