The Southeast Missouri State University radio station, Rage 103.7, or KDMC, is home away from home for many up-and-coming disc jockeys.
As a low power FM radio station, KDMC only reaches listeners within an approximate five mile radius. According to the Federal Communications Commission website, the FCC introduced this new class of noncommercial radio stations in 2000.
Dr. Bruce Mims, faculty advisor and supervisor for the station, said, “As soon as congress approved low power FM stations, the department chair and I began making plans to apply for the license. It was a fairly lengthy process.”
That process involved having budgets approved, clearing the space necessary to house the station and purchasing the equipment, he said. The preparations took three years, but KDMC was ready to broadcast its first programming in August 2004.
Although KDMC may not be as far reaching as other local radio stations, it serves a niche audience – university students and faculty seeking alternative music, campus updates and relevant local news. In fact, Mims said that when applying for an LPFM license, “You’re expected to use that frequency to serve an underserved population,” making such stations ideal for universities.
Technologically, the only significant difference between KDMC and larger FM stations is the size of the transmitter, since LPFM stations are limited to 100 watts. The transmitter is located in Kent Library and connected to the studio in Grauel via fiber optic connection. The station uses the radio industry’s highest quality, most popular software, comparable to that of any large FM station, Mims says.
He also said that, “First and foremost, KDMC is a laboratory used for instruction.” More importantly, perhaps, it is used for experimentation. KDMC is often used to test new programming ideas in an attempt to reach listeners in new and exciting ways.
The station’s program director, Steven Northern, has already begun the task of training new radio personalities, giving students the chance to talk with experienced air-staff live on the radio. They also must receive instruction on how to run the various soundboards and software that allow the station to function.
In fact, students in Mims’ one credit hour course, introduction to radio, receive hands-on training and have the opportunity to become radio personalities. Additionally, Mims said, anyone interested in being a DJ for the station can do so on a voluntary basis after passing the same test required of Mims’ students.
As a low power FM radio station, KDMC only reaches listeners within an approximate five mile radius. According to the Federal Communications Commission website, the FCC introduced this new class of noncommercial radio stations in 2000.
Dr. Bruce Mims, faculty advisor and supervisor for the station, said, “As soon as congress approved low power FM stations, the department chair and I began making plans to apply for the license. It was a fairly lengthy process.”
That process involved having budgets approved, clearing the space necessary to house the station and purchasing the equipment, he said. The preparations took three years, but KDMC was ready to broadcast its first programming in August 2004.
Although KDMC may not be as far reaching as other local radio stations, it serves a niche audience – university students and faculty seeking alternative music, campus updates and relevant local news. In fact, Mims said that when applying for an LPFM license, “You’re expected to use that frequency to serve an underserved population,” making such stations ideal for universities.
Technologically, the only significant difference between KDMC and larger FM stations is the size of the transmitter, since LPFM stations are limited to 100 watts. The transmitter is located in Kent Library and connected to the studio in Grauel via fiber optic connection. The station uses the radio industry’s highest quality, most popular software, comparable to that of any large FM station, Mims says.
He also said that, “First and foremost, KDMC is a laboratory used for instruction.” More importantly, perhaps, it is used for experimentation. KDMC is often used to test new programming ideas in an attempt to reach listeners in new and exciting ways.
The station’s program director, Steven Northern, has already begun the task of training new radio personalities, giving students the chance to talk with experienced air-staff live on the radio. They also must receive instruction on how to run the various soundboards and software that allow the station to function.
In fact, students in Mims’ one credit hour course, introduction to radio, receive hands-on training and have the opportunity to become radio personalities. Additionally, Mims said, anyone interested in being a DJ for the station can do so on a voluntary basis after passing the same test required of Mims’ students.
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