Welcome to KPSU, the student-run, non-commercial, educational radio station at Portland State University. As you become involved with KPSU, you’ll find that every effort has been made to create a professional radio environment. You’ll have fun, but you’ll also learn the skills, techniques and discipline necessary to enter the professional radio field.
Broadcasting is an interesting, ever-changing field with job opportunities in many different areas. The training in audio production that you’ll receive at KPSU will be useful in the following areas: radio broadcasting, TV / film productions, educational media productions, and other areas where audio skill is needed. KPSU offers a tremendous opportunity to expand your technical skills.
KPSU is a Portland State University student funded group dedicated to establishing a licensed student-run radio station at the University. KPSU funding comes primarily from PSU's Student Fee Committee, community sponsors, underwriting payments from non-student DJs, and KPSU's Annual Pledge Drive. KPSU has a renewable time-brokerage agreement with KBPS-AM, the public radio station at Benson Polytechnic High School. Through this agreement, KPSU rents the use of airtime from KPBS officially making the legal station ID: KBPS, Portland. KPSU began broadcasting at 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 1994.
In early February of 2001, KPSU began broadcasting at 98.3 FM on the PSU campus, from a 4-watt transmitter situated on top of Smith Center. This later changed to 98.1 FM. At the same time, the station also began streaming on the web at www.kpsu.org. With the advent of online listening, the station increased its listenership significantly. The station has listeners around the world. Currently, KPSU's AM station, 1450 AM, broadcasts over the Portland/Vancouver metro area.
All radio stations are licensed to a particular city or town. In order to keep the station’s license, the federal government, through the Federal Communications Commission, requires the station to "operate in the public interest" and to be responsive to the needs of the community of license. We are contracted to rent the use of KBPS-AM airtime, and we are legally responsible to them to meet this requirement. KBPS-AM is a 1000-watt, class D station with a 200-foot tower located near Lloyd Center. The signal reaches over a twenty-mile radius.
Portland State University has over 25,0000 enrolled students and serves nearly 40,000 individuals in credit or non-credit classes each year. The Portland State University District covers two zip code zones and a residential population of 26,000. Another 15,000 automobile commuters and 4,200 Tri-Met riders come to work, study and play here five days a week. These people have a vested interest in the future of the University and the surrounding district. In addition, almost 60 percent of Oregonians live within commuting distance of Portland State and there are over 100,000 college students within the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. KPSU has made an impact on the Portland radio scene, especially in the 18-30 year old listener demographic.
KPSU is run by a staff of Portland State University students, with duties and responsibilities divided into different positions.
The Staff Positions are:
The Station Manager is in charge of navigating PSU bureaucratic processes, fielding DJ complaints, reviewing the budget, overseeing the staff, and generally keeping the station in business.
The Programming Director is responsible for scheduling DJ's to specific timeslots, and ensures that DJ's show content follows KPSU/KBPS/FCC policies.
The Music Director is responsible for contacting promoters to receive new music for KPSU, manages the KPSU CD Library, and submits College Music Journal (CMJ) charts.
The Assistant Music Director is in charge of assisting the Music Director with the CD library, logging new music, contacting promoters, and organizing the KPSU music database.
The Volunteer Director is responsible for organizing New DJ Orientations, networks DJ's with volunteer opportunities, and checks in with DJ's regarding training, volunteering, and their experience at KPSU as a whole.
The Development Director is responsible for coordinating KPSU's annual Pledge Drive in order to raise revenue for the station. Beyond this, the Development Director is in charge of assisting community members in raising underwriting for KPSU.
The Promotions Director is responsible for promoting KPSU events, coordinating ticket giveaways from local promoters and venues, and booking bands for KPSU events.
The Computer Director is responsible for maintaining the KPSU website, the archive, and fixes computers around the station.
The Assistant Development Director is primarily in charge of handling all underwriting (businesses and DJs alike) concerns at KPSU. This includes, but is not limited to: working with non-student DJs with regards to their underwriting requirements, striking those that fail to comply, and seeking out new underwriters in the Portland community. Additionally, this staff position is assigned to assistant the Development Director in any way possible.
The Production Director is responsible for creating and approving IRP content and training new DJ's on KPSU Production Booth equipment.
The Technical Director is responsible with the upkeep and proper operation of KPSU equipment, buying and installing equipment, removing old equipment, and attending to problems with broadcasts are also technical director responsibilities. Further responsibilities include providing support for live in-studios with bands, and teaching volunteers more advanced aspects of radio including live sound and equipment repair.
KPSU shall act in accord with the following principles:
Generally, broadcast licenses for schools, religious institutions and public organizations are for non-commercial, educational use. Among other things, this means that these organizations are required to provide informational, educational, and cultural programming. The primary goal of "educational broadcasting" in the eyes of the FCC is to provide educational programming for the public. Our goal is to see that this is accomplished in a professional manner. KSPU may eventually apply to the FCC for our own broadcast license. With a record of providing professional, quality programming that clearly serves the specific needs of our listening audience, KPSU will have a much better chance of being granted a broadcast license by the FCC.
Programming Responsibility
While programming decisions are made by the staff as a whole, the Station Manager is ultimately responsible for all programming content. The Program Director has the responsibility to oversee that all programming hours are maintained each term.
Broadcast Content Property
All broadcasts on KPSU become the property of KPSU and may be used in the future for a variety of purposes including but not limited to promotion of the station. KPSU will attempt to gain permission from DJs and live acts whenever possible and applicable.
There are many steps in the training process to become a DJ at KPSU.
1. Attend an Orientation
Orientation sessions are provided to introduce new volunteers and DJ's to KPSU and begin the DJ Training. Orientation Sessions are held within the first month of each term and again during the last month of the term, with the exact dates to be posted on the KPSU website and around campus. For more information on orientation, contact KPSU's Volunteer Director at (volunteer@kpsu.org).
2. Training Fee
We ask that all new volunteers pay a training fee of $30 which in turn pays for an Orientation Packet with all necessary training handouts and a free KPSU t-shirt.
3. Production Seminar
1-on-1, hour-long session with KPSU’s Production Director where you will become familiarized with using production and broadcast equipment. Issues are addressed, and tips and tricks for doing a great radio show are revealed. During this time you may begin working on your 30-minute Demo. You may be able to sign up for a Production Seminar at an Orientation.
4. Apprenticeship Session
Sign up to sit alongside a contracted KPSU DJ and learn hands-on how to do a radio show from start to finish. Two apprentice sessions will be required. You will be able to sign up for an Apprenticeship Session at Orientation.
