By Erin Kelleher
The University of Louisville radio station is on the rebound.
The station has had problems in recent years that have mainly stemmed from lack of financial backing and outdated equipment.
“The hardest part of maintaining a radio station is not so much keeping up with the people,” said T.J. Nelson, managing director. “It is all about keeping up with the technology.”
Today if you walked by the WLCV station-located in the downstairs food court of the Student Activities Center-you will see a different station. WLCV now owns brand new and professional broadcasting equipment.
A switchboard, and a dual CD player and three new state of the art microphones are all part of the improvements that the station has made. The microphones can be used for guest DJs, live performances, and to broadcast phone calls.
The phone is also a new addition to the studio, which supplies the listeners with an opportunity to call in and make requests or comments during the shows.
“I think people give me too much credit sometimes for all this. David Horrar [the WLCV’s staff advisor] is the unsung hero of all the improvements being made within the station,” T.J Nelson said. “He offered his services to the station, because he and I had a common opinion. The idea we shared was that U of L should have a station that the students can be proud to put on and to listen to.”
Horrar has been instramental, with knowledge about computers, as well as information pertaining to other technological components. He also brought contacts with other faculty members who were able to aid in the reconstruction.
WLCV has begun planning for future projects. The first goal of the station is to be syndicated via FM radio. The project is estimated to take around two years to complete.
WLCV plans to visit Fern Creek and Providence High Schools in order to survey their approach and attain insight into how they do FM broadcasting from their school’s location. The next step will be to contact the FCC.
The more immediate goals WLCV has revolves around the station’s appearance. Primarily they are looking to purchase a new console. One addition is the graffiti mural of the call letters, WLCV, on one of the inside walls.
To listen to WLCV go to the Campus Life Web site at http://campus.louisville.edu. On that page is a link to listen to the station by means of any preferred media player.
