FEATURE
★
KJHK THROUGH THE YEARS
Before radio at KU became "Your Sound Alternative: KJHK 90.7," early broadcasts at the University were committed to progressive, cutting-edge content. The first manifestation of radio broadcasting began in 1924, though it morphed and grew with advancements in technology. During the '50s and '60s the radio station operated through an AM frequency as KUOK, which only reached to the dorms. Programming through this period featured rock n' roll as well as jazz. Jayhawk basketball great Wilt Chamberlain even hosted a 30-minute weekly talk show called "Flip'er the Dipper" in 1956.
In 1975 the station moved to the FM airwaves and broadcasted for the first time as it does still today, as KJHK 90.7. Since then, KJHK has remained committed to airing progressive programming while catering to the sonic desires of its audience. The station has hosted numerous news and talk shows, many directly catering to minority groups on campus, especially during the civil rights movement.
KJHK has redefined itself regularly throughout the past 20 to 30 years, forcing the station to constantly question its relevance to its audience, says Tom Johnson, KJHK general advisor."In the '80s KJHK was 'the source' for counterculture and alternative programming, before the Internet," he says. "Now, we're just another source out there, so it's very important that we offer something that no other station does—unique, localized programming."
The physical changes of the actual station reflect KJHK's distinctive persona just as much as its programming. From 1975 until last year, KJHK broadcasted from a small building
on 11th St. called the Sudler Annex, but more commonly and endearingly known to many DJs as "The Shack." In May 2010, KJHK made the move into the Student Union, where it has a brand new, state-of-the-art studio on the fourth floor. Johnson says that although the Shack had such character and a past with KJHK, the new studio and the visibility it will create for the station will only help it move forward.
"There's such a rich history with KJHK, more than I bet most people are aware of," says Dan Cook, who also fronts the local band The Scriveners. "The shack, with all its graffiti and the posters, was the most tangible part."
RULING THE AIRWAVES
KJHK isn't affiliated with any media groups, licensing groups or record companies. All its programming decisions and relationships with bands, venues or events are at the discretion of its student staff. This creative freedom allows the station to create its own voice that speaks for its audience, which is equal parts KU students and Lawrencians, Sullivan says.
"Students are attracted to KJHK because
"We try and produce creative content [music, news and sports] that our audience has a genuine interest in, instead of being just another medium with the same regurgitated information, and we have the freedom to do that," Sullivan says.
they have a passion for music, and if they're like I was, coming from Lenexa, 96.5 the Buzz just wasn't cutting it," she says. Because the station doesn't have to worry about profits or corporate structure, the station's bottom line can be artistic quality instead of money. Kansas City station the Buzz's tagline is "The Alternative," but is owned by Entercom Communications and licensed by big-four group BMI. The FCC is the only entity KJHK is required to answer to (by law), beside University administration.
HOME GROWN
KJHK has a hand in projecting great indie acts into the national limelight, and the airtime it gives to such bands and artists allows KJHK to develop relationships with them, whether they are the Flaming Lips or Arcade Fire. But the station's focus is on staying relevant to its audience, Sullivan says. Its relationship with the downtown music scene is huge for the station, local venues and local bands, as well as national touring acts that make stops in Lawrence. "For being a fairly small Midwestern town, Lawrence is a hot spot for many national acts, and I think that's because we're playing them on our station," Sullivan says.
Jackpot Saloon manager Brad Shanks says the bar works very closely with KJHK because the two have common goals for music promotion, locally and nationally. "KJHK plays the music and encourages quality bands to do shows in Lawrence," Shanks says. "We offer them a place to play, KJHK plays their music, which helps promote our shows. It's a mutually-beneficial relationship and it's very important to us."
Photo Illustration | Travis Young
Tune in: Lawrence residents and KU students
appreciate JKHK's alternative and local content.
Bradley Barton, Larned senior, listens regularly to KJHK and says that the appeal of station is its alternative content. "My favorite program is Jam Sandwich, because you really don't hear that kind of music anywhere else," Barton says. "It's a refreshing break from the tedious pop that's played on other stations."
The Jackpot Saloon, 943 Massachusetts St., hosted KJHK's Farmer's Ball, an annual local battle of the bands. This past November, The Will Nots, who formed early in the fall of 2010, won the event. Guitarist Tyler Francis says on top of winning and doing in-studio sets at KJHK, the band have truly enjoyed working alongside KJHK. "We're an energetic, boogey and soul group and the energy of a live crowd is what we feed off of," Francis says. "We love that KJHK is involved with local music and we want to work with them to keep live music alive," Francis says.
I bet the milkman agrees. JP
Programmed to Love
In addition to daily weekday programs Jazz in the Morning (6 a.m.-9 a.m.), Breakfast for Beatlovers (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) and New Music Rotation (12 p.m.-6 p.m.). KJHK serves up diverse tastes of the alternative. Here are a few popular special programs.
Hickory Wind
Folk, country and Americana Saturdays 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sports Talk
Weekdays 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Kansas in Heat
Your sex and relationship guide Mondays 9 p.m.-10 p.m.
Audio Origami
All things Japanese
Wednesdays 11 p.m.-12 a.m.
Jam Sandwich
Underground and mainstream hip hop.
Saturdays 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Moving your groove thing Sