Rock ’n’, rock ’n’ roll radio, let’s go

KCSC Top 10
1. Silver Jews Tanglewood Numbers
2. Franz Ferdinand You Could Have It So Much Better
3. White Stripes Get Behind Me Satan
4. Rogue Wave Descended Like Vultures
5. Matt Pond PA Several Arrows Later
6. Iron And Wine/Calexico In The Reins
7. Capes Hello
8. Hello Blue What It Takes To Wake Up
9. Death Cab For Cutie Cabs
10. Minus The Bear Menos El Oso

Inside the cozy confines of Chico State’s student-run radio station KCSC is a virtual history lesson in rock ‘n’ roll.

Elvis Costello, Sonic Youth and The Osmonds are among thousands of rock icons peering down from tattered posters that serve as the wallpaper at the station’s space on the corner of Second and Cherry streets. And let’s not forget the records. An entire wall of shelves is home to an impressive collection of vinyl that dates back more than half-a-century.

These aren’t the only reminders of the station’s history. While KCSC radio’s playlist has kept up with the times, the station has been operating with antiquated equipment for years.

KCSC general manager Matt Kiser points to a graveyard of dusty tuners and 8-track players stacked up on the floor near the back of the room. He says there have been a few recent additions to the pile.

However, that’s all about to change.

With the board room again teeming with supporters, the Associated Students Government Affairs Committee voted unanimously this week to approve funding that will allow KCSC to replace its shoddy and outdated equipment.

“It’s really exciting,” Kiser said this week. “Everyone was buzzing after the meeting. Everyone was ecstatic.”

KCSC must now wait two weeks for university approval on the $17,000 it will cost for new equipment to operate in the 21st century—including a 12-channel console, computers and a PA that will allow the station to do remote broadcasts and hold its own events.

The station is also closer to finding a home.

Nesto De La Torre, assistant director of activity fees for the A.S., said he received word from Comcast this week that the Rainbow Warehouse building can support the high-speed Internet needed to operate the station. The university-owned building, located on the corner of Fourth and Cedar streets, is also home to Adventure Outings.

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.

It appears KCSC is finally moving in the right direction, but it hasn’t happened overnight.

Since becoming the general manager in July, Kiser has given the station a voice, attending meetings and repairing a “love/hate relationship” between the student government and KCSC, often referred to as “the bastard-child of the A.S.” A decade ago, the station was actually shut down for a year for alcohol violations.

The 22-year-old Kiser has been an important figure in steering KCSC into a credible, hands-on learning tool for students—developing a station manual and creating an advisory board made up of faculty and industry professionals. He said having the new equipment will bring even more professionalism to KCSC.

It’s been quite a turn of events for KCSC, which premiered with the beginnings of rock ‘n’ roll back in 1951. One week ago, the future of KCSC was up in the air—now with new gear and a promising new home, Kiser said he is ready get on with running a radio station.

Reclining on an old sofa in the KCSC lobby, Kiser appeared genuinely pleased.

“I’m actually going to be able to do my job instead of putting out fires and dealing with bureaucracy.”