Oct 10, 2011 - The original idea for College Radio Day was conceived by Rob Quicke (general manager, WPSC FM, William Paterson University, NYC market), and was founded in December 2010 by Rob Quicke and Peter Kreten (general manager, WXAV FM, Saint Xavier University, Chicago market). The aim of College Radio Day is to harness the combined listenership of hundreds of thousands of college radio listeners throughout North America and to celebrate the important contribution of college radio to America's airwaves by uniting for this one day.

College Radio Day intends to raise a greater, national awareness of the many college and high school radio stations that operate in North America by encouraging people who would not normally listen to college radio to do so on this day. It is hoped that those people who do tune in like what they hear and become regular listeners. A list of participating stations in the USA, Canada and Jamaica is posted online.

The organizers of College Radio Day believe that college radio is one of the last remaining bastions of creative radio programming, free from the constrictions of having to be commercially viable, and a place where those involved in its programming believe passionately in its mission. The organizers say college radio is the only free live medium brave enough to play unsigned, local, and independent artists on a regular basis. Many famous and successful bands today owe their initial break to being played on college radio.

The organizers also hope that College Radio Day can also be used a fundraising vehicle for participating stations. Being a participant in this day is free for all North American college and high school radio stations (AM, FM or online).

College Radio Day is a not-for-profit organization and is not owned by any other organization or corporation and is entirely organized by volunteer staff members from the many college radio stations throughout North America.

Stations can register to participate in the event online.