Ever listen to WASU 90.5 FM? You probably have at some point--it's Appalachian State University's radio station.
Let's clarify something here: WASU is owned by Appalachian State University (ASU). ASU is a taxpayer supported, state university--correct? And it would probably be fair to say that ASU's mission is to educate folks--yes? ASU often speaks of the importance it places on community service and education as well. We hear those statements quite often.
WASU may well be a "student run" station--but its signal (220 watts) is nothing to sneeze at. Indeed, their signal doesn't suddenly fade at the edge of campus. We recently picked up WASU's signal just fine at the Ashe/Watauga line on U.S. 221. Above is a map of WASU's signal coverage, from radio-locator.com.
As shown on the map, WASU's local coverage (red circle) encompasses ALL of Boone and then some.
Did you catch this item in the January 24th edition of the Mountain Times?
The commissioners also approved the exploration of a lease agreement with the Appalachian State University radio station to place an antenna on Rich Mountain near county communication towers. The commissioners by consensus agreed to a renewable 25-year lease on the condition that the signal would not interfere with county operations and that the contract would have a one-year notice of cancellation. WASU, 90.5 FM on the radio dial, is upgrading its studio and expanding its coverage area.
So, it looks like WASU will be leasing public land in order to relocate its transmitter, and expand its coverage area. Don't get us wrong--we're all for the use of public funding to enhance education.
The problem is that despite WASU's strong signal (soon to be even stronger), ASU's educational mission, and the very significant amount of taxpayer support ASU receives, WASU carries no public affairs programming--or alternative news programming--that would serve to truly educate the students and citizens of ASU/Boone about the deeper issues our community and nation are facing. Reading the headlines from AP or CNN at the top of each hour does not constitute news coverage--headlines provide neither context nor educationally relevant content.
Let's face it. The media landscape in Boone is very homogeneous. Without assistance from ASU, this fact is unlikely to change. Indeed, it is quite normal to expect a state supported university radio station to provide some public affairs or alternative radio news programming. We're not talking money here--news programming from Free Speech Radio News, Earthbeat Radio, and many others is FREE for the taking.
Folks, the airwaves are public. Got any suggestions?
2 comments:
most college stations out there carry programs like those mentioned here in your post...wasu needs to learn that there is much more to learning how to run a radio station than just pressing play on a cd player...these guys have an obligation to the public to offer some sort of news content--how about the program called "alternative radio" or the "bioneers"?
As an ASU student, I have to say that the station could be alot better. We should have some programming that contributes to the greater good, something environmental.
Post a Comment