Radio, like most industries, has its own jargon and terminology. We at The LION 90.7fm use this language in our own everyday operation. Knowledge of all of these terms is recommended to enhance your understanding of how things work here so as to move you through the training process and enable you to compatibly work …
Category Archives: The LION 90.7fm (WKPS) Broadcaster Training
Policy Basics
The LION 90.7FM (WKPS – State College) is Penn State University’s student radio station. It is chartered as an undergraduate student organization under the Penn State Office of Student Affairs. It is one of Penn State’s largest student organizations. History of The LION 90.7fm How did we get to where we are today? Here’s a …
What was the ‘LION riot’ and why should I care?
Download file During the Fall 2001 semester at Penn State, a relationship that The LION 90.7fm had sought with the College of Communications turned rocky after representatives from the college their own curricular-focused news studio into the extracurricular student station’s sound board without proper communication or permission. This led to an incident known locally as “The …
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Lesson 8. Assessment
What is the correct, advertised name (or “brand”) of our radio station? What is the legal ID of our station? Who are the legal holders of our FCC broadcast license? Who is the intended primary target listening audience of our station? Match the correct job description with the correct officer title Match the letter of …
Lesson 7. Craft, On-Air Tone, and Federal Law
The following is adapted from Professor Matt Jackson’s lesson materials that he has historically presented to new students of The LION 90.7fm. A 2008 video of Prof. Matt Jackson delivering his lecture can be viewed here, and a copy of the lesson notes that accompany the below materials can be accessed here. Law & Ethics The law …
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Lesson 6. Facilities, Engineering, and Operations
Basics of the Board The LION’s AudioArts D 70 on air board is a state of the art digital broadcast console Each element of the studio (mic, CD player, music computer) is controlled by a “channel” on the board Each channel consists of: volume fader (called a pot short for potentiometer) on/off buttons a cue …
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Lesson 5. Formatics, Programmatics, and Production
The Station Programming Grid: What do we broadcast? When and why? Single format is the winning commercial formula – easier to image and sell. But WKPS was founded with the intent of providing “cultural and alternative programming,” allowing for a variety of independent genres enjoyed by students and the community, traditionally not found in the …
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Lesson 4. Language & Theory of Radio
How Radio Works- Commercial radio model Broadcasting is a business Radio stations make money by selling advertising time (commercials) The more people who listen to a station, the more valuable its airtime Stations measure listeners using Arbitron ratings (Arbitron = the Neilsons of radio) Therefore, higher Arbitrons create greater dollar value for airtime CREATING LISTENERSHIP …
Lesson 3. Station Structure
Station Structure Each station staff is governed by a Staff‐head The LION as a whole is governed by five student officers elected by the general staff The LION is advised by alumni and occasionally some local radio professionals. The LION is also supported by the Penn State Media Alumni Interest Group (AIG), which is an affiliate of …
Lesson 2. Identity, Mission, History
History of PSU Student Radio (WPSC, WDFM, WPSU, WKPS) WPSC – Penn State’s first campus radio station Evolved from 8XE and experimental shortwave prior to 1912 Senior Gift of the Class of 1912 WDFM 91.5fm 1951 Senior Class Gift – On the air Dec. 6, 1953 Primary Goal: Provide a learning environment for students, Secondary: …
Penn State Media Alumni Interest Group 