Plymouth-Canton high school students can apply to join the staff of 88.1 The Park, the district's student-run radio station, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

The station, known by its call letters WSDP, is recruiting for six roles: DJ, sports announcer, promotions assistant, music staff member, news anchor and production assistant. Students at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park and Starkweather Academy are eligible, according to the station's website.

An informational Zoom meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. The session covers what the station expects of its staff and offers audition tips.

Parents are welcome.

Applicants must complete a pre-audition application and secure recommendations from two non-family authority figures, such as teachers, coaches, group leaders, clergy or job supervisors. Those recommendations must go directly to station management; students cannot submit them on their own behalf.

The station will post a list of students selected for auditions on Sept. 30. Auditions take place Thursday, Oct. 8, the only scheduled date. Students who make the cut will receive a newscast packet to prepare and will read it aloud during the audition, followed by an interview.

The station operates out of Salem High School in Canton, according to a Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce listing. Managed by Bill Keith, 88.1 The Park has been on the air since 1972 and broadcasts 24 hours a day, reaching more than 100,000 listeners across Canton, Plymouth and Plymouth Township.

The station's student staff swept the On-Air Personality or Team and Daily Newscast categories at the 2026 Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards on March 26, collecting 16 honors including five first-place wins. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters has named 88.1 The Park high school station of the year 11 times over a 21-year span, according to the chamber listing.

The station is also in the middle of a $517,000 capital campaign to convert a classroom into editing, recording and interview studios, a staff room and storage space. The Rotary Club of Plymouth Foundation pledged $200,000 as a matching grant, contingent on the station raising $200,000 first. The fundraising deadline is Dec. 31.

Students interested in applying can find the pre-audition application and Zoom link at 881thepark.com.