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news
Kbeach looking
for next big radio personality
By Jeanne Hoffa
On-line Forty-Niner
Calling all prospective
DJs. Cal State Long Beach's radio station, Kbeach, has its
eye out for the next king of all media. Now in its third year,
Kbeach broadcasts over the University Student Union public-announcement
system and on the Internet at www.kbeach.org.
"This is a training ground for students to do their own
thing, and explore their interest in music," said station
manager Melody Velasco.
Just as Boston University's student-run radio station launched
the career of then unknown Howard Stearn, Kbeach boasts an
eclectic lineup including Mosh Monkey, DJ Linzer and the oft-censored,
all-talk host Allen Shadeway. Shadeway's Tuesday 6 p.m. show
has managed to offend enough people in a Howard Stern-style
that the station's media advisor had to get on his case.
Currently 57 DJs broadcast Monday through Saturday, from 8
a.m. to 11 p.m.
Anyone who walks by the front of the USU is likely to hear
the sounds of anything from rock 'n' roll, hip-hop, punk,
or even gospel. Each DJ chooses his or her music format.
"We don't have any country, but if students want to play
it, they can," Velasco said. "We invite all kinds
of genres."
Program director Sean Mensch said he looks for eclectic acts
so that the station won't turn into KROQ (106.7), KLOS (95.5)
or KIIS (102.7).
"We've got mainstream, but we want to make sure we keep
our edge," Mensch said. "That's how we remain visible.
Otherwise we'd be just a guppy in a pool full of sharks."
To participate, students and faculty must be a student or
work at CSULB part time and go through two hours of training.
Like any radio station, Kbeach has to follow broadcasting
regulations, which include keeping an ear out for, as George
Carlin said, 'the seven dirty words." Velasco said she
would inform prospective DJs what those words are and how
to scan compact discs sent to the station. No previous radio
experience is necessary.
So far, one of Kbeach's most popular program runs Mondays
4 to 5 p.m. when Joanna Perez plays '80s tunes like Depeche
Mode, Michael Jackson and Morrissey.
"She gets tons of calls," said fellow DJ Justin
Etherington.
Three faculty and staff members have programs, including Frank
Homsany, who works on the USU maintenance staff. Homsany has
created a following because he asks listeners movie and trivia
questions and gives out prizes, like this week's autographed
Berlin poster.
Kbeach also offers free public service announcements for nonprofit
organizations on campus.
Student bands are welcome to submit material to be played.
While the DJs will preview its suitability, they said they
are happy to give students airtime.
"Some are fulfilling a small dream of being a DJ,"
Velasco said. "Others use it as a steppingstone to a
career."
Interested students and faculty can call the station at (562)
985-1624. Kbeach can be heard anywhere by visiting www.kbeach.org.
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Jeanne
Hoffa/On-line Forty-Niner
Alex Loulis, a.k.a. Mosh Monkey, rules the Kbeach
airwaves Fridays.
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