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by Margaret Braun
Where do you take part in the voice?
For many years, KBCU FM 88.1 has been the voice of Bethel College. With daily music and news broadcasts, live sports casting, radio dances, and basement bashes, the sounds of our radio station have filled the airwaves.
In the last two years, KBCU has undergone many changes. Most noticeable has been the lack of broadcasting. That is all about to change.
This year Tim Jenkins was hired into the Communications Department with a specific focus on KBCU. With his experience in several radio stations, he is able to offer fresh ideas and has the knowledge to make them happen.
"Bethel's radio station has such potential for learning in the field of Communications and is the perfect opportunity to reach the community," Jenkins said.
Along with these fresh ideas, is the need to increase the station's technology. Both Ladd Epp and Cory Lamb have been working in conjunction with Jenkins to install and configure the computer software just purchased. Students now have the capability to pre-record music or news shows. This enables KBCU to continue broadcasting during class time when students are unable to be in the station.
Another feature new in the production of radio shows is the student DJ's will be able to create their line-ups and digitally edit them the computer, instead of manually changing the CDs. The hard drive has incredible capability to hold song tracks. Students will also be able to include their own CD tracks on the KBCU computer through the Music Director Jody Schmidt. This is a very important move toward a more efficient station.
The journalism workshop this semester has created a radio magazine called "B-Line." This will be a half hour show broadcast 3 times weekly highlighting campus events, news, and various things of interest. KBCU is integral to the Communication Arts education.
Long term goals for KBCU include 24 hour programming, underwriting to create more self-sufficiency for the station, and increased technological capabilities.
According to Jenkins, KBCU is scheduled to being programming in early March. "Our goal is to make our first steps with a professional, quality sound. Having the technology and the student interest will make this possible. We have a great radio station and I want the Bethel community to be proud of it," said Jenkins.
March- soon it's coming. KBCU FM 88.1: Where you take part in the voice!
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