By
Aaron Cowman
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Student-run station hopes to broadcast to wider audience following approval
UA students at KAMP radio may have a new opportunity to reach the local community in the near future.
The student-run radio station would be able to reach a much larger audience if it receives a low-power FM license from the Federal Communication Commission, for which it will apply in April. KAMP has never been licensed to broadcast locally before.
The FCC first announced the possibility of allowing a low-power FM broadcast to small groups and educational establishments in January 2000. Since then there have been three groups - allotted by geographical region - allowed to apply for the license. The first group, which consisted of more than 10 states, including California, Kansas and Illinois, was allowed to apply in March. They received confirmation from the FCC in December.
"We are anticipating a public announcement some time in March for a window in April," said Mike Camarillo, broadcast adviser for KAMP.
Stations wishing to receive a low-power FM (LPFM) license must meet several standards. At least 75 percent of the target audience must be within the broadcasting radius and the station must dedicate at least eight hours of daily air time to locally originated programming.
"If we receive a permit we will make sure to follow all FCC guidelines," Camarillo said.
As it currently stands, there are more than 100 KAMP volunteers. Camarillo said he expects more to become interested if the license comes through.
"You bet if we were to begin broadcasting in a three to five mile range there will be some competition (between students) to get on the air," Camarillo said.
Competition from other groups outside the university is also a factor. Of the more than 1,000 groups which initially applied for a license, only 255 were accepted.
Should KAMP receive confirmation - which will most likely happen by the fall - from the FCC to broadcast on an FM frequency, it will have to beat out other community groups hoping to broadcast in the same area. Camarillo said he is enthusiastic about the opportunity to reach this goal.
"Whether it's religious groups or a college radio station, it's about getting to the listeners," Camarillo said. "What LPFM is designed to do is benefit whoever gets it."
KAMP, in order to receive a license, must ensure it will not interfere with other full-power broadcasters, such as KUAT, and that there are available channels from which to broadcast.
"According to studies done by the engineers, we're OK," Camarillo said. "We have done preliminary studies, and there are some channels available."
Students can now find KAMP radio broadcasts on TV3 and Channel 20 in all campus residence halls. Camarillo said there is no sign of changing this situation even with the addition of local air time.
"Residence Life has been very gracious to allow us to broadcast," he said. "(Assistant Director of Residence Life) Steve Gilmore has been very helpful with everything."
Yet, Camarillo said KAMP is eager to expand its broadcasting range and listening audience.
"We have to be very optimistic about getting this," he said.
