Eckerd College Radio Station Ranks Fourth Nationally
The Princeton Review recognized WECX as a top college radio station in its October 2026 report.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in College Applications
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In October 2026, The Princeton Review named WECX, the student radio station at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, the fourth-best college radio station in the United States. The University of South Florida's student radio station also appeared on the list, securing the 25th position.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects the station's sustained student engagement following a recent studio renovation. The ranking helps highlight the prominence of student-run media operations in the St. Petersburg area.
WECX, which started in the 1980s, now supports a roster of 84 DJs. The station currently broadcasts exclusively online following the loss of its FM antenna to a hurricane.
The players
WECX
This student-led radio station based at Eckerd College provides programming produced by its 84 student DJs.
The Princeton Review
This educational services company publishes annual rankings and college guides based on student survey data.
University of South Florida
This public research university in Florida maintains its own student radio station which also earned a national ranking.
The details
The station staff completed a major renovation in 2025 to increase capacity for DJs and expand Saturday programming. The ranking was determined by student voting conducted by The Princeton Review.
Timeline
WECX began its broadcasting operations in the 1980s.
A full renovation of the studio was completed in 2025.
The Princeton Review released the station rankings in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This recognition follows the broader industry trend of college stations transitioning to digital platforms after the decline of traditional terrestrial infrastructure. Such rankings mark a shift in how student media impact is measured in the age of web-exclusive broadcasting.
Local students and listeners can access WECX programming through the station web broadcast portal. The station plans to make its content even more accessible by launching a mobile application soon.
The takeaway
Student-run media remains a vibrant component of campus life despite shifts in broadcast technology. Stations that prioritize student participation and modern digital accessibility often see the highest engagement and recognition.
What happens next
The WECX station leadership expects to launch a dedicated mobile application in the near future.
Further reading
For more information on regional education trends, visit College Applications.
More information
To listen to local student programming, visit the station web broadcast portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Creative Loafing: Tampa Bay.
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