5. 30-Minute Demo
We ask that you use KPSU’s production room to record a 30-minute demo consisting of what you would like your show to be, complete with a Legal ID, public service announcement, a promo, and an underwriting spot. A general outline for your demo is included in your training packet, and if you so desire, can be up to one hour in length. Demos shorter than 30 minutes will not be accepted.
6. Volunteer Hours
We ask that all new volunteers complete four volunteer hours at the station in order to become a contracted DJ. This could include shelving, organizing, reviewing some of the new music that the station receives, helping with promotions, or taking up a number of other volunteer opportunities at the station. As a contracted DJ, you will be asked to complete 10 volunteer hours per term. The four volunteer hours must be completed prior to taking the station test.
7. Meet KPSU Staff and Present Demo + Letter
To make sure that the entire staff has met the new DJ’s, we ask that you come to a staff meeting and present your 30-Minute Demo as well as a letter that outlines your goals and interest in KPSU. This is completely informal and is a way for you to get to know the staff and vice versa. An outline for your letter is provided in your Orientation Packet. Staff meeting date and times are always changing due to the staff's busy schedules, so contact the Station Manager, manager@kpsu.org, to find out when the next staff meeting will be.
8. Test
At the end of the training process a test is given over the KPSU handbook and some of the more legal aspects of what it means to be a DJ. A test study guide will be provided in your Orientation Packet.
9. Underwriting
We welcome people of all backgrounds, ages, and musical tastes to KPSU. If, however, you are a community member who is not enrolled in PSU, there are additional requirements that we ask you to fulfill to take the place of the student fees that are paid by all PSU students and support KPSU. To complete the training process, you must schedule a meeting with our Development Director to understand your responsibilities for acquiring underwriting for KPSU. You can contact our Development Director at (development@KPSU.org) or Assistant Development Director (development.assist@kpsu.org)
10. Contract
Once you have completed the above requirements you will then be able to sit down with KPSU's Station Manager and sign your contract. This stipulates that you will follow all KPSU, KBPS, and FCC guidelines for programming, and that you will take responsibility for anything you broadcast on KPSU. Once you sign your contract, you will recieve a mailbox from the Volunteer Director.
11. Activate ID Badge
In order to gain access to KPSU, you must have a special ID Badge that will scan you into the KPSU lobby. Once you are an officially contracted volunteer of KPSU, you can go to Neuberger Hall and for a fee of $20 you can obtain an ID Badge. You'll then need to notify the Station Manager immediately with your name and badge # so that they may get you on the security access list.
12. Create Your KPSU.org Account & Schedule a Show
Once you are contracted by KPSU, you can first obtain a KPSU.ORG DJ account then receive a weekly time slot. Both of these tasks will be done by KPSU's Programming Director.
In order to create a system that is fair to everyone and will encourage membership volunteerism, safety, growth, and learning, KPSU announcers have certain duties, including programming, volunteerism, and security.
All KPSU announcers must complete the following duties. Announcers who do not, run the risk of losing their ability to broadcast on KPSU.
Playlists
In compliance with FCC and KPSU’s web licensing contract, it is required that every DJ posts an accurate playlist within 24 hours of the original broadcast. However, if you need additional time to submit a playlist, just send the music director an email to extend the time of submission. No extension is to last longer than the 7 days of original broadcast. Additionally, a DJ is responsible for submitting a playlist for any show they may be subbing for.
Those DJs that consistently fail to submit their playlists within the 24 hour grace period may be subject to receiving a strike and/or suspension.
Playlists for live acts/talk shows
Live Acts/talk Shows and playlists, or broadcasts that are not music-oriented, must to post a playlist that can easily indicate (at a glance) what happened on the show. While the ASCAP / BMI / SESAC folk don’t require playlists from people who don't play previously recorded music on their shows, KPSU does require some indication as to what happened on the air for our own records. It is recommended, although not mandatory, that every show, regardless of the format, should include at least one or two songs as "theme" music, and that needs to be posted in the playlist.
To indicate the content of a non-music show list the name of the band / interviewer / or person who filled the air time, and a description of what they did ("Live DJ Set," "Live Performance," "Interview Part 1," etc.) In those cases, you don't have to fill out the remainder of the boxes on the playlist; the performance / interview / etc doesn't have an "album" or "label" per se, given it was recorded / performed live.
Absences
If you will be absent from your show during a particular week and cannot find a sub in time, it is a DJs responsibility to submit a playlist that at the very least says, "No show - automix played" or something to that effect. This will help the KPSU Staff determine if there was a live show or not. Subs for show are the ones responsible for posting playlist for that show.
Remixed Music
The DJ is to list the artists played, (i.e. individual tracks that would infringe on copy write, tracks that can be classified as your own), and for DJ remixes, list the DJ as the artist. Under the title, put "live dj set/(and DJ name)". If most of your show is your own content, it's the DJ’s right to promote it.
All announcers and announcer trainees are responsible for answering the KPSU studio lines.
Always answer by giving the station’s call letters, such as: "KPSU, how can I help you?" Be polite and helpful, but never feel obligated to cut air breaks short to answer the phone; the caller will understand. You should also politely ask to put the caller on hold when you need to cue switch CD or go on the air. Our air signal is always the most important concern, and you will not be held responsible for impatient callers.
For security purposes, it's important that you DO NOT GIVE OUT STAFF OR DJ'S PHONE NUMBERS to callers. If you don't know the caller, offer to take a message and then relay the message to the DJ (via the lobby mailboxes) or to the appropriate staff member via email.
If you put someone on hold while you’re looking for the person they’ve called, don’t leave them on hold forever. If you haven’t found the person in about a minute or so, get back on, apologize for the delay, and offer to take a message.
Be polite and professional: “Good evening, KPSU, how may I help you?” If someone’s not in, ask if you can take a message, then remember to write the message and put a copy in the appropriate mail box.
Occasionally, the station reserves threatening or obscene phone calls. If you feel the conversation is taking a turn for the worse, hang up immediately, then let the station manager know the exact time of the call and what was said.
If the caller has general station concerns, give them the office number, which is 503.725.5669 or the Station Manager email, manager@kpsu.org. Record companies frequently call asking for our music staff to return a call. Please give them the Music Director’s phone number, (503) 725-4071.
When receiving calls about college departments, meetings or activities, be as polite and helpful as possible. Try to answer questions or provide information, even if it’s in the form of other numbers they can try.
Keep all lines free as much as possible. They are for KPSU business only.
Long Distance
Unauthorized use of the KPSU long distance code, or abuse of long distance calling privileges will result in the immediate termination.
