USD Radio, a project that seemed nearly impossible to put into action, will be an Internet-based radio station providing students with album reviews, the music of student bands and student-created playlists, according to Nick Peterson, a founder of the project.
Peterson and his fellow USD Radio founders, Liz Crosby and Christine Boyich, like many music-loving USD students of the past, believed that the university needed a music outlet for its students. USD Radio, which can be accessed at Usdradio.org, will help broaden students' knowledge of music genres by allowing them to stream playlists created by their peers.
The Student Life Pavilion has dedicated space for USD media, made up of The Vista, USD TV and USD Radio. The lack of facilities and space was a major reason why students had a difficult time starting up a radio station in years past. Another holdup was difficulty receiving funds.
"We tried to go through the administration to receive funding, but they were unwilling to provide support," Crosby said.
The radio station is currently considered unofficial because of the policies of Associated Students. In order to become an official club, Peterson, Crosby and Boyich will need to prove that students want a radio station. In order to do that, they need to make students aware of the project to garner attention and support.
"We are starting an unofficial station on our own while we are filing for official 'clubhood' this semester," Peterson said. "That way we will already have student demand proved, and the transition to next year will be fast and smooth."
Crosby has received playlists from students interested in being a part USD Radio. The initial program schedule consists of 15 shows from about 12 student DJs. Most playlists will consist of only music but there will also be a sketch comedy show titled "The Rigsby Jazzwell Show." The playlists will be updated once a week, Peterson said. Boyich is working on raising funds to pay for website fees by asking for student donations. Peterson said that the group plans on relying on a grassroots method of promotion by employing Facebook, e-mail and word of mouth to make students aware.
But the future holds more than playlists and money. Students say they are getting excited about other possibilities, including having their own radio show. "We'd love to have a morning show," USD sophomore Mike O'Malley said, in reference to himself and fellow USD sophomore, Mike Gellman.
Crosby and Peterson truly believe that USD Radio will be one of the best things that has ever happened to USD. According to Crosby, "the best radio stations are college stations. They play avant-garde music and progressive music. It's a direct reflection of how we lead life because we are delving into something deeper."
