WSUR Expands With FM Designation

SALISBURY, MD---WSUR, Salisbury University’s Web-based student radio station, recently received approval of a low-power FM frequency from the Federal Communications Commission. The new designation will allow the station’s 100-watt signal to span a seven-mile radius, giving students the opportunity to broadcast off campus for the first time. “We wanted to ratchet up a notch the professionalism and experience the students receive at the station,” said John Fields, assistant vice president of student affairs and an advisor to WSUR. “Sending a signal out into the community will allow us to do that.” The Salisbury community also will have a stake in the station with representatives joining SU officials on a student radio advisory board. While the station will remain staffed by students, much will change in its daily operation with the FM designation. Marketing, finance and communication and theatre arts majors may find more opportunities at the station, Fields said. In addition, the station’s call letters may change, though SU is requesting an FCC waiver to keep the WSUR name. “The students like it because it has meaning: Salisbury University Radio,” Fields said. The new frequency will be set at 96.3 FM. A transmitter for the station is expected to be in place by July 2005. Studies are being done to determine the best location either on or off campus. In the meantime, student radio advisors will choose a format for the station and decide how long it will remain on the air each day. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.