All announcers must have a prepared program in the form of one taped show at the station for backup purposes, in case of an emergency (such as a car wreck, surgery, or sudden family problems). The existence of a backup is in no way reason to miss a show. Failure to arrive for a show without finding a substitute announcer is grounds for immediate termination. This backup is NOT to mention dates, underwriting, Public Service Announcements, or promotional spots. Backups should be appropriate to play at any time, if necessary.
5:00 PM DJs (Noon On Saturday & Sundays)
Last broadcasting DJ of the night
These DJs are responsible for closing down the station and making sure all doors are locked.
At any time that you are broadcasting on the AM frequency, DJs are responsible for monitoring our broadcasts to make sure we are on the air. If there are any problems with our signal, or we are not coming through for some reason, immediately contact the Program Director. Even during the Daytime, if we're not on the Internet or the FM broadcast signal, contact the Tech Director immediately.
Keeping the station clean is everyone’s responsibility. Each person should not only clean up his or her own mess, but also be willing to help out whenever a clean up is needed.
The studio and office space should always look professional. Food and drinks are not allowed in the broadcast and production studios. (In the lobby is fine.)
An important aspect of station cleanliness is making sure CDs are filed. Always re-file CDs you play on your own show. Leaving CDs out when you leave could result in getting a strike.
In addition, DJs should check the station for other CDs that need restocking. Taking care of the station's music is everyone's responsibility, and it helps prevent theft, loss, and damage of our station catalog.
KPSU is financed by student fees and underwriting. Any contracted DJ who is not a student, must find underwriting to help cover the costs student fees pay for. Community Members are asked to bring in $60 in Underwriting on an on-going monthly basis, or $15 per week. There is a PSU alumni rate of $50 per month. DJs are encourage to work out a deal with KPSU's Assistant Development Director - lower per month requirement if paying minimum 6 months in advance. If you need help obtaining underwriting, or have questions about how to do it, please contact our Development Director (development@kpsu.org). This minimum amount may be paid by the DJ directly, at their discretion, in order to satisfy this requirement. (I.E. $30/month from an underwriter & $30 from the DJs pocket - or any combination thereof)
Effective November 2007, there will be professionally designed Underwriting sales packets available to DJs in order to better assist them in their quest to find underwriting for their shows. Again, please contact the development director to obtain one of these packets.
Failure to secure the minimum amount of underwriting mentioned above will result in a strike issued to the corresponding community DJ for each month the requirement is not met.
Consistent failure by a community DJ to meet the minimum underwriting guidelines of $60 per month may result in 3 strikes issued and thus may result in said DJ's termination from KPSU.
KPSU holds general meetings on the first Sunday (3pm) and Wednesday (6pm) of each month, except for when holidays or other special events may interfere with these meetings. All volunteers are required to attend one meeting per month. Notify the Volunteer Director or Station Manager immediately if you'll will be unable to make both meetings in any given month. If a contracted KPSU announcer has an unexcused absence from a General Meeting, a strike will be awarded. Also, consistently missing both general meetings will result in disciplinary action. Times and places of the meetings will be posted around the station, on the KPSU website, and emailed to the DJs list at least two weeks in advance. However, even without this information, the meetings are always held at the same times, and the SMSU building events postings (near all building entrances) always lists the room numbers. These meetings are very important to long term success at KPSU - this DJs should do all they can to adjust their schedules to accomodate these meetings.
You may have guests of any nature appear on your show, be they musical, a DJ, or merely a friend who wants to sit in and help pick out music. However, they cannot do a show unattended under any circumstances, until they have passed the KPSU and FCC requirements for becoming an announcer. Any programming violations made by an assistant, guest, or band will be held against the hosting announcer, and will most likely result in termination.
In the event of any emergency type situation such as a fire, flood, or any other disaster....the DJs PRIMARY concern should be the safety of themselves and anyone else currently in the station.
Exit the Sub Basement immediately in a calm and orderly fashion, using the stairs only.
Once you get outside safely, and are a safe distance away from the building, make sure to call 911 and the Campus Security Office at 503-725-4404.
The main way to stay in touch with KPSU updates, policy changes, and other general information regarding the station is to make sure you are on the KPSU-DJ's listserv. This listserv focuses on KPSU business / management / station updates, and it is mandatory that all KPSU contracted announcers are subscribed.
Important station information will also be posted regularly on the station's clip boards, notebooks, and bulletin boards. KPSU announcers and volunteers are expected to read and be responsible for any posted changes in policy, procedures or regulations. Anything that is posted around, you will need to know.
There are many things happening at KPSU throughout the week, much more than can wait for one of the station meetings. DJs should check these locations before their shifts and whenever they're in the station. Anything found in the Broadcast Booth, on the Interview Room Door, or outside the Production Room are things you'll need to be aware of.
Posted information includes but is not limited to:
There are no special parking facilities provided to the KPSU staff, DJs, and volunteers. Passes may be obtained for important guests by arrangement with KPSU's Station Manager. On-street parking is free after 7pm Monday through Saturday, and all day Sunday.
The FCC requires that all stations correctly fill out a programming log, a written record of all on-air programming. KPSU DJs are required to maintain accurate logs of all KPSU programs, underwriting, promo spots and public service announcements.
The program logs must be filled out correctly and consistently. Program Logs are legal, public documents that must be transmitted to KBPS (and, thus, the FCC), AND must be kept on file for two years, on site, at the station it broadcasts from.
Things to remember when filling out the logs:
DJs must run the legal ID ("KBPS, Portland") every hour, as close to the top of the hour as possible. This is a legal, federal requirement, and you will lose your show if you repeatedly forget to do so.
If a DJ puts on a syndicated program of some kind, or pre-programmed material of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Automix), you must fill out the Program Logs for this hour too (or any following hours too). Failure to do so will result in a strike. Thus all hourly requirements (i.e. legal IDs, Underwriting spots, PSAs, Promos) must be played and logs filled out for the hour BEFORE syndicated, pre-programmed, or automix may begin.
Failure to fill out the Logs completely and consistently (as per the guidelines above) will result in a strike or removal from broadcasting at KPSU.
All DJs are required to play two PSAs and one promo for another KPSU per hour.
The promo can be of your choice, and can be for any KPSU broadcast show you feel is appropriate. Write the name and the number of the promo on the Program Log when you play it.
One of the PSAs must be a "generic" PSA, informing listeners of ongoing things. ("Smokey The Bear Says: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" and "Sisters Of The Road Cafe" come to mind.) If there is an organization or group, local or national, or a cause you feel needs to be represented with a "generic" PSA, then please contact the production director (production@kpsu.org) to get the ball rollin'.
