From Listener to Host: High School Freshman Joins WRRG Airwaves

Dean Winnick, 14, is the youngest DJ at WRRG, Triton College’s noncommercial radio station and the host of the aptly named The Dean Winnick Show, which airs on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. on 88.9 FM.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. —WRRG’s youngest DJ is high school freshman Dean Winnick of Franklin Park.

If you’ve tuned into 88.9 FM on Sunday afternoons, you’ve likely heard The Dean Winnick Show, which airs weekly from 1 to 3 p.m. Winnick began disc jockeying last year at Triton College’s noncommercial radio station, where he plays a mix of new tracks and classics, spotlighting emerging indie artists. Watch this short video to see how Winnick found his voice on the air.

Winnick’s musical taste spans several decades, from the 1960s through the 1990s. His favorites include Pink Floyd, The Beatles, AC/DC, Van Halen, Wham!, Nirvana, The Pixies and David Bowie.

His love of music and radio grew from his parents. He fondly recalls cruising around in the car with his mother, listening to WTMX Chicago’s 101.9 FM, The Mix, and waiting expectantly as the DJ played the next track. Winnick said he felt a benign envy toward the DJ’s role — having direct control over what music played on people’s radios and helping listeners discover new songs and artists.

Now hosting his own show for Triton’s WRRG, Winnick said the experience has been surreal.

“I get to pick out all the songs I want to play,” he said. “Whatever I’m in the mood for, I get to play, which I think is really awesome, and I’m grateful I get to do it.”

Winnick’s path to the airwaves began after his grandmother enrolled him in a Triton College radio camp last summer. He worked with Kelli Lynch, who oversees WRRG programming to secure his own program.

His favorite part of hosting, he said, is sharing lesser-known bands that don’t receive widespread recognition.

“It’s so cool being able to listen to new bands first and share my discoveries with others,” he said.

Though early in his tenure, Winnick hopes to pursue a career in radio or the music industry and views his experience at Triton as a vital stepping stone.

“A lot of big radio stars got their start [at WRRG],” he said. “After doing this, I think I could be one of those in the future — like a huge radio star. That would be awesome, and it’s one of my biggest goals right now.”

WRRG marked 50 years on the air last year. Since its first broadcast April 28, 1975, WRRG has remained dedicated to delivering diverse music, campus news and local events. Daytime programming features indie artists, while evenings and weekends include blues, underground and progressive rock, R&B and soul, reggae and ska, house, heavy metal and jazz.

Interested in music? Learn how to become a DJ or tune in by visiting WRRG’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 12,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.