(Jackson, MS) — WJSU-FM, Jackson State University, will officially launch a new urban radio format, “The Sipp.FM” Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 12 noon. With an Urban Alternative grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), The Sipp.FM is the HD2 streaming signal of listener-supported “Cool and Current,” WJSU-FM, JSU’s Public Radio Station. While WJSU will continue its commitment and service of Jazz, news, and information to the Jackson Metro area, the new station will appeal to young, multicultural audiences.

The Sipp FM will feature commercial-free programming centered on community and culture. In addition to highlighting hip-hop and urban music from around the country, the station will also focus on Mississippi artists. With their primarily digital footprint, The Sipp.FM will meet audiences where they are in the shift to streaming while introducing public media to younger, more ethnically diverse listeners.  

“We are grateful to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for affording WJSU the opportunity to reach a new generation of listeners—WJSU will capitalize on its current solid foundation in public radio and expand its range to a larger local and worldwide audience, said Anthony Dean, general manager of WJSU-FM.” “With this expansion, WJSU-FM will grow to be a much stronger force and a true leader in the public radio arena.”

“I am proud of WJSU’s historic transition to include a younger, multicultural community in its broadcast service, said Elayne H. Anthony, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies. “Our students stand to gain an abundance of hands-on experience and make significant contributions as the next generation of broadcasters.”  

The station has been built from the ground up by WJSU staff members consisting of Chief Engineer, Dale Morris, Program Director Meredith Hairston and Music Manager DeShun Nance. It launches with veteran DJ’s and radio personalities: DJ Unpredictable 601 in the mornings, Coco Chanel on middays, DJ Java on the afternoon drive, and JSU senior mass communications major, JCo in the evenings. The station will feature Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Neo Soul and Southern Soul (Blues) music. 

On August 27 at 12 noon, WJSU will “flip the switch” for The Sipp.FM. Listeners can tune in via thesipp.fm or 88.5 FM. The launch kicks off with a ribbon cutting at WJSU, located at the MS e-Center. At 2:30 PM, festivities move to the Gibbs-Green Plaza on the main campus of JSU, where students and community members are invited to enjoy live DJs, food trucks and a host of exhibitors. The day culminates at 4:00 PM with a concert featuring: JACKIE JACKIE, R&B Sensation STEFUNIE, Hip Hop Phenom VITAMIN CEA, Local Hip Hop Pioneer 5TH CHILD, JSU Alum & New Pop Sensation BREZAY, Featuring DEV MACCC and performing one of the biggest dance records from the south, “Monkey Swang,” The Iconic I-55 BOYS!