The other PSA must be a time-sensitive spot, relating to an event happening in the future, that will expire when the event passes. The "timely" PSAs that are available for DJs to play are generally listed on a piece of paper hanging on the wall above the IRP machine. Please play one from the list that pertains to your show or that you want to support (or just randomly if you so choose).
Failure to play these spots and properly record them onto the program log during your show will result in strikes and could ultimately result in termination from KPSU.
Avoid using radio jargon on the air such as "PSA," "promo," "cue," "cart," "pot," "log," and so forth. Anything that requires the context of having gone through DJ training at KPSU puts the listeners off because they don't know what you're talking about. Use the gearhead rule of thumb: if you need to give more than two sentences of backstory to make an anecdote or reference comprehensible, let alone funny, then you probably should talk about something else. The word "break" is more than satisfactory when discussing stepping away from your normal show content in order to play PSAs or Promos.
DJs need to arrive 60 minutes before their show for a number of reasons.
Having a DJ in the station while the other is broadcasting helps cut down on suspicious activity and theft, and gives people passing by someone to talk to while the other DJ is occupied with their show. Having only one person at the station at any given time is not only a security risk, but can cause problems when emergencies arise.
DJs are also responsible for keeping the station clean, and tidying up, and this time allows the DJ that luxury.
During that hour, DJs should be preparing for their shows. Your broadcasts will always benefit from this time spent; your playlists will be well thought out, your transitions and talk breaks will be planned, and the over-all sound of your show will improve. Also, this hour will ensure that a DJ may preview unfamiliar music for any swears or inappropriate content.
If you are going to be unavoidably late, call the station on the request line (503-725-5945) at least 60 minutes before your show and inform the DJ preceding you. Being consistently late may result in a strike, and possibly being dismissed from your show.
Missing a shift without arranging for a substitute may result in immediate and permanent dismissal as a DJ on KPSU or at the very least a strike. Tardiness is unacceptable in any form.
There is only one way for a contracted DJ to gain access to the station during the hours of 8am-2am, 7 days a week (holidays included).
First, all contracted DJs must obtain an ID Badge. ID Badges can be purchased at Neuberger Hall at the "Student ID" window. Once a KPSU member has recieved their ID badge, they must let the Station Manager know immediately your name and badge number and he/she will get you on the station access list. Any questions about this need to be addressed to the Station Manager only.
As a contracted KPSU DJ, you are legally required to fill the time slot you are assigned. Nearly all times slots are at least a two hour a week time commitment: one hour before you go on the air, and one hour during your broadcast. Additional time might be necessary to help clean up after your broadcast, or before to help prepare for a particularly unusual show (conducting interviews, hosting live performances, etc).
In the event that you cannot make it to your show, you are still responsible for finding a replacement to fill the time. The primary means for finding a replacement is posting a message on the KPSU volunteer mailing list at the following address: KPSU-DJs@lists.pdx.edu. If someone writes you back offering to cover the show, you either forward the information to the Programming Director, or let the PD know who has agreed to cover your show. You will probably need to follow up with the DJ to make sure they understand their responsibilities, or any peculiarities that your show entails. If you had solicited the need for a sub on the KPSU email list serv, you must then announce that you've found a sub to prevent further confusion and/or emails from others wanting to sub for you.
Seeking out a sub for your show should be done with at least one week notice. If for some reason you are unable to find a sub, you MUST alert the Program Director of such. Failure to do so is grounds for a strike and may be considered a "no call, no show." Consider, that if you require multiple replacements on a regular basis, your slot will be reassigned until you can become a more consistent announcer.
A DJ may also pre-record their show and arrange with another DJ (most likely the DJ preceding your show) to play your pre-recorded show. Your pre-record should include the required legal IDs, PSAs, and Promos mixed in, but if they aren't, alert the DJ agreeing to start your show that they first need to satisfy these requirements.
As the last DJ on KPSU (generally a Midnight - 2 AM shift), it is your responsibility to close down the station at the end of your show. In addition to all the usual stuff you have to do for your show, only a few additional things are needed to be done before you can leave:
Failure to accomplish any of these tasks will result in a strike. If you have any questsions, please contact a staff member.
It is the responsibility of announcers to find volunteer activities and log their hours. KPSU will base who gets a show, and who keeps a show, based in part on volunteerism. All contracted DJs must earn a minimum ten (10) volunteer hours per term, and submit them online through the KPSU website. Failing to complete ten volunteer hours per term is a strike-worthy offense for the respective announcer.
Items that do not count as volunteer hours:
Items that count as volunteer hours, but are not limited to the following:
If you need help meeting your hours every term, please consult our Volunteer Director (volunteer@KPSU.org), or seek out a staff member and ask them for projects you can help with. Never accept, "I don't have anything for you right now." There is always something that needs to be done at the station. If a particular staff member is not helpful in helping you meet your volunteer hours, please contact the station manager immediately (manager@kpsu.org).
Additionally, there will be a 3-ring binder in the lobby (or obtained from the Volunteer Director) that will feature an updated list of possible volunteer activities and this list will maintained in a special section on KPSU.ORG
This section will give you a brief introduction to using equipment in the KPSU studio. Further, more in-depth training will be received during the production seminars and apprenticeships.
The following sound equipment are available in the KPSU studio:
We take great pains to keep our equipment in top condition. You are expected to be thoughtful and careful not to abuse or neglect the equipment. Of course, there will be times when a legitimate electronic or mechanical breakdown occurs. Should that happen, first check carefully to rule out a problem caused by an incorrect procedure or setting. If everything, as far as you can tell, is properly set up, go to the KPSU website and file a Problem Report, but also email KPSU's Technical Director and Web Director immediately (tech@kpsu.org or web@kpsu.org)
Include as much information as possible about the device that's malfunctioning, and what it's symptoms are. The more information you include, the faster we can locate the cause of the problem.
As a volunteer of KPSU you may be permitted access to various types of equipment for station purposes. Ultimately, equipment check out is at the sole discretion of KPSU's Station Manager and Tech Director. Requests may be denied.
The console (also called a control board) is the source of linkage between all music equipment, the microphone, in-studio monitors, out-going volumes, and is the key element in keeping any in-studio processes running smoothly. It has a row of buttons which control the sources that go out across the air waves, where those sources go, and for previewing material. There are also faders which control the levels of sources. Adjust the faders to keep the console VU meters peaking, but not exceeding, "0" or "Unity Gain". Most of the level controls have been calibrated to work with the knob pointers at the diamonds or "0". Sometimes the level must be set considerably higher or lower to achieve correct VU meter levels - levels too low create noise in the signal, too high cause distortion. Announcers should constantly adjust audio levels as needed.
