KCOU revamped

KCOU/88 has hired new DJs and revamped their operations.

By Amber Wade

Published Oct. 3, 2008

Campus radio station KCOU/88.1 FM staffers have developed a new program and hired more than 50 new DJs, just in time for the station's 45th anniversary this year.

KCOU General Manager John Dobson said the radio station is off to a successful start with an unprecedented number of new DJs.

"This semester was our most successful recruiting season in recent memory," Dobson said. "We have certified 56 new DJs and have at least six other potential DJs."

Music Director Greg Winegar said the broadcast schedule is full because of the new additions.

"We have more DJs than there is time in the day to schedule them, which is a great problem to have," Winegar said.

Program Director Jonathan Hutcheson attributes this year's recruiting success to KCOU's open house, which allowed interested students to tour the radio station and get a feel for what it's like. More than 80 students attended the open house, Hutcheson said.

Besides some new faces, Dobson said KCOU is improving its programming by creating a more organized schedule.

"We are scheduled a lot more like a real radio station now," Dobson said. "Last year our music was coming from all over the place, but this year we have more structure."

Dobson said the schedule includes morning talk shows, sports broadcasts and variety shows along with specialty programs like a hip-hop talk show.

Hutcheson said KCOU hopes to give its audience more of what it wants.

"Last year there wasn't a lot of guidance," Hutcheson said. "The audience wants to listen to something cohesive and we weren't doing well in giving them that."

KCOU recently reconstructed their Web site to make it easier for the listeners to navigate, Hutcheson said.

"We did a total revamp of the Web site so we can grow with it, increase listener engagement and have the staff more involved with writing articles and music reviews," Hutcheson said.

Hutcheson said the Web site will have online contests and ticket giveaways for more interaction with the audience. Listeners can also check the Web site to see what music is currently playing on the radio or check the charts to see what's popular.

Like in the past, KCOU listeners can continue to listen to the radio online. Dobson said this is a very popular choice for some listeners.

"The online radio is popular for around here but it's also popular internationally with students stationed abroad, as part of the military or in a study abroad program," Dobson said. "Parents also enjoy listening to their students on the air, and parents of players can tune in to hear the games."

Although KCOU has all these new changes, Dobson said they still continue to expose unknown bands by playing their music.

"The R.E.M.s of tomorrow are heard on KCOU first," Dobson said. "We break a lot of bands and help them find their way."

Winegar said unlike most radio stations, KCOU doesn't have to focus on making money and instead can focus on serving the community. KCOU is funded by student fees through the Missouri Students Association and is a noncommercial station.

Hutcheson said KCOU plans on celebrating their 45th anniversary throughout the year. On October 31, KCOU will host a concert at the Blue Fugue featuring Company of Thieves, John Henry & The Engine, and Z.A.P. This year's Springfest will also honor the anniversary by making the celebration a part of its theme.