A Quarter-Century of
Real Radio for Novi High School
by Bernie Fratto
June 2003

The year was 1978. The Bee Gees were on the radio, movies like “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever” were flying high, and the Tigers were in last place…Oh well, some things never change, but then again some things shouldn’t, like listening to your favorite radio station.

In 1978, David Legg joined the faculty at Novi High School, and that same year, WOVI 89.5 FM, was born. “The first song that ever aired was from the Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” album, and I think it was ‘Second Hand News, Legg remembered.” The interesting thing about this detail, is that particular song is probably still in the WOVI library and could still be heard today, 25 years after the fact! Some things never change, and some things shouldn’t.

And in 25 years, WOVI 89.5, has been providing solid entertainment, and informational radio under the tutelage and guidance of Mr. David Legg. Tune in anytime and I bet you’ll hear something you find refreshing and enjoyable. But in addition to providing Novi and neighboring communities with a very nice “listen” in the world of radio, there’s much more to be gleaned.

As the Faculty Advisor of WOVI, Mr. Legg has provided a vehicle for students to learn and hone communication skills while taking advantage of the latest in technology. It also gives kids a chance to actually be “on the air” taking part in real radio, and gaining invaluable experience.

“Kids that are on the air at our station are at least considering a broadcast career, or a course of study in college in that area,” Legg added. And the live “on-air” experience students receive is of first-class quality. WOVI utilizes professional software, and all pertinent tools of the trade as David Legg truly feels the mission is to “prepare prospective radio talent for commercial radio stations as well as the college experience.”

Each year WOVI has gotten better and better, and this is in large part due to the developmental nature of David Legg’s curriculum. “If you don’t develop talent, you don’t improve,” he pointed out. To that end, Mr. Legg emphasizes that, “at WOVI, we use authentic tools in an authentic way.”

Over time WOVI has developed a very eclectic format. Featuring hit music from the 70’s to current chart topping songs, WOVI also covers sports as well. In recent years WOVI could be heard broadcasting football, basketball, baseball, and hockey games, featuring live play-by-play broadcast. In addition the station has participated in live remotes at the Novi Expo Center as well as a haunted house during Halloween.

The station features many daytime programs, hosted by student DJ’s. WOVI also broke new ground in October 2000, when “Wildcat Faceoff,” Novi’s very own sports talk show debuted.

Under David Legg, WOVI also offers 24-hour automated programming during evenings and weekends. And, although this format is computer driven, it is the students that load the programs and develop the formats that make it all possible.

Add it all up, and in 2002 WOVI 89.5fm was “Station of the Year” in Michigan, and this was no small feat. Although Mr. Legg humbly deflects the attention, there can be no question that the multiple dimensions he brings to this endeavor are a direct causal effect to WOVI’s success.

During his 25-year tenure at Novi High School, David Legg has also taught English, and presided over Debate teams as well as forensics classes. As a result, his overview of the Radio/TV core curriculum greatly emphasizes the importance of communication, both written and verbal.

“I really view this as a communications class, we simply use the technology to communicate.” And although technology has changed and evolved, the importance of providing radio programming that is informative, entertaining, and enjoyable to listen to, remains untouched.

25 years of solid programming and an enviable track record is a thing to behold, and it’s a lot more than just a rumor. David Legg has done it, and as Reggie Jackson once said, “it ain’t braggin’ if you can do it.”

I’ve got WOVI 89.5fm already pre-set on the dial in my car, and today I heard some Fleetwood Mac…Some things never change, and some things never should.