While material is being played from one certain music source, other material can be previewed and cued up for efficiency in changing from one to another with the following steps for proper handling of the console and the music source:
The console is used as a mediator in playing material from any music source to go out across the airwaves by following these steps:
The microphone is a sensitive object and that which it picks up, is that which goes out across the air waves. These are the instructions in using the microphone.
Under normal operation the automix should be always running. It runs off of its own computer and to play it over the air, you simply need to turn on the automix channel on the board. Turn up the fader until the levels are appropriate.
For automix problems, first contact the Program Director, then the Computer/Web Director and fill out an online problem log.
In the event of an overall power outage, the automix will be the only source running.
The IRP (Instant Replay) is our means of playing PSA's, show promos, underwriting, and legal ID's along with many drops from artists and celebrities etc. All PSA's, show promos, underwriting spots, legal ID's, show introductions, or any other pre-produced sound-clips must be submitted to KPSU's Production Director in order to be played on the IRP machine. DJ's playing any unauthorized pre-recorded slots are subject to termination.
Operation of the IRP is quite simple:
In addition to this normal operation of the IRP there are many other convenient functions. Please ask the production director if you would like to learn more.
The KPSU CD players have a lot of powerful functions for efficient on-air or off air use. The following functions and procedure should be understood clearly.
This function allows the specific track that the operator wishes to play, to be ready, waiting at the very start of the track.
This function is used to start the CD player from any specific track on the CD. When started playing, the CD will be played continually through all subsequent tracks remaining on the CD. Additionally, the CDs can be set to play one track at a time (the CD player stops playing after the track is over) or the entire CD continously (moving from one track to the next). This can be adjusted with the single/cont. button. Look for the word "single" or "cont" on the LCD readout to see what mode the players are set to.
This function is used to scan forward or backward to a particular place in a track.
This function is designed to assist the operator in showing the “time remaining” for different functions of the player such that the operator would be fully aware of when the tracks will be finished, the CD will be finished, the track number and total CD time.
When using the turntables, the dj mixer links the turntables to the console. To use the dj mixer in cueing-up and playing records, follow these directions.
This is the procedure by which you set up the turntable.
Listeners often call the station for giveaways, to address their comments, get involved in talk shows, and make song requests. When calls need to be put on air, an announcer should watch out for the following:
When a caller is ready to go on the air, these procedures should be followed:
IMPORTANT NOTICE - quite frequently, people will call into your show in hopes of swearing really loudly on the air unexpectantly....so be prepared.
There is a definite risk in taking live callers and thus KPSU has always discouraged this. If a caller violates KPSU/FCC/KBPS rules concerning content, the DJ will ultamitely be held responsible resulting in strikes and/or suspension.
Breaking one of these rules will get you in trouble with KPSU and the FCC, and could lead to legal problems for you, KPSU, and KBPS. These rules do not exist for the purpose of annoying you; rather, it is because KPSU is liable to KBPS, and KBPS is required to operate under FCC regulations. KPSU cannot afford to pay the huge fines that the FCC levies on stations that violate its policies. One simple slip-up by any on-air person, and we could lose our entire yearly budget, or even worse, our license.
KPSU announcers are reviewed every term by the Program Director, the Station Manager, and the rest of the KPSU Staff. KPSU maintains a "three strikes, you’re out" policy, which is strictly enforced. Here is a list of some of the more common danger areas that on-air personnel can find themselves if they are not careful.
Accepting cash, travel, meals or other benefits in exchange for playing certain records or plugging certain products or events on the air is illegal. Such activities can lead to fines and imprisonment for the announcer, as well as the station. Any announcer who is involved in these activities will automatically get three strikes and his/her membership will be terminated. A DJ may solicit CDs from bands (local or otherwise) to use as material on your show, but no promises should be maid to play said CD and at no time should any KPSU receive any reward in exchange for playing said CD.
The FCC forbids a non-commercial station such as KPSU from issuing “calls to action.” An announcer issues a call to action when he/she asks, urges, or suggests that the listener should perform some task which may result in a for-profit organization to make money. This rule does not apply to non-profit organizations, like KPSU itself. Calls to action include:
You are free to rave about how great a CD or band is; that’s only a “review”, but you may NOT overly encourage listeners to buy the CD. Additionally, you cannot rave about a business establishment. For example, “Waterloo is a great record store” is considered a commercial.
Please note that these phrases refer to a specific band, club, record, and so forth. Non-profit organizations like KPSU are the only entities you can specifically urge people to spend money on. You can, and are encouraged, to tell listeners to attend a benefit for KPSU or purchase KPSU items (such as T-shirts). In short, if it directly makes KPSU or another non-profit organization money, it’s legal. Otherwise, it’s a call to action.
Examples of what is and what isn’t a call to action:
A station cannot broadcast information that misleads the audience about station-conducted contests. The rules must be made clear from the very beginning and the station must follow the rules to the letter.
Announcers who read portions of plays, poems, or novels on the air are considered to be putting on a performance. As with any performance of copyrighted material, permission must first be obtained to put on the performance, otherwise the announcer is guilty of copyright infringement. Copyright infringement can also occur when an announcer rebroadcasts another station's signal (by playing a recording of it) or broadcasts a syndicated radio show without permission, or, at a time other than the agreed one. Other offenses include rebroadcasting sound recorded from copyrighted television shows or movies, over 30 seconds in length. Bootleg recordings of bands also may not be played without the written permission of the band. You may assume it's okay to play any material KPSU places in its library. A good rule of thumb as far as appropriate content is whether the source material was originally commercially available.
Slander is "communication which exposes a person to hatred, ridicule or contempt, lowers him in the esteem of his fellows, causes him to be shunned, or injures him in his business or calling." The rule of thumb for this one is that whatever you say about someone had better be true and absolutely provable. As well, the person you’re mentioning must be a public figure who is fair game for such commentary.
Announcers must exercise responsibility and judgment in the screening of songs that promote drug and alcohol usage. Questionable lyrics should be brought to the attention of the Programming Director before airplay.
Editorializing means going out of your way to express your opinion about a matter other than the music you’re playing, such as telling the audience all about your beliefs on a political issue. Editorializing is allowed, but keep the following in mind:
It is illegal for you to transmit “false or deceptive communications by radio.” At one mid-western university, a student announced a fictitious earthquake. A woman who heard the announcement fell out of bed and broke her hip. As the result of a successful suit brought against the station by this woman, the station lost its license and was shut down permanently. Giving out false information will result in strikes issued and/or suspension of show.
