“It’s going to be fun!”

That’s the way Scott Adams, dean of the Columbia International University Cook School of Business, describes the school’s February launch of internet radio station, “CIU Radio.”

In a partnership with Midlands Media Group, which operates two traditional on-air Columbia radio stations, CIU has a new vehicle for spreading the word about the university nationwide.

Adams says it’s an idea that started in a marketing class discussion over two years ago on alternative ways to communicate to the masses. Around that time Adams became acquainted with Midlands Media Group President and CEO Keith Stover.

“The idea is to provide a platform where we can play Christian music and at the same time let the community know what we’re doing at CIU,” Adams said.

Examples of potential programming beyond the music could include full-length CIU Chapel messages, but also shorter features on CIU athletics, a spotlight on international students, and a management minute produced by Adams. The daily podcast “Values for Successful Living” by CIU President Dr. Mark A. Smith is already available from the station website.   

“One-minute little snippets that surround Contemporary Christian Music,” is how Adams describes much of the programming.

The playlist supplied by Midlands Media Group includes well-known Christian recording artists such as CIU alumna Laura Story, Mercy Me, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and Toby Mac. The local programming will be produced by students and professors in a studio located in the Cook School of Business, and sent on to Midlands Media Group for final professional editing and uploading to the station. Midlands Media Group will also provide internships to CIU students at its downtown Columbia location.

Adams says the station is financed through advertising, for which Midlands Media assists with a 60/40 revenue agreement; 60% coming to CIU. Donations to the station are also accepted.

The station is accessed through CIU.edu, and apps available at the App Store and Google Play.

“We’re going to learn a lot in the process. That’s what it’s all about,” said Adams. “It’s an educational tool, a communications tool, a promotional tool. At the end of the day, it’s an academic tool that will be of value to the community and further the partnership between CIU and the community, and in this case, it will be nationwide.”    

With record enrollment for five straight years, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.