OSU needs better radio station

OSU needs better radio station

I believe I represent a large percentage of Ohio State’s student body when I ask – why don’t we have a college radio station?Excuse me, a real college radio station. Yeah, I know there’s good ol’ KBUX in the basement of the Ohio Union kicking out a whopping 10 watts of power to all the dorm room televisions. However, it seems kind of weird that in order to listen to KBUX, one essentially has to stare at a blank TV screen in a tiny crappy dorm. Who wants to do that? That’s probably one of the reasons their listening audience is so small (and it is, ask any of your friends if they listen.)Granted, I have not obtained all the facts and figures needed to solve this problem but it seems likely that what is required to create a real radio station is a Federal Communications Commission license and a broadcasting tower. After speaking with a former disc jockey from KBUX, I was informed that the station has neither. “Hmmm,” I thought aloud, “the largest school in the country without the capabilities to send songs a mile from campus, how odd.” Apart from the missing necessities, the station layout is fine. With two sets of professional DJ turntables, multiple CD players, a full soundboard, and free promotional CD’s from various record companies, they have more than enough electronic goodies to get the music to the people.I dream of the day when I can sit in my apartment (only about 100 yards from the station) and turn on my stereo and listen to some good music. Face it, if one doesn’t like AC/DC, Rush or the Spice Girls then one doesn’t like Columbus radio.College radio stations have always been the leaders in playing what is good, not just what is popular. Since my days of growing up in Cleveland, I have always turned the dial to the local college radio shows to hear the best in rock, hip-hop and jazz.KBUX can be transformed into the communicating creature of my, and many other’s dreams. I’m sure what is needed is money. How about we get rid of the Buckeyes and use the saved money to make music. Just kidding. But seriously, there has to be a solution. It really is a disgrace that a school of this size and reputation has what is basically a “fake” radio station. President Gee, I am asking you to either help establish some sort of funding program or explain to Ohio State students why we have to sit in the dorms and stare at the TV to hear KBUX.

Brad Petty sophomore English