The KPSU studios are capable of putting phone callers on the air. Doing so without getting the permission of the caller is an invasion of privacy. Giving out unlisted phone numbers, full names, and other personal, private information about a person without their permission is also an invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy also occurs when you tell a story about someone and that person is not a public figure.
Information that promotes a lottery has, in the past, been prohibited by the FCC. A lottery is defined as the award of a prize, where the winner is selected by chance and where some payment or other consideration must be made to the promoter by the contestants.
Broadcast of indecent material, which KPSU management interprets as obscene/indecent material is strictly forbidden. As well as the use of extremely sexually explicit content, extremely violent content, and drug/alcohol content. Indecent or obscene language or material spoken over the at any time will subject the on-air person to disciplinary measures which means the announcer will get a strike and/or suspension or termination from KPSU.
The broadcast of obscene material will, in practically every case, fall under the same regulation as indecent material. However, KPSU management reserves the right to completely ban any song which, by complaint of a listener, is deemed “obscene”. Any such ban may be appealed to the KPSU Staff.
Please remember that we are a PSU student organization, and any problems that the university might have with offended and disgruntled listeners will result in big problems for KPSU. Furthermore, KPSU shares airtime with (and is owned by) KBPS and the Portland Public School System. The Portland Public School System can be quite conservative in regards to obscene and/or indecent material. If KBPS and/or the Portland Public School system become unhappy with KSPU, we may not be allowed to broadcast citywide, which could impact our local connections within the business community. Please be considerate and thoughtful of the overall situation of the station.
The FCC’s obscenity/indecency policy revolves around the 1978 Supreme Court FCC vs. Pacifica Foundation. That decision upheld the regulation of indecent songs under the following definition of “indecent language”. Thus, if KPSU broadcasts any type of content, spoken or recorded, that deals with explicit drug use, explicit violence, or explicit sex, it is possible for KBPS to be fined by the FCC, and therefore jeopardize KPSU's contract with KPBS.
Obscenity shall be defined as any language or material that depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium, sexual or excretory activities or organs.
KPSU strictly enforces a much narrower definition also upheld in that court decision. Indecent material was strictly defined as any song containing one or more of the following 7 words. The 7 words are known collectively as “the Pacifica words”, or the George Carlin “7 words you can’t say on television.”
Before you either record or broadcast any telephone conversation or taped interview, you must clearly notify the other party and receive that party's permission to tape and/or broadcast the conversation. The only exception is during a live, discussion/call-in program where it can be presumed that the caller is aware that he or she is likely to be on the air. The announcer is still responsible for the content of these conversations. Obscenities or calls to action made by callers or interviewees that are broadcasted will count as a strike on the announcer.
The FCC requires each station to make identification announcements, called legal IDs, at specific times during the day. Those times are: 1) at the beginning and end of each broadcast day and 2) hourly – as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in the programming. This could be at the end of a piece of music, between plays in a football game, and so forth. The official legal staion ID must contain the following elements: the station’s call letters, followed by the city of license: “KBPS, Portland”. Do not, even as a joke, identify the station with fake call letters, or another station’s call letters.
Underwriting mentions must be aired at the time scheduled. KPSU has a binding legal contract with the underwriter to run these spots.
Only spots authorized by the Station Manager may be aired. Authorized spots are located on the IRP machine only. Announcing unauthorized or unscheduled spots are grounds for immediate dismissal and contract termination. Failure to air and log the required underwriting mentions as scheduled may result in a strike or termination.
Underwriting is a form of non-commercial advertising that KPSU requires all community members to raise. KPSU needs these funds in order to fulfill our budget requirements with the university.
Student DJs - Since PSU student fees help fund KPSU, student DJs are not required to obtain underwriting for their particular shows. With that being said, student DJs may still obtain underwriting in order to help support KPSU monetarily.
Community DJs - All community (i.e. non-PSU students) DJs are required to help secure a minimum amount of underwriting on a on-going, monthly basis. As of November 2007, this minimum amount will be equal to $60 per month. This amount may be paid directly by the DJ themselves or through a business entity or any combination thereof.
For example, a community DJ may pay the entire $60 monthly out of their own pocket. Or this DJ may have a business underwrite their show for $30 monthly and the DJ pays the other $30. Or the DJ may have 4 businesses pay $15 per month to underwrite their show, with the mentions running on alternating weeks.
One strike will be issued monthly to each community DJ who fails to meet the minimum underwriting standards as mentioned above. As with our strike policy, these strikes may be appealed at the DJs discretion. Failure to consistently meet the underwriting guidelines may result in multiple (i.e. 3) strikes issued, suspension of radio show, or termination from KPSU.
We do underwriting for both cash and trade-out agreements. All of our underwriting is on contract which is scheduled by the development coordinator under the approval of the Station Manager and must be approved by both BEFORE hitting the airwaves.
Any DJ found announcing unofficial (i.e. not approved) underwriting will be terminated immediately.
It is the DJs responsibility to follow the program logs for their specific show and play each underwriting spot and mark it on the log as need be.
Failure to do so will result in at least one strike.
Since underwriting mentions are non-commercial, they may not contain:
These guidelines maintain the necessary distinction between underwriting and advertising, and at the same time, allow KPSU to give maximum on-air recognition to our underwriters.
All underwriting contracts must be signed by the Station Manager before airing. If KBPS requests any changes to our underwriting mentions, the changes must be made immediately.
All KPSU announcers are under contract with the understanding that their eligible or active announcer status can be terminated; or, that their program can be suspended or re-scheduled at any time, at the discretion of the Station Manager, Program Director and the KPSU Staff as a whole.
The KPSU Staff strictly follows FCC regulations and KPSU station operating policies. Given the educational nature of KPSU, under most circumstances, announcers will be allowed two warnings by KPSU Staff. These warnings are referred to as “strikes”. Strikes will be submitted online by KPSU staff, and the respective announcer will be contacted via e-mail or phone call, and a strike form will be placed in their mailbox. After the second strike has been issued, the station manager, DJ, and other relevant staff will meet in person to discuss the previously issue strikes and a performance improvement plan will be created at the time.
As staff, we want all DJs to not only enjoy the opportunity to have a radio show, but also to give back to KPSU in the form of volunteer hours, attendance at general meetings, and meeting underwriting terms (if applicable). Part of our job is to ensure that all DJs know exactly what is expected and required of them and how they can be successful in such endeavors - which is the intent of the "performance improvement plans".
