For 50 years, 90.5 The Night—Brookdale Community College’s public radio station—has been a defining voice of Monmouth County. What began in the early 1970s as an educational experiment has evolved into a vibrant multimedia hub that blends professional broadcasting, student learning, and deep community engagement.
Unlike traditional college radio—often remembered for free-form playlists and late-night student DJs—Brookdale’s station was founded with a different mission. It was designed as a living laboratory, giving students real-world experience by working alongside seasoned radio professionals. Today, that model remains at the heart of its identity, even as the media landscape has transformed.
“We’ve always been this mix of professional DJs, professional staff, and students,” says Dr. William Burns, Associate Vice President of Educational Access and Innovation, a 28-year Brookdale veteran who has worked closely with the station throughout his career. “Even 50 years later, our mission is very similar to what it was when we started.”
A Modern Media Education
Recognizing how dramatically media careers have shifted, Brookdale launched a multimedia production associate degree that uses the station as its capstone experience. Students create promotional campaigns, videos, digital graphics, and interactive content for real station events—including the popular Songwriters on the Beach summer series.
“They aren’t learning how to be DJs,” Burns shares. “They’re learning how to create content—and content is what everybody’s craving. Whether it’s a local business or a major brand, everyone needs a strong presence.”
With more than 30 declared majors in its first years, the program is already delivering on its promise: preparing students for careers in a media world defined by creativity, social media fluency, and digital storytelling.
A Distinct and Diverse Sound
90.5 The Night has shaped its sound over decades. Initially a classical station, it transitioned to jazz through the mid-1970s and into 2000. Then, on January 3, 2000, the station rebranded as The Night, flipping its format to the album-oriented and alternative mix listeners know today.
Music selection isn’t dictated by corporate playlists—it's curated collaboratively by the station’s team, DJs, and even students.
“It’s an old-fashioned approach,” Burns notes. “We choose music based on what resonates with our listeners. It’s a mix of current alternative, classic rock favorites, and local artists.”
The result is a station beloved for its unpredictability, discovery, and authenticity.
A Deep Commitment to Community
Community connection is as much a part of 90.5’s identity as its music. The station has long been recognized for its support of local musicians—so much so that it was eventually retired from competition in the Asbury Music Awards after winning “Best Local Radio Station” too many times.
The station also amplifies local nonprofits through on-air mentions, public service announcements created with student involvement, and weekly nonprofit profiles. Whether it’s promoting county initiatives, highlighting community programming, or collecting food donations at beach concerts, 90.5 The Night remains a powerful community touchpoint.
“We’re proud to be part of Monmouth County,” Burns explains. “Our listeners are incredibly loyal, and we want to support them in return.”
Looking Ahead
As the station marks its 50th anniversary, its reach now extends far beyond Monmouth County. With a free streaming app and digital presence, listeners from around the world tune in—and many donate during its member drives to support its programming.
The spring member drive, held each April, offers thank-you gifts ranging from beanie hats to the station’s now-famous “ugly holiday sweater.”
Despite its growth, the heart of 90.5 The Night remains unchanged: a commitment to storytelling, creativity, education, and community.
“We’ve been here for 50 years, and we hope to be here for 50 more,” Burns says. “We’re part of this county—and we’re proud of that.”
“We’ve always been this mix of professional DJs, professional staff, and students.” - Dr. William Burns