Rights
The reproduction of images from the Pittsburg State University Special Collections & University Archives requires permission and possible payment for use in both digital and printed works, including books, articles, films and television; and for advertising or commercial purposes. Please see the "Application for Permission to Publish, Quote, Broadcast, or Exhibit Items from the Special Collections & University Archives" in the FAQ for more information. Those using these images and texts assume all responsibility for questions of copyright and privacy that may arise.
Preview
Creation Date
1988
Description
Article and photos on the KRPS radio station at Pittsburg State University as featured in the 1988 Kanza.
[Transcript]
KRPS Station a Reality
This is KRPS FM 90 commencing broadcast from the campus of Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS."
With these words by Frank Baker, general manager of KRPS, PSU finally reached its long awaited goal of having "a classical alternative to music listening."
On April 29 at 3:15 p.m. the radio station studios locard in Shirk Hall were crowded with anxious university officials, TV cameras and reporters awaiting the 4 p.m. sign-on.
According to Baker, the station had to be on the air by May 1 or important federal funding for the following year would not be available. However, technicians were still hooking up wires and checking equipment to make sure everything was working properly.
By 3:30 p.m. though, Baker said that he was certain everything would be ready for the boradcast.
"Things looked iffy this morning," Baker said, "but they (the engineers) have been telling me all day that things would work out, but I wasn't really sure until 3:30."
On the sign-on day, KRPS broadcasted from an antenna at 500 feet and at a limited power reducing its coverage to 40 to 50 miles from Pittsburg. Within a few days, however, the 1050 feet 100,000 watt tower located near Weir was completed and the broadcast area was increased to 75 to 100 miles.
"This is a magic moment," President Dr. Donald Wilson said. "This is something we have worked for and dreamed about. It's one of those things that makes you give a big sigh of relief."
The idea of establishing a radio station at PSU was first designated as a top priority by Wilson and PSU officials in 1984.
However, the development of the station was delayed from December 1984 to August 1985 when the Federal Communications Commission placed a freeze on accepting new radio station applications.
Throughout 1985 and 1986, a search for a frequency and a tower site was conducted.
Finally in 1987, a frequency was located, a tower site was purchased and several federal grants were awarded. Since that time, Baker was hired as general manager, Jan O'Connor as director of development, Mark Simmons as music director, Michael McCurdy as news director and Keith Retzer as chief engineer.
The station, which is affiliated with National Public Radio features classical music, opera, jazz, new age music and many news and interview segments. --Sally Long [author]
Comments
[Photo 1, page 1 top left, captions]
A sign in front of Shirk Hall, which houses the studios for KRPS, announce the airing of the station with took place April 29. --Ragan Todd [photographer]
[Photo 2, page 1 top right, captions]
Putting finishing touches on the electrical equipment is technician Dennis Semple from Sioux City, Ia. The morning before KRPS hit the airwaves was hectic, making sure everything was working right. --Ragan Todd [photographer]
[Photo 3, page 2 bottom, captions]
Giving the cue is KRPS Music Director Mark Simmons. The classical music format was chosen so that KRPS could be classified as a National Public Radio station. --Ragan Todd [photographer]
[Photo 4, page 2, captions]
A smile and a handshake from Frank Baker, general manager of KRPS, is just what the doctor order for President Donald Wilson. Wilson has been working to get a radio station on campus since 1984. --Ragan Todd [photographer]