Finally, after a third strike is issued, the show in question will be immediately suspended from air and the staff will collectively decide the appropriate level of punishment ranging from suspensions to expulsions from KPSU's airwaves.
Additionally, at the end of the fall and spring terms, one strike will be expunged from each announcers record in order to avoid unfair punishment.
The announcer has the opportunity to appeal their strike by placing a written statement regarding the incident into the box of the KPSU Staff Member who issued the strike.
Any active announcer found to be in violation of contract eligibility terms may be terminated by the Station Manager in writing. This termination does not require the process of strikes.
Any KPSU member who has violated the PSU Student Conduct Code, violated Oregon/Federal law statutes, committed theft or destruction of any PSU or KPSU property, or threatened the safety of others will immediately be terminated by the Station Manager in writing. This termination does not require the process of strikes. Any announcer may be suspended or terminated by the Station Manager at any time for violations of FCC or KPSU Handbook rules.
KPSU STRIKE POLICY REVISED SUMMER 2007
All KPSU announcers are under contract with the understanding that their eligible or active announcer status can be terminated; or, that their program can be rescheduled at any time, at the discretion of the KPSU Staff. The KPSU staff strives to educate announcers in order for them to avoid receiving strikes by dealing with strike offenses on an individual basis and by having meetings with DJ’s who are in danger of reaching their third strike.
The KPSU Staff strictly follows FCC regulations and KPSU station operating policies. Given the educational nature of KPSU, under most circumstances, announcers will be allowed two warnings by KPSU Staff. These warnings are referred to as “strikes”. Strikes will be submitted online by KPSU staff, the respective announcer will be contacted via e-mail or phone call, and a strike form signed with the authorization of the KPSU Station Manager and the KPSU Staff Member giving the strike will be placed in their mailbox as well as in KPSU’s Strike File. The announcer is subject to be terminated immediately upon the written notification of a third strike by the KPSU Staff. The announcer will then be notified of their mandate via the KPSU Third Strike Mandate form. At the end of Spring and Fall term, one strike will be expunged from each announcers record in order to avoid unfair punishment for long-time DJ's.
The announcer has the opportunity to appeal their strike either by scheduling a formal appeal hearing with the KPSU Station Manager, or informally by contacting the KPSU Station Manager via e-mail. By having the announcer sign their copy of the strike, the announcer is allowed to schedule a formal appeal hearing with the KPSU Station Manager within two weeks from the date that the strike was issued. To informally appeal a strike, the announcer must contact the KSPU Station Manager within one week of issuance. The KPSU Station Manager has the right to suspend an announcer until the appeal process is complete.
Any KPSU member who has violated the PSU Student Conduct Code, committed theft or destruction of any PSU or KPSU property, or threatened the safety of others will immediately be terminated by the Station Manager in writing. This termination does not require the process of strikes. Any announcer who misses an air shift without making prior arrangements or without an acceptable reason, may be immediately and permanently terminated as an announcer. This termination does not require the process of strikes. Any announcer may be suspended by the Station Manager at any time for violations of FCC or KPSU Handbook rules.
A common list of strike-able offenses for contracted DJ's are:
• Having an unexcused absence from a General Meeting
• Failing to complete ten volunteer hours per term
• Having a community member fail to bring in underwriting for KPSU Underwriting strikes are given monthly)
• Jeopardizing the saftey and security of KPSU and its community (example: leaving doors unlocked, leaving equipment unattended, ect.)
• Failing to arrive an hour before a DJ's show
• Failing to complete program logs
• Failure to comply with FCC or KBPS regulations
• Improperly Checking out equipment
• Failure to submit a playlist.
It is possible that in unusual or extenuating circumstances, DJ's can receive strikes for miscellaneous infractions. All miscellaneous infractions will be voted on by staff members, and a decision will be made whether or not to award a strike.
The strike process works like this:
FIRST STRIKE
1) DJ Commits a strikeable offense
2) E-mail and/or phone call is given to Announcer to notify them of the strike. An official strike form signed by KPSU Station Manager and one additional KPSU Staff member will be placed in the announcer’s box. A copy of this form will be also kept for KPSU’s Strike File.
3) Strike form is signed by the announcer and returned to KPSU Station Manager to be filed. By signing the strike form, the announcer reserves the right to schedule an appeals hearing with the KPSU Station manager.
IF ANNOUNCER WISHES TO APPEAL STRIKE
1) Announcer must contact Station Manager within two weeks of the date that the strike was issued. Strikes may be appealed with no appeals hearing by the KSPU Station Manager and/or the KPSU staff member that issued the strike.
2) If an appeal hearing is necessary, it will occur via a meeting with the KPSU Station Manager.
SECOND STRIKE
Same procedure as the First Strike, but instead of having the announcer be informed of their strike via e-mail or phone, a KPSU Staff member will meet with the announcer in person to discuss what steps need to be taken to stay in good standing with KPSU.
IF ANNOUNCER WISHES TO APPEAL STRIKE
1) Announcer must contact Station Manager within two weeks of the date that the strike was issued. Strikes may be appealed with no appeals hearing by the KSPU Station Manager and/or the KPSU staff member that issued the strike.
2) If an appeal hearing is necessary, it will occur via a meeting with the KPSU Station Manager.
THIRD STRIKE
1) Announcer commits a strikeable offense
2) E-mail and/or phone call is given to Announcer to notify them of their third strike, and a Third Strike Form signed by KPSU Station Manager and an additional KPSU Staff is placed in their box. A copy of this form will be kept for KPSU’s Strike File.
3) Third Strike form is signed by the announcer and returned to KPSU Station Manager to be filed. By signing the strike form, the announcer reserves the right to schedule an appeals hearing with the KPSU Station manager.
KPSU Staff holds a meeting to determine the appropriate mandate for the announcer that has received a third strike. After the KPSU Staff reaches a consensus, any range of mandate may be issued to the announcer. Such sanctions are but not limited to: specific volunteer duties, announcer suspension, announcer termination, or other misc. sanctions. The mandate determined by the KPSU staff is recorded and kept on file at KPSU and is titled as the KPSU Sanction Form. The KPSU Announcer will receive a copy of this form, which is signed by the KPSU Station Manager.
IF ANNOUNCER WISHES TO APPEAL STRIKE
1) Must contact Station Manager within two weeks of the date of the strike was given. Strikes may be appealed by the KSPU Station Manager and/or the KPSU staff that issued the strike.
2) If an appeal hearing is necessary, it will occur via meeting with the KPSU Station Manager.
IF ANNOUNCER WISHES TO APPEAL SANCTION
An appeals hearing is scheduled with the KPSU station manager no later than two weeks after the KPSU Sanction Form is given to the KPSU Announcer.
