JENNA JAUREGUI
FEATURES EDITOR

The Buggles lamented that “video killed the radio star” with their classic 1979 single, but CSUSM students are proving that radio rules the airwaves once again. Broadcasting live from campus, CSUSM College Radio is gaining a reputation as one of the leading media and entertainment sources for CSUSM students. The organization was recently recognized as the Best New Student Org for 2011 at the Tukwut Leadership awards night.

CSUSM College Radio began in Spring 2010 as a student project in Dr. Youwen Ouyang’s software engineering class. Rosario Vizcaino was the mastermind behind this idea, founding the radio program in spite of the obstacles involved in taking on such a large project. “I had proposed the idea of starting a web-based radio since there was no radio on campus. My classmates thought the project was very difficult to do, so they opted for another project and the group dropped the idea. I then proceeded on my own and within about two weeks the radio was created,” Vizcaino stated.

In a year’s time, CSUSM College Radio has evolved from inspiration to reality. In 2010, Student Life and Leadership formally recognized the radio program as a student organization. The Student Media Advisory Council (SMAC) now recognizes the program as an official student media outlet.

CSUSM College Radio is a web based radio station that is run “by students for the students” according to its website, www. csusm.info. Students can tune in to several different shows, view a schedule of show content and air times, and contact the radio program via chat or messages. The station features a variety of music to suit any taste, so there is something for every CSUSM student. Campus news and events are also broadcast through the CSUSM radio ether; the program often makes an appearance at various CSUSM happenings to give entertainment and live coverage.

Because of its primary focus on student interests, CSUSM College Radio strives to show appreciation for its audience. “Currently, we support all campus orgs through live performances and by advertising their events on the web based radio page as well as Facebook. We also host radio shows where any interested student can participate. We promote diversity and encourage campus involvement,” Vizcaino said.

A positive, fast-paced future is in store for CSUSM College Radio. Vizcaino assured students and faculty that “interest for the radio program is growing very rapidly. I hope that soon we can have our own official studio. Currently we use the services provided by the library such as the music studios to broadcast live on our page. We are currently in the development of creating a training to show students how to DJ. We find there to be a demand for DJ’s and we certainly would encourage those who have a passion for music to participate, we’ll train you and guide you. Currently, we have a radio class taught by Joan Anderson. The class covers broadcast and journalism for radio, print, and web. It’s a very good class for those interested in radio broadcasting. This class helps us with our different shows, as we have to write scripts and agenda’s that prepare us for our live shows.”

All are welcome to join CSUSM College Radio meetings every Monday from 1 – 2 p.m. University Hall 458. For more information and updates on this up-and-coming program, visit www.csusm.info or find CSUSM College Radio on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Rosario Vizcaino