Radio Broadcast Set to Make Simmons History

Most students are familiar with Brookline Avenue. It is where students dodge the cars and ambulances, and still make it to their 8 a.m. class on time. Brookline Avenue is the bond between America's most beloved ballpark and the Simmons residence campus. For the Simmons student athletes, its the street that separates them from their rivals, Emmanuel. Most importantly, Brookline Avenue is what divides Simmons into two. The first thing we learn as freshman is the difference between the residence campus, and the main college campus.

Administrators and faculty have been trying to bridge the gap caused by one of the busiest streets in Boston. Now, one department is making college history.

For the first time at Simmons, the radio station will broadcast out-of-studio coverage of an upcoming basketball game. Professors Leanne Doherty Mason and Daren Graves will be joined by senior Valerie Simko in announcing the first play-by-play at the Holmes Sport Center.

The Sharks will take on St. Joseph (CT) on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.

Tony Price, Simmons basketball coach and assistant athletic director, believes that this will be a great way to link the two campuses. He hopes that this will increase school spirit.

"The city of Boston takes away from it," said Price when talking about the college's spirit. Most students enjoy exploring the city instead of filling the wooden bleachers in the gym. "We are missing that key," he said.

The Simmons basketball team has had their games broadcast on other college radio stations, and even streamed live on the web. Price explained how this will not only help the college, but his team too.

"Sometimes we have parents that can't make a game," Price said. "This is great for those parents who can't. Now they can at least listen to it on the radio."

Coach Price also thinks having live broadcast will help keep alumnae connected and potential recruits for the program's future. After playing his opponents that used video and radio to cast live game footage, Price asked himself "Will Simmons ever have that?"

Now that the radio station has successfully established itself, Coach Price looks forward to building a relationship between Simmonsí sports and radio. It will be a great recruiting tool, for all sports, explained Price.

Just as the college prides itself on academics, the athletic department hopes Simmons sports will one day reach that caliber. With the academic campuses involvement with the radio station, Price agrees that the broadcast will act as a great stepping stone to all.

So with all the expected positive outcomes of this broadcast buzzing through both campuses, one major question comes to mind. Why hasn't Simmons done something like this before?

"We needed someone to do it," said Len Mailloux, professor in the communications department, who is heavily involved with the radio station. "We needed to get the skill."

"It is surprisingly easy," said Mailloux, when talking about moving the show across the street. Technology has made it a lot easier. A lap top, microphone, and a mixer, all kept in Maillouxís office, is all it takes.

Mailloux, chairman of the board of directors of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, knows a thing or two about successful radio stations. Mailloux has worked over 30 years in the broadcasting industry. He has worked as a News Director/Anchor and Programmer in both the Boston and Dallas markets.

Communications department Chairman, Jim Corcoran, was the mastermind behind the radio station. After more than five years of preparation and the installation of a brand new studio, Simmons College Radio became a reality.

On Oct. 15, 2008, the radio station made its debut. Ever since, the station has been expanding with new shows, personalities, and interests.

The opening month of the radio station student athletes Diana Salvatore, Laura Doran, and Rachel Elliott broadcast the sports show Sidelines on Tuesday mornings. Currently, Sports Profs, hosted by Professors Leanne Doherty Mason and Daren Graves, can be found streaming live on Thursday nights.

The radio station and athletic department are eagerly preparing for this month's historic broadcast. The live play-by-play will be a form of entertainment for some. For others, it will be used as a recruiting tool.

For many of those involved, this is more than just a live radio broadcast, however. This is an opportunity for both Simmons academic and residential campuses to unite as one.


The Simmons College Radio reminds students, faculty, and staff that all are welcome to participate. If you are interested in appearing or hosting a show, contact

Len Mailloux at

leonard.mailloux@simmons.edu