Thursday, September 2, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 3
Lazer modifies music format
Change makes KLZR more mainstream
By Emily Hughey
writer @kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
If listeners haven't noticed, the Lazer, a self-dubbed modern rock station, has been infusing Top 40 music into its normal alternative lineup for the past three weeks.
Chad Elliot, program director for 105.9 FM KLZR, said the company that owned the Lazer, Zimmer Broadcasting, conducted a $50,000 survey to determine Lawrence's listening tastes. The survey uncovered that Lawrence wanted a more mainstream radio station.
"We're evolving it to serve Lawrence better," Elliot said.
The Lazer's target audience, Elliot
said, was the working family. He also said it included young adults.
Although the station is changing its format, which Elliot said would now include artists such as Paula Cole and Jewel, traditional programs such as the Local Lazer Music Show will remain on the air.
Despite the move toward more mainstream radio play, Elliot said he was not concerned with competition from other Top 40 radio stations in Kansas City.
"We're Lawrence. They're Kansas City. They're not focused on Lawrence, and they don't care about Lawrence. This is a third market for them, and they don't care," Elliot said. "We're excited about serving Lawrence, and our company is committed to the community we serve."
KJHK, the University of Kansas student radio station, also was happy with the change.
Jessica Dumler, music promotions director for KJHK, said she hoped the change in the Lazer's format would turn more people on to 90.7 FM.
"I think as far as KJHK goes, it's going to open up a big opportunity." Dumler said. "They were the only alternative rock station, and now it's an opportunity for us to gain more listeners."
However, Dumler said KJHK had no plans of changing its lineup. Although she said it would try to make it more accessible to new listeners, it would not go completely mainstream.
"We don't really want to change because we're a college, non-commercial radio station," Dumler said. "It'd be kind of like selling out."
Some students accused KLZR of selling out.
Austin Baumgarten, Prairie Village senior and former summer intern for the Lazer, said he didn't like the idea of the Lazer becoming more mainstream.
'I totally dislike it. They took so much pride in the respect they
received from Rolling Stone," Baumgarten said, referring to KLZR being named one of the "Ten Stations That Don't Suck," in the April 30 issue of Rolling Stone. "Basically, they played what they wanted to play. I think they're selling out."
On the other hand, some students said they looked forward to a more mainstream sound on Lawrence radio.
"I don't like the Lazer. I don't like the music they play," said Geri Cohen, Queens, N.Y., senior. "But I'll probably listen more now."
Still, there are other students who stand in the middle of the road regarding the Lazer's evolution. Tori Brennan, Topeka freshman, said she understood but did not especially appreciate the change.
"I don't know why they needed to make any changes," Brennan said. "I guess they're just trying to meet everybody's needs instead of being an individual."
Edited by Matt Gardner
end," he said. "We've been working hard since school started. We deserve a little break."
Richard Bachman / KANSAN
Cory Mays, Naperville, ill., sophomore, said that although high gas prices were an inconvenience, he wouldn't let them spoil his plans to
On a nationwide level, self-serve regular unleaded gasoline rose an average of 8.1 cents to $1.255 from July to August. That cost was 18 cents higher than last year's pre-Labor Day average price of $1.075.
Gas prices don't deter holiday travelers
However, American Automobile Association officials said in a press release that the high gas prices wouldn't sidetrack holiday plans for the 34.8 million Americans who plan to travel this weekend. In fact, the expected number of travelers has risen two percent since last year and is the second highest total ever.
prices wouldn't impede their holiday plans.
Students who plan to travel during the long weekend said high gas
Wendy Hundley, a clerk at Miller Mart, 1801 W. 2nd St., said gas prices had been increasing during the past several weeks. She said Miller Mart's rising prices were in line with those of other gas stations around Lawrence. But, Hundley said, the higher prices had not affected sales.
By Amber Stuever
writer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Source: AAA Kansas
Dave Mazzarese, Overland Park senior, said the gas prices wouldn't affect his plans to go to the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend.
Gasoline prices have skyrocketed during the past month, but price petroleum won't keep students in Lawrence this Labor Day weekend.
