FAQ
What is KSCR?
KSCR is USC’s student-run radio station, offering 24 hour programming at AM 1560 and over the web at www.kscr.org It provides the campus and community with original programming featuring new and diverse forms of independent music. Students have the opportunity to work in an actual radio station and learn the basics of the music industry and broadcasting. KSCR is committed to being a voice for the student body and an outlet for student expression. It is important for USC to have this unique outlet where students can come together to explore culture and music.
About KSCR’s Format:
KSCR follows a free format, with an emphasis on music that would not be heard on commercial radio. The station plays seven “genres” including: Loud Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Electronica, General Rock (independent, alternative), Punk and World/Latin.
A Brief History:
KSCR traces its roots to the original KUSC, which was operated by students starting in 1946. Eventually, KUSC transitioned to classical programming and moved off-campus in the mid-1970s.
In 1975, a group of students reacted to renewed demand for student-run radio at USC and founded KSCR, a carrier-current station broadcasting out of the Hancock Foundation Building. Eventually, due to equipment failures, the University authorized a grant to move KSCR to its current location in Marks Hall and construct new, state-of-the-art studios. In 1984, KSCR transitioned the carrier-current broadcast to its new studios.
The station was incorporated under USC Student Senate in 1988 thanks to an outpouring of student support. New funds enabled new studio upgrades, and a new logo “SC-53” was adopted to signify a new beginning. Then, starting in late 1990, KSCR started broadcasting through downtown’s then-dominant cable provider, Continental Cablevision. A change in station branding to “The Underground” commemorated this change and the station’s new focus on independent music.
After a period of broadcasting at 104.7fm in downtown, the station began webcasting in April 1998. At first, KSCR broadcasted online through a USC server using Real Audio. This made the station’s programming available to a worldwide audience. The station’s slogan changed to “revolutionary radio” to commemorate the renewed student interest in KSCR thanks to its new online technology.
KSCR now broadcasts over-the-air in downtown Los Angeles at 1560am, and offers two online streams using its own servers. The station is one of the only independent legal webcasters. Today, “revolutionary radio” reflects our approach to radio: hand-picked music in a culture that encourages diversity and independence.
Who oversees KSCR?
USC Student Affairs is responsible for KSCR, along with the Daily Trojan newspaper and the El Rodeo yearbook.
Who operates KSCR?
The station is managed by a general manager (focusing on external affairs); and an assistant general manager (focus on day-to-day internal operations) who are nominated by their predecessors and approved by management each April. The station has a management staff of 20. The station’s five departments are Music, Promotions, Programming, Sales and Operations (which includes engineering).
Management staff gains valuable leadership experience and practical skills that will help them find jobs in the music and broadcast industries when they graduate. At KSCR, the students are the station, and they have both the responsibility and the freedom to run every aspect of the station.
How large is KSCR’s Staff?
The management numbers 20. With DJ’s and interns, the total staff is 120.
What else does KSCR produce?
What is the Ronald Tutor Campus Center Complex? How is KSCR connected to it?
KSCR will be integrated into the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, a $130 million, five level, 192,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art complex, scheduled to open in 2010. It replaces the Commons and Topping Student Center buildings, and will connect to the Gwynn Wilson Student Union and Pertusati Bookstore. For more info, go to: http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/construction/buildings/
KSCR’s 35th anniversary (1975-2010) coincides with the opening of the Tutor Campus Center.
The Tutor Campus Center features an outdoor plaza for dining, socializing and events; student offices and work space, study areas, multi-purpose areas for events and gatherings; meeting and board rooms for student organizations; great dining opportunities including cafes, a full-service restaurant, and convenience store; technology resources, games and entertainment; plus the new Admissions Center and Alumni Center.
KSCR will have a permanent studio in the Tutor Campus Center’s basement, including a lobby, green room, office space and studios. The new KSCR studio will be adjacent to the Traditions café, where live bands will perform. A large-screen plasma TV will provide an inside view of the studio from the café.
To view plans for the building’s lower level, KSCR’s location, go to: http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/construction/private/docs/LowerLevel.PDF
How will KSCR be integrated into the USC Campus Center?
KSCR will have a permanent studio in the Campus Center Complex’s basement, at a cost of more than $1 million. No fundraising for construction is needed – the KSCR studio has been integrated into the architectural plans. Included is a lobby, green room, office space and studios. The new KSCR studio will be adjacent to the Traditions café where live bands frequently perform. A large screen plasma TV will provide an inside view of the studio from the café.
What is the source of KSCR’s current funding?
Since 1988, the majority of KSCR’s operating revenues have been provided by Undergraduate Student Government (USG). The remainder of revenues have been derived from underwriting, public service announcements and member dues. In 2007, USG cut KSCR’s funding by 45%, in an effort to wean the station off USG’s guaranteed funding and move it towards self-sufficiency.
What’s being done to fill the gap?
KSCR must develop a sustainable operating budget as it can no longer rely on USG funding. KSCR staff are developing short-term funding strategies to bridge financial shortfalls. To address long-term funding, both alums and station supporters have come together to create an endowment for the station.
Is a KSCR Endowment Fund needed?
Yes! With this endowment in place, resources available can be focused on operations and capital programs, such as, but not limited to:
Is there support from the University Administration for KSCR and for an Endowment Campaign?
Yes! The station is valued by the University; KSCR studio included as part of the Tudor Campus Center (not requiring a separate capital campaign). That enables us to focus our energies solely on the endowment. We have met with and received support from both Dr. Michael Jackson, Vice President, USC Student Affairs; and his direct report, Patrick Bailey Associate Dean/Executive Director, Student Life and Involvement
What is the goal for KSCR Endowment Fund?
Our goal is to raise $1 million. With that in place, we anticipate a 4.5-5% return based on 12 quarters of experience, or $50,000/year.
Who will oversee the KSCR Endowment Fund?
The University of Southern California’s Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will oversee the KSCR Endowment under the direct administration of the Office Student Life and Involvement.
Following review and approval of KSCR management’s annual operating budget by USC’s Media Board, the board will review and approve management’s annual allocation request from the endowment. The amount spent may never exceed interest income for that year.
How do I make a tax-deductible donation to the KSCR Endowment Fund?
Join the KSCR Leadership Circle by making a tax deductible donation of $1,000 or more!
You may spread your donation over a five-year period – equal annual payments over five years.
To make your donation via check or credit card, please call or email:
Elizabeth McCann, Director of Development, Student Affairs
University of Southern California
STU 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-4891
(213) 740-2421 tel.
(213) 740-5229 fax
Elizabeth will work with you to arrange your particular payment plan.
…or visit the Donate page for more information!
Are there naming opportunities?
For those supporters who seek enhanced recognition of their support for KSCR, naming opportunities are available for the two studios, the lobby, and the green room. Please contact one of the following organizers of KSCRfriends for more information:
Organizers of KSCRfriends are:
