As the FCC works its way through the recent batch of LPFM applications, we’re continuing to see some reports from college radio stations who are anxiously awaiting news. One such applicant, Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Connecticut, is hoping to build a radio station in partnership with the local community and with a local high school. It’s another example of how the LPFM opportunity is being embraced by both colleges and secondary schools (see yesterday’s LPFM Watch feature on high school radio applicants).
Additionally, it’s wonderful to see high schools and colleges collaborating on radio projects. At California State University, Monterey Bay, faculty and students from the Cinematic Arts and Technology Program (which also runs the online radio station Ottermedia) worked with local teens in order to produce two radio dramas. The 8-week collaboration with students from alternative high school Rancho Cielo culminated in the airing of the dramas on local FM radio station KHDC-FM this week.
In other college radio news, KRUX-FM music director Kylie Arrieta was recently profiled due to her recognition at the College Radio Awards at CMJ in October for her great taste in music. According to the profile, the New Mexico State student “called the station the best thing she’s done in her college career.”
Spring Arbor University (SAU) in Spring Arbor, Michigan submitted paperwork with the FCC in order to assign the license for WJKN-AM to Jackson Lansing Catholic Radio (aka Good Shepherd Radio). The purchase price is $180,000. The university owns several other radio stations, including WJKN-FM. According to the SAU Radio website, the school’s AM stations “are used for teaching beginning students” and provide “their very first experience on the air.” Interestingly, a local radio blog predicted the station sale 8 years ago.
University of Massachusetts, Lowell’s radio station WUML hosted a benefit concert yesterday, with proceeds going to a local charity. A piece on the university’s website indicates that the 10-year-old “Rock for Tots” fundraiser is an important part of the station’s commitment to local causes. WUML airs a variety of programming, including music, public affairs, and sports and is comprised of around 60 DJs from the school and surrounding community.
This week’s featured college radio station on mtvU was Truman State University radio station KTRM 88.7 FM The Edge. The Missouri station picked 10 songs for the mtvU countdown this week, ranging from long-time alternative rock stalwarts like Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Black Keys and First Aid Kit.
Outside of the United States, a new “internal” radio station has launched at College of Applied Sciences Ibri in Oman. The station, Sawt al Waeeda “started its broadcast with Oman National Anthem and collection of patriotic songs. The channel broadcasted local news, Ministry of Higher Education news and the college’s news.” In the U.K., University of Lincoln radio station Siren FM just won a regional radio award for East Midlands and will now compete nationally for Station of the Year. Students at the station recently produced an intriguing-sounding podcast on the theme of radio drama.
We cover the culture of college radio every Friday in our College Radio Survivor feature. If you have college radio news to share, please drop us a note at EDITORS at RADIOSURVIVOR dot COM.
