Listening Out Loud

Keene State College students are very much aware of their LEC Champion sports teams, the fact that Pumpkin Fest weekend is the most raging weekend in Keene and that although you may not like everyone, one night a year, differences are put aside for some Midnight Madness.

One thing many students aren’t aware of is the fact that the college has a fully functioning radio station. WKNH (91.3 FM) is a student-run radio station owned by the college that has been around since 1971. Located on the third floor of the Young Student Center, the station provides swift beats to the campus, along with serving as a local community station.

From alternative rock, jazz, to rap, hip-hop and reggae, WKNH provides a variety of music for the eclectic listener. Along with hours of music, the station also includes local news and commentary shows such as “Two Guys, One Girl” and long time “Democracy Now,” which began in 2003 and still plays from 8 to 9am Monday mornings.

As a part of an occasional series known as “WKNH Radio Theater,” the station also airs live performances of plays and poetry readings.

Anyone can be a DJ for the station. However, before done so, you must complete a course on the station itself and pass the exam. Once passed and ready to go, you must become very familiar with the guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The FCC is an independent United States government agency. Established by the Communications Act of 1934 it is in charge of regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC’s jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.

However, according to records on February 10, 2004, the FCC guidelines had been believed to be compromised after WKNH played a pair of songs on opposite sides of a abortion debate. The songs, pro-life’s “Diary Of An Unborn Fetus” with lyrics that read, “why did you kill me mommy, when God made me so special for you?” and pro-choice’s “Will The Fetus Be Aborted,” drew much attention. Although the songs stirred up quite the controversy the FCC declared the songs a part of the first Amendment. Had the DJ commit the violation, they would automatically lose their show.

Overall the station does not capture much student interest but intends to keep trying. Ideas of ways to promote interest and find new DJ’s is always welcomed.

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