Hello, Frequency Modulation
CU's AM student radio station, Radio 1190 KVCU, acquires FM signal.
In an effort to improve its sound andadd listeners, 91Ƶ’s student-run,music-heavy AM radio station hasacquired an FM signal.
That means come fall, Boulder Valleylisteners will be able to tune in Radio 1190 KVCU’s programming at 98.9 FM as well.
The move is intended to draw additionallisteners in the Boulder Valley byoffering the stronger sound and stereoquality of FM, said station generalmanager Mikey Goldenberg (Econ’02),the nonprofit station’s only full-timeemployee. That in turn should bring newopportunities for sponsorship and communityinvolvement, he said.
“FM is the standard,” Goldenberg said.“It legitimizes the station to another level.”
Fans as far north as the Wyomingborder and as far south as ColoradoSprings will continue to get KVCU’scommercial-free programming at the1190 AM location.
In December 2015, the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) openeda window for existing AM stations toapply for an FM Translator signal. Radio1190 leapt at the opportunity, spendingabout $100,000 over seven months toobtain one, upgrade transmission equipmentand secure a contract with a localFM tower owner.
The CU Board of Regents owns thestation’s 10,000-watt AM transmitterand its license.
Supported by student government andthe College of Media, Communicationand Information, KVCU broadcastsfrom the University Memorial Center.Students manage production, programming,marketing and promotions.Goldenberg, a 17-year radio industryveteran, oversees daily operations.
The station has a collection of26,000 albums representing 400,000songs in a variety of genres, includinghip-hop, Louisiana gumbo, hard rockand spoken word. It hosts a live bandin the studio weekly.
“FM is going to make us sound a lotmore professional,” said student managerNatalie Graham (MCDBio’17).
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