ABOUT

Thank you for your interest in KSU’s OWL Radio!
Kennesaw State OWL Radio is part of KSU’s student media (KSU Student Media includes The Sentinel, Talon Monthly, Share Art & Literary, and the Marketing Team, all under the umbrella of the Student Media Board) and began broadcasting with live student DJs July 9, 2007.

What kind of station is OWL Radio?
At least for now, OWL Radio is a streaming radio station. We use a service called Live365 to broadcast. Their site attracts 4 million plus listeners every month, and being listed in their directory provides exposure in and of itself. Also, their expanding distribution network includes TiVo, Philips Streamium, D-Link, Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, iTunes, and others. Live365 is an end to end solution with broadcasting software, bandwidth, tracking, reporting, licensing, customization, and support.

There is no FCC governance over internet radio. However, as part of its mission and for educational purposes, KSU will follow regular FCC policy. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (”DMCA”) was passed by Congress and details the rules regarding Internet broadcasts that are eligible for compulsory licenses. There is an excellent section on the wiki devoted to this: http://wiki.live365.com/pmwiki.php?n=Broadcasting.DMCA.
OWL Radio continues to explore additional broadcasting options, including Low Power FM, Low Power AM, satelite, HD, and of course, FM. Low Power AM is currently under construction.

To listen do I have to use the Live365 Player Window?
No. OWL Radio is available for launching in iTunes, WinAmp, Real Player, Windows Media Player, and just about any MP3 player. You can listen to KSU OWL Radio on your mobile device with Tunein and watch us on Ustream.

What kind of format will OWL Radio be? What kind of music will we hear?
The station’s format – the kind of music that will be played, etc. – is determined by the students that become part of OWL Radio. The licenses ASCAP/BMI/SESAC have been paid for, so the sky is the limit. However, other factors will also contribute to final format: the mission statement, desires & tastes of listeners, the station’s staff, and even the ability to generate revenue from underwriters or sponsors. All this is a round-about way of saying that you decide on the format.

Can OWL Radio broadcast live?
Yes, and currently does. The station has the necessary high speed internet connection (DSL, Cable, etc) and other equipment (telephones and sufficient inputs) to do so. However, there is a 4-9 second delay between actual broadcast and what you hear, depending on the player or method you are using to tune in.

How much time does a DJ dedicate?
In the Studio, we ask DJs to host a two-hour show, once a week. Outside of the Studio, we ask DJs to dedicate volunteer service to the station by joining one of the teams (News, New Music, Underwriting, Promotions, Sports, Production, etc.). This can be posting flyers, editing music, doing sports broadcasts, sitting at tables, etc.

Will DJs be trained?
Yes! Before you go on the air, you will need to go through a training program consisting of both broadcast and production labs, and shadow or assist a more experienced DJ or senior staff member. An academic class through the Communication department is also in the works. A DJ position, like any member of a KSU student organization, must be enrolled at KSU – at least six degree credit semester hours. Additionally, top editors/managers of KSU Student Media must must be full time (12 credit hours/semester) and maintain at least a 2.5 adjusted GPA.

How much do DJs get paid?
DJs are volunteers. Because there are so many volunteers, and because we have little funding to work with, DJs are not paid. As the station grows, we may be able to pay our DJs in the future – but for now, please do not apply if you need payment.

Can DJs get University credit for DJing?
Perhaps. We don’t give the credit; one would have to contact a professor to find out the possibility of receiving credit for radio work in an internship or directed study environment. The instructor would assign academic credit, OWL Radio would act as the employer (as we currently do with our other media groups, The Sentinel, Share and Talon magazine).

Do DJs have to do music shows?
No. We take DJs for music, talk, educational, sports, sports play-by-play, and news shows. Or, if you have other ideas, let us know. We like creative people!

Does KSU have music we can play?
OWL Radio has a growing music selection, all digital. If you have music you would like to donate (must be original CDs, not burned copies), contact the station’s adviser.

How do I submit music to be considered for airplay?
OWL Radio accepts music submissions from anyone with recordings. If you’re an unsigned band, a small label, a major label or just a few kids playing around in the basement – if you play good music, we’ll give it a listen and consider it for airplay. For more info, go here: Music Submission.

What can and can’t DJs play on the air?
As far as show topics and music selection goes, OWL Radio staff (yes, you get a vote), the station’s mission statement, listeners and FCC guidelines determine show types, genres and even specific songs that may be played. However, we want to make sure that DJs are given as much freedom of expression and creative license within the extent of the applicable state and federal laws and rules of the University. This is, after all, what college radio is all about. For specifics, contact the General Manager or Program Director.

Can DJs have guests or take calls over the air?
If a DJ wishes to have a guest or guests (for their show or related to it), they must first obtain permission from the Program Director.
Also, we do have the ability to take calls live on the air. Try it – call 678-797-COOL (2665).

Can OWL Radio host live bands or other live events?
We do have that capability. If you are interested in being a DJ and having live music on your shows, please contact the General Manager or Program Director after your training. KSU is already hosting and broadcasting forums on a broad range of issues, lectures, speeches, graduations, athletic events, student created radio shows, live and remote events, alumni events, local bands, podcasts – there are lots of exciting possibilities!

How many people are listening?
Right now, we average between 200-700 listeners a day. We utilize Live365’s Professional Broadcasting Services (PRO) to broadcast audio via the Internet. Their services include a listenership tracking program; DJs can monitor listenership during their show with this program.

When can I do my show?
DJs must schedule a timeslot with the Program Director. Almost all timeslots are 2 hours in length, although special shows can receive 1 or 3 hour timeslots. If we receive many applications, we want to accommodate as many of you as possible – then the majority of our timeslots will be 1 hour. Specific timeslots are under discussion and will be determined by a combination of factors: availability, staff needs, popularity and seniority, to name a few.

What equipment does OWL Radio have for DJs to use?
Currently, we have MP3 capabilities, DJ style CD players, tape decks, mini-disc players, and turntables. We have remote equipment and a small group PAWe have a broadcast area a production area, and small office, running on over a dozen Apple computers . Our equipment is top of the line and completely digital.