By Kelly Douglas
Students recently installed new speakers in the Student Activities Center and remodeled the radio station studio on the first floor to reflect more school spirit. But changing the physical appearance of the University of Louisville’s radio station isn’t the only thing WLCV is doing to get your attention. With some preparation and a little luck, WLCV radio is hoping to make the switch from AM to FM by next school year.
The station currently airs on campus on 1590 AM, and is also on the Internet at http://www.wlcv.net. WLCV is looking to expand its reception to allow students to tune in both on and off campus.
Joey Wilkerson, general manager of the station, said the station’s main goal is to completely revamp WLCV so they can cater to a much larger audience.
"Our main objective is to make enough improvements with the station so that when the FCC is ready for us to make the switch, we’ll be ready for them."
He said that making the switch to FM will allow the station to look into broadcasting various sporting events, concerts performed by the Music School and other special university functions.
Extracurricular groups, such as fraternities and sororities, will benefit as well from the new opportunity to promote events. The station could also serve as a medium for announcements and news releases from a large number of other clubs and organizations on campus.
After making the switch to FM, WLCV plans on playing a combination of today’s popular music as well as some lesser-known, underground tunes to provide listeners with a wide arrangement of music.
Dr. Stuart Esrock, associate professor in the Department of Communication, said that if the switch is done right, the students, faculty and community will embrace the change.
"I’ve been here since 1995, and have thought from day one that [an FM radio station] was something that this university was sorely lacking," he said.
Esrock said there are a lot of people in Louisville who are looking for a different type of music program and the station?s switch to FM could be just the answer they’re looking for.
Janet Unger, a senior Business Management major, agreed with Esrock.
"I’m a commuter student and I listen to the radio often, therefore I think it’s a great idea for U of L to keep us informed with the latest news and activities going on," she said. "I would definitely tune into the station."
To make the change, WLCV has to go through the FCC licensing process and select a new station number. Additionally, an FM tower must be built.
According to Wilkerson, construction of the tower will cost over $10,000, so the station will have to do some major fundraising. Financial assistance from the SGA is also a possibility, he said. To assist in funding, the station intends to host an "End of the Semester Party" at the Red Barn, although the details have not yet been worked out.
WLCV also intends to sell station merchandise, such as t-shirts and hats, to gain additional revenue.
