Volunteering at Radio 1190 puts you at the forefront of the Front Range’s independent media, news, and music scene. Not only do our volunteers become a part of our tight-knit community, they also learn all about the moving parts that make radio happen. If you’ve got a talent, we can put it to work — we have opportunities for DJs, journalists, engineers, marketers, music critics, social media gurus, recording engineers, and much more. If you’re just curious, we’re happy to teach you something new.
Volunteer opportunities
Times listed are subject to change (particularly during the summer or breaks between semesters), so if you’re new to an event, contact the organizer to confirm! All events are held in the Radio 1190 studios (located in the basement of the University Memorial Center on the CU-Boulder campus) unless otherwise noted.
Trouble finding us in the UMC? Check out this virtual tour for directions starting on the main floor! Hit the play button on the lower left of the tour for a full walkthrough.
All events here count as volunteer credit for obtaining or maintaining a Radio 1190 DJ spot.
General Volunteer Meeting: Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
This is a great event for just about anyone — if you’re new, this is a good place to start to get to know the station better or just get a tour! Some weeks we have a specific project to complete (posters, buttons, promotional flyers) and other weeks we just have some food and hang out. If you’re interested in becoming a Radio 1190 DJ, this is the place to start — we’ll get you started with DJ training and more.
Learn more: volunteer@1190.radio
Imaging Workshop: Mondays at 5:00 p.m.
Ever wonder what the fun, creative “skits” that play in between songs on the air are all about? They’re called “imaging”, and you can help make them! Imaging is important because they not only fulfill our FCC obligation to declare our station’s legal ID at the top of every hour, and remind our listeners who they’re listening to between songs, but it’s also fun to listen to and engages our audience when there isn’t a live DJ on air.
Learn more: program@1190.radio
Album Club: Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
Stop by Album Club every week to explore and discuss a classic record or other Radio 1190 favorite.
Learn more: program@1190.radio
Promotions Team: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Love promoting Radio 1190, going to concerts, and showing the world what the station is up to? Our promotions team is the place for you. Plan campaigns, table at events, promote ticket giveaways, share social media ideas, and get the word out about the best radio station on the planet.
Learn more: promotions@1190.radio
Mixtape Team: Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
Get close to the forefront of up and coming music by helping us choose what gets played on Radio 1190. Each week, we divide up the latest new releases for review, including a check for FCC compliance (no swearing or explicit lyrics!) and the opportunity to choose which top tracks join our 1190 Mixtape rotation. Plus, each album review completed earns you a chance to win merch and other prizes!
Learn more: music@1190.radio
News Team: Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.
News Team is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Radio 1190 volunteers to find news stories and gain experience in news broadcasting and writing — everything from bringing in professors, bands, politicians, and spiritual gurus, and doing real-time election coverage on air. As a member of News Team, you’ll produce material for the station’s daily news shows, write articles for our website, and make our own podcasts. If you are interested in journalism, public relations, or communication, this is a great team for you.
Learn more: news@1190.radio
Production Team: Times vary
Interested in live music production? Radio 1190 hosts a variety of local and touring bands in-studio, as well as holding live broadcasts of bands, DJs, and events across Boulder and Denver — plus on-campus DJing for events for CU Boulder departments all academic year. Times vary, so send us an email if you’d like to get involved as an engineer, board operator, videographer, and more!
Learn more: production@1190.radio
AIR Board: Meetings vary (email for details)
Access in Radio (AIR) Board is your opportunity to get involved with Radio 1190’s finances and strategy. Work with CU student government, CMDI, and others in order to keep the station running smoothly and build for our continued success. AIR Board meets twice a semester, with meetings open to the university community and dates published in advance here.
Learn more: airboard@1190.radio
Join our volunteer email and Discord
Ready to get started as a Radio 1190 volunteer? It’s easy! Join the Radio 1190 volunteer Discord server for up-to-the minute info, and sign up for our volunteer-specific email list here. Then, drop in at one of the meetings above!
Questions?
Have any other questions, or just want to talk volunteering in general? Email volunteer@1190.radio to learn more!