KCSC doing the limbo rock

Matt Kiser has big plans for KCSC—the problem is they may not see the light of day unless the student-run radio station finds a new home.

The station’s bespectacled general manager joined a bevy of supporters crowded into a meeting room this week as the Associated Students Government Affairs Committee decided it needed more time before voting whether or not to kick down the extra ducats needed to rent the station a new space.

Kiser, who started out as a DJ in fall of 2002, has been a key factor in not only steering KCSC in a new direction but repairing a somewhat-strained relationship between the Internet radio station and the Associated Students. Now he hopes his hard work won’t go unnoticed when the A.S. votes next week.

There are currently two locations being looked into—one right here on the bottom floor of the Chico News & Review and another in the Rainbow Warehouse located on Fourth and Cedar streets.

However, both scenarios pose separate dilemmas.

The space in the CN&R building would require the A.S. to approve pulling out an extra $2,400 from its emergency reserve in order to help pay the $2,000 monthly rent payment. And the Rainbow Warehouse, while considerably less expensive, may not be able to support the high-speed Internet required to run the operation.

Nesto De La Torre, assistant director of activity fees, said pulling money out of the A.S.'s emergency reserve fund wouldn’t be much of an issue—this semester. But looking ahead to the 2005-06 and 2006-07 semesters, renting the CN&R space would cost $1.14 per square-foot, or $22,800—well over the $9,000 currently budgeted for KCSC rent. Renting space in the Rainbow Warehouse would only cost 30 cents per square-foot, but De La Torre said he’s still waiting for word from Comcast and SBC as to whether or not the facility can support DSL.

The search for a new home has been ongoing since students voted in favor of the new Wildcat Activity Center, to be constructed on the corner of Second and Cherry streets where KCSC is currently housed. Demolition of the old Reynolds Warehouse building was scheduled for December, but has been pushed back a few months.

And while this buys the station some more time, Kiser and his staff of 70 still find themselves in limbo.

Kiser, now in his third year with KCSC and first as the station’s GM, has made it a point to re-establish a relationship with the A.S., attending meetings and giving KCSC an actual voice. He said poor leadership within the station is one of the reasons why KCSC hasn’t asked for money for improvements in nearly five years.

The station has been in need of a new mixing console and new wiring for some time, and Kiser said the existing equipment may not survive a move.

In the meantime, Kiser is working on assembling an advisory board, made up of industry professionals and faculty, as well as making improvements to their Web site. He also has visions of getting KCSC back on the FM dial, which will allow the station to generate money through advertising.

Kiser said it all comes down to creating a professional work environment for those looking to further their skills at KCSC.

“I just want a home.”