The average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Lawrence this week was $1.18, an increase of about 4 cents since last week.
"We all deserve a three-day week-
travel to Springfield, Mo., this weekend.
"Prices are higher now than I've ever seen them before," he said. "It's enough of a crunch just being a college student. When you factor in rising gas prices it puts more of a crunch on things."
Around the country last month, prices were highest in the West at $1.415 and lowest in the Southeast at $1.166.
Jenette Kubat, Boulder, Colo.. junior, also said the high prices in Kansas were no shock compared to those in her home state. She said gas prices would not keep her from driving home this weekend.
"Gas in Colorado is more expensive, so I'm used to paying that," Kubat said. "I don't even think twice about going home because I'm used to paying those prices."
According to AAA officials, the rising gas prices are due to an output reduction agreement made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in March.
"They are bound to only letting out a certain amount at a time," said Lesley Huston, director of marketing and public affairs for AAA Kansas. "Earlier there was a glut of oil so that's why we were seeing lower prices earlier this year."
— Edited by Chris Hutchison
Poet brings rhythm, activism to Lied Center
Nikkj Giovanni, a professor of English at Virginia
Giovanni: Will speak 7 p.m. tonight
By Lesley Simmons
writer @kansan.com
Kansas staff write
cuss her studies of African-American women, drawing from her poetry and prose 7 tonight at the Lied Center.
Cheryl Lester, professor of American studies and English, said that Giovanni was one of the most significant African-American poets alive.
Polytechnic Institute and State University, will present a lecture titled, "Nikki Glovanni: Past, Present and Future."
A best-selling poet, author, essayist and member of the African-American arts movement will dis-
Giovanni has published almost 20 works since the late '60s, when she was part of the African-American arts movement. She also was politically active, and in 1964 she founded a chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a civil rights organization, at Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville, Tenn.
Maryemma Graham, professor of English, described Giovanni as a vocal champion of individual, human and civil rights. She said she had encouraged her students to go see Giovanni.
"She brought to American poetry a lexicon and rhythms and issues that were so terribly absent before she and others broke this ground," Lester said.
"There are a couple of people you might only get to see once in a lifetime," Graham said. "That's the reason you come to college — to take advantage of these once-in-a-life-
NIKKI GIOVANNI TICKETS
Student Union Activities (864-
3477)
Murphy Hall (864-3982)
Lied Center (864-2787)
Ticketmaster
Yasmeen Coleman, vice president of programs and events for the council and Kansas City, Kan., senior in sociology and African-American studies, said the Council wanted to bring Giovanni to the University because she was a phenomenal speaker and because she had done so much for the African-American community and for women in general.
Coleman said the council planned to use the majority of the proceeds from the event to fund a scholarship. She also said she looked forward to seeing Giovanni.
been sold.
Giovanni's speech is sponsored by the University of Kansas chapter of the National Council of Negro Women.
Michele Traband, Lied Center box office manager, said yesterday afternoon that about 400 tickets had
"I have seen videos of her speeches," Coleman said. "She keeps your attention. When she moves, your eyes follow."
time experiences."
Graham has seen Giovanni speak in the past.
Tickets are $3 for students, staff and faculty at the KU box offices.
General admission tickets are $5.
"There may be a thousand people in the audience, but you feel like she is talking to you," she said.
"She is one of the best examples we have of poetry that speaks to social change, the power of culture to bring about change," she said.
Graham said Giovanni had challenged young people to learn skills in college and then to use those skills to change the world.
Edited by Allan Davis
Rock Chalk Revue Advisory Board is now taking applications for:
Members at Large
Applications available in the O&L office. Due Friday, Sept. 3 at 5pm
STUDENT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SENATE
Attention Students!!!
You Are Invited to the 1st Meeting of the Year! Committee Orientation September 8,1999 6:00 p.m. Kansas Union Ballroom Reminder: You can pick up applications in the Student Senate Office. Applications are due tomorrow.
Blues Band
$2.50 Micro Brew Drafts
JOSH SMITH & THE FROST
NO COVER
721 Wakarusa