Student radio a step closer to air

UW–Madison student radio station WSUM hopes to make the leap from the Internet to the airwaves by early 1999, pending construction of its radio tower in southern Dane County.

Last month, the Dane County Zoning and Natural Resources Committee voted to grant UW–Madison a permit for the tower in the town of Montrose, about 15 miles southwest of Madison. The university’s next step is to answer an appeal by the town to the full Dane County Board and the Board of Adjustments.

The tower site had generated local opposition from some residents fearing a decline in aesthetic character. However, the Federal Communications Commission rules confine any new tower to a four-mile area around the town to avoid interference with existing stations.

WSUM Manager Dave Black said the station will bring a programming blend of public affairs, community service, music and sports for broadcast on 91.7 FM. More than 100 students are currently involved with the station, but the number should rise after they reach an on-air audience, he said.

Students have been working since 1993 for broadcasting rights. Listeners wanting an early taste of WSUM can tune into the station’s “netcast” via the Web.