For those who have managed to avoid hearing a radio broadcast by the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ student radio station, The U, the excuses regarding lack of broadcast power off-campus have now lost their value.

The U recently purchased broadcast rights from the Federal Communications Commission on AM station 1620. “We’re really excited that it gives the students involved in the radio station another opportunity to explore FCC regulations and practices, and another dimension to their understanding of radio transmission and broadcasting,” Charles Granger, UM-St. Louis curator’s distinguished teaching professor, said.

Students have complained that in order to tune in to The U, one must either visit the MSC or listen to internet broadcasts. The newly installed antenna atop Lucas Hall, however, will allow students to hear The U’s broadcast campus-wide.

“The signal should reach our entire campus area, within distance of cars. It covers about a three-mile radius, although once you go past campus, the signal declines greatly,” Marcel Bechtoldt, information technology services, said.

The U covers a wide range of topics. There are DJs who play music and little else. Talk shows are also presented, along with coverage of campus events.

In addition, The U offers free advertisement to campus organizations, has recently begun covering UM-St. Louis’ sports, and is also working on a joint-effort broadcast with The Current to broadcast news reports from the paper.

“If there are organizations which want Public Service Announcements put out, they can contact Alfonso Hines or Keith Robinson, as this new expansion of our service is open to use by any organization for free,” Granger said.

Naturally, broadcasting UM-St. Louis beyond the campus will help to grow public interest. “This is a great step up for The U. Being able to hear The U around campus will be a great way to increase our listening base. It’ll be great for the sports broadcast, as well,” Leanica Adams, senior, business administration, said.

Advancements around campus have been a general trend this year. “SEMPA, Student Electronic Media Professional Association, which governs Student Campus Community Radio, as well as UMSL TV, are making huge advancements and will continue to do so,” Granger said.

With such a magnitude of growth, it is no surprise that The U is excited about its own recent improvement. The more departments around campus improve the quality of their performances, the more the campus can grow as a community. The more the campus grows, the better the education provided to students will be.

“I think what will be popular on it is information, especially in the beginning of a semester. Students at UMSL sometimes complain that there isn’t enough outreach from organizations on campus, and that helps to keep UMSL stereotyped as a commuter school.

Information on activities and organizations students may be interested in, broadcast over 1620 AM, could lead to greater involvement around campus,” Bechtoldt said.

The U’s first use of the new broadcast signal was at Mirthday 2010. The events, music and spirit of students in attendance could be heard over 1620, as stated by Granger and Bechtoldt, within a three-mile radius of the campus.

Could this be the first in a line of improvements to student capacity to broadcast news around campus? Nobody can say for certain. However, one thing is certain: student views and news regarding UM-St. Louis are important matters to communicate to the community.

So, tune in to 1620 AM when near campus! Listen to what UM-St. Louis students have to say.