TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999

KBEACH antenna not too powerful

By Michelle Devera

On-Line Forty-Niner

The KBEACH radio antenna has been up since spring break, but there is one little problem - the station can only be heard at the University Student Union loading dock.

KBEACH, a student-run radio station located on the USU's first floor, has expanded from its Internet broadcast at www.kbeach.org to the airwaves at 1350 AM.

The 8-foot antenna has a half-mile broadcasting radius and is currently on the USU's third floor roof.

The broadcast frequency and antenna location are subject to change, General Manager Mike Soultanian said, because of interference from other stations' signals.

"I know there are no free channels," Soultanian said. "Other stations' signals travel farther and cause the interference. Right now, the best reception is on the loading dock."

Although the AM broadcast was not successful, Soultanian said the setback was no big deal.

"We're just focusing our efforts on reaching the Internet market," said Kirsten Becker, KBEACH promotions director. "We have more advertising opportunities with the Internet, and the web site records who is listening, when they're listening and for how long. It gives you accurate feedback."

Soultanian also said the Internet has more potential to gain listeners and is the future of radio.

"I mean, who really listens to AM radio anyway?" he said. "We could hope for low power FM from the FCC, but there's no guarantee.

"I'm going to play with it, and see what we can do to improve our signal."