SAU names Buchanan as HOME.fm's new General Manager

Rachel Buchanan has been named General Manager of HOME.fm, Spring Arbor University’s proprietary radio station.

Buchanan began her radio career in 1998 as a student broadcaster at WEJY-FM, a student station at Monroe High School in Monroe, Michigan. Arriving at Spring Arbor University (then College) in 1999, she pursued a bachelor of arts in communication degree with an emphasis on broadcasting. Upon her graduation from Spring Arbor University in 2003, she was hired as the secretary for (then) Power Praise FM. Over time, Buchanan took on roles of promotions coordinator and program director, all while maintaining an on-air show as Rachel Ryder.

“I cannot believe I am here,” said Buchanan, who initially thought she would become an art teacher or pursue a career related to music performance. “It has been an amazing ride, and I look forward to continuing my love for radio and leading our team of professionals and students in my goal to offer a positive perspective to the Jackson area.”

Buchanan’s time with the station has included various format changes (89.3 the Vibe, 89.3 the Message) and being on the ground level with a team that created and developed the HOME.fm format, blending mainstream and Christian formats, resulting in the current “Music that makes you feel good®” format. HOME.fm simulcasts on both WSAE-fm (commercial) and WJKN-fm (non-commercial) out of Spring Arbor University, with seven translators across south-central Michigan. SAU Radio also includes The Message, an online radio station airing adult contemporary Christian music, which is also used as a student training ground.

Buchanan leads a team of students and professionals at Spring Arbor University radio, in her management role and in the classroom, where she has taught communications courses as an adjunct professor since 2007. She also earned her Master of Arts in Communication at Spring Arbor University. She and her husband, David, make it a personal goal to help others love the Jackson community as much as they do, where they enjoy spending time with their two young sons.

“Spring Arbor University is fortunate to have someone as experienced to provide leadership for our radio station,” said Doug Wilcoxson, Executive Vice President, Spring Arbor University. “She is deeply invested in the Jackson community and looks forward to partnering in this great community.”

HOME.fm airs at 106.9 fm in Jackson County, and can be heard online at www.home.fm or through the HOME.fm app, available in iTunes and Google Play.