There are any number of ways you can volunteer. Start by contacting the Volunteer Director by e-mailing volunteer@kpsu.org and see what opportunities await! The following is a small list of some possibly activities (there are lots more!) and a more detailed explanation of each one.
Every new school term, we have roughly 30 new prospective DJs who all are required to go through production training before going "on-air".
Each training session (which includes making a demo reel) lasts about 2 hours.....so doing the math....the Production Director is responsible for spending 60 hours (give or take) with new DJs before the start of the new term, showing them the ropes of the production booth. So if any of this can be taken off the PD's plate it would be greatly appreciated.
So to make a long story short...(too late...) volunteer hours can be obtained through showing new DJs the "ins and outs" of the Production Booth, including but not limited to: Adobe Audition and computer based audio editing, using the CD-DJs, the DJ mixer, DJ turntables, Mini Disc Player, and the CD Recorder & how they are all intertwined. Volunteers would also be responsible for assisting these new DJs with making their demos and giving pointers and lending a hand when asked.
Total volunteer hours would run about 2 hours every time you help with a new DJ production seminar.
Contact the Production Director if you would like to help out. Above average knowledge of the uses of the Production Booth is necessary.
Grab a broom....a dust cloth....clean some windows.....throw away clutter
The station is in constant need of some TLC.....feel free to clean up around the station when you have a moment of downtime...it will thank you (not really cause it doesn't "exist")
Coordinate with the current Production Director to produce a daily campus and/or community audio calendar that will be played on air. These must also be free from ANY "calls to action".
These can be produced either through the station's production booth or using your own equipment. The calendars should be no longer than 1 min 30 sec long and the end product should be humorous and concise, showcasing a variety of events focusing on a wide range of diverse tastes. The completed version should be turned into an MP3 file, then emailed to the Production Director, at least 2 days before the scheduled day.
Depending on research time and other factors....this job is equivalent to about an hour and a half of volunteer time a week.
Contact the Production Director for more information.
It’s actually a lot easier than you think. Record labels are always looking for exposure for their bands, and it’s worth a lot more to them to have a young, hip potential listening audience like ours than it is to hang on to a few CDs in the warehouse.
Labels of course vary in size, business methods, morality, etc, so there’s no catch-all template for how to write to them and request adds. The key is just to ask, and they will likely be more than happy to oblige. Here are some tips for e-mailing record labels to request new (and back-catalog) music:
* Who’s in charge here?
Some of the bigger operations have people on-staff solely to coordinate sending releases to radio stations and the like. Typically, these people will seek us out and may already be in contact with the Music Director and sending us regular packages (that doesn’t mean you can’t write them to request something specific, but we’ll get to that). Smaller indie and DIY labels might not often send out adds at all. The thing to do is find out who to e-mail via the label’s website, usually under "Contact" or "Info". It may be a radio or publicity coordinator, or it may be a guy who does virtually everything from out of his mom’s basement. Even if you’ve got the wrong person, he or she will be happy to refer you to the right one. Make sure you put "radio airplay" or some such thing in the subject line of your e-mail.
* Know thyself
Request emails are an informal thing, usually just a few sentences long. "My name’s___ and I’m a DJ at KPSU" is perfectly acceptable. It helps for the folks at the label if they know who they’re talking to, particularly in terms of genre, because to them it means there may be someone at this station who’d be interested in something else they want to send out. It pays to mention the kind of show you do, or even when it’s on. Also, it’s a good thing to throw in a bit about the nature of your station (the fact that we podcast, that we're free format, etc.). A lot of folks will be more responsive to a totally non-commercial, student-run radio station than another Clear Channel monolith.
* Ask and ye shall receive
Don’t be shy. You want free stuff, come out with it. Ask them if they have anything they’re specifically trying to promote. It also helps if you have something in mind, like, "I think the new _________ disc would get a lot of airplay here." Especially with new releases, they almost always oblige. Don’t request something you’re not actually planning on reviewing, though, unless it’s something you’re sure someone will want. MAKE SURE YOU THANK THEM WHEN THEY AGREE TO SEND SOMETHING! It's the only way to keep the relationships solid.
* Tell ‘em how it is
Labels like to know their stuff is going to get on the air quickly and that they’re not wasting CDs. Tell them you can e-mail them back as soon as you receive them. And yes, you should suggest to the MD that you think the disc should chart. Be sure you include the station's address, too. You'd be surprised how often this is left out.
If they send something out, it usually comes in just a few days. The MDs will then make sure you get it. Once you've reviewed it, return it to the MDs so they can put it out for other DJs to play.
* Don’t give up
Labels are sometimes too busy, broke, or completely out of business to send out anything. If they don’t respond to your email, don’t take it personally. Find another rad label and try them. About half the labels you write to won’t get back to you, but the other half will be totally interested in helping you out. At the same time, feel free to write again to a label that already has sent you something. They often like establishing solid connections with communicative people.
Be friendly, have fun, and enjoy the new music!
(Borrowed & Edited from the information available at WSUM.net)
The KPSU Editorial Team is a resource created by KPSU volunteers to keep the PSU and PDX communities in touch with new music, artist reviews and interviews, venue reviews, as well as other radio-related information.
A main focus of the KPSU Editorial Team is to create a quarterly Program Guide. The KPSU Program guide is KPSU's magazine of journalistic pieces in regards to the local PDX and PSU music scenes. Not only is the KPSU Program Guide a great way to spread information about KPSU, new music, and the local music scene, but it is also a great way to become a published journalist.
To get involved with the KPSU Editorial Team contact Meredith Frengs, KPSU's editor-in-chief @ meredithfrengs@gmail.com, KPSU's Volunteer Director (volunteer@kpsu.org) or Station Manager (manager@kpsu.org)
Either using the Production Booth or your own equipment, making PSAs, UW commercials, and other IRP spots are always appreciated.
Contact the Production Director to find out what currently needs to be made, then turn your final product into an MP3 file. Email this back to the Production Director for approval - small changes may need to be made to your final product.
Generally, 1-2 hours of volunteer time can be used up making these.
The music department receives around 50 CDs a day in varying genres, and are in constant need of help from DJs with regards to reviewing these CDs for content and playability.
Email the music director (music@kpsu.org) or the asst. music director (music.assist@kpsu.org) to volunteer your time.
Just a few CDs per week (it takes about an hour to listen to a CD in its entirety) can really help us out, plus get yourself some fun volunteer hours.
We have a myriad of genres to choose from to cater to your specialty tastes, but Indie rock of course is the genre that needs the most attention.