KBeach
expands radio capabilities
By Jack Schneider
On-line Forty-Niner
KBeach
radio has taken a big step in production
since receiving high-tech recording equipment,
making it easier to schedule airtime throughout
the day.
The new equipment includes computers donated
from the networking department, a recorder
and an MP3 encoder, which organizes the
music files and cues up the shows that are
featured on the air.
The recording device, which was received
this summer, has shaped the way disc jockeys
and management are broadcasting on the air.
“Using this equipment makes it easier to
run the songs and the programs,” said Marie
Thiers, programming director for the station.
“Almost all the DJs are familiar with how
the equipment is run.”
“The new equipment includes MusicMatch,
and CoolEdit Pro software,” said John Trapper,
media adviser for KBeach. The equipment
makes it possible for CD files to be played
on the list of songs in the database.
This is the first recording equipment KBeach
has ever received, Trapper said, and already
is improving how the station is run.
“We never had a recording device to begin
with,” Trapper said. “The new software makes
it accessible for the DJs to use.”
Before receiving the equipment, DJs had
to fill in slots on the air, and take shifts
shuffling the music around.
The new equipment has helped organize the
music and radio shows and has shown no sign
of dead air, said General Manager Crystal
Gomez.
KBeach features shows on the air such as
“Fresh Nutz” and “Total Sports Experience,”
which are both run by student DJs.
Although the DJs may not initially feel
comfortable with the equipment KBeach is
careful in teaching the equipment.
“Sometimes the new DJs aren’t comfortable
with the equipment,” said Gomez. “However,
we always have training sessions available
for them.”
KBeach’s DJs have now certain features in
the radio station that did not exist in
previous years, Gomez said.
“DJs can enhance their promos by using sound
effects such as sirens and echoes, just
like a licensed radio station,” Gomez said.
Much of the music played on KBeach comes
from DJs bringing in various albums, in
addition to looking at playlists from other
college radio stations, such as the College
Music Journal, Trapper said.
Another unique quality KBeach uses is a
webcam that streams on the Internet, on
Channel 62 in Lakewood and Channel 2 in
the dorms.
“The webcam in the studio adds a nice effect
to the audience,” Trapper said.
KBeach still has plans to expand its broadcast
to AM signals and stereo sound.
“We’ve definitely come a long way
with production,” Gomez said. “We want to
make sure we get the word out on KBeach
to students.”
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