KPSU expands into new territories

Out of KPSU’s sub-basement location, staff and volunteers are working diligently to expand the campus radio station’s regular programming into other forms of media.

This year, KPSU has already brought a series of public bi-monthly concerts to campus and a full-length, volunteer-run magazine. Now, plans are in the works to start a brand-new news program.

KPSU news show

Over the years there have been a few KPSU radio news shows. None have lasted long. Generally, news shows have been broadcast on KPSU in one-hour segments, KPSU Program Director Tony Prato said. He wants to change that.

“People don’t listen to the radio in a way that conforms to the programming schedule,” he said.

Prato is working on bringing news to KPSU listeners in 10-minute segments at peak listening periods of the day. He said he regards the radio as a powerful medium for informing people and a goal of his is to bring news to listeners in a compelling and efficient way.

He is currently looking for volunteers who would like to help with creating the show.

KPSU magazine

The KPSU magazine started simply as a program schedule, but with the help of determined volunteers, Prato said, it has evolved into a full-length magazine with articles written to update readers about music-related issues. KPSU began this project late last summer and has published two magazines so far.

The project, “shows how much you can accomplish with volunteer support,” Prato said.

The Modern Age

Volunteers make up much of KPSU’s workforce and their work helps the station take up these new projects. The Modern Age is one such project that runs on this volunteer support.

On the second and fourth Friday of the month, KPSU volunteers single-handedly put on an all-ages show in the basement of the Smith Building at the student-run Food for Thought Cafe?. They run the lighting, sell the tickets and book the bands.

For a few dollars the crowd at The Modern Age shows experience a handpicked selection of up and coming artists. The popularity of the shows is increasing, Prato said. On show nights it is common to see energetic young crowds walking around the Smith basement.

“It’s becoming an institution,” he said about the concerts.

Looking for volunteers

KPSU volunteer opportunities are abound. Students can write articles for the KPSU magazine, become a DJ, help kick start new programs and share their input.

“We’re here to serve students and allow them to broadcast,” Prato said. “We’re always willing to hear ideas.”

If you are interested in volunteering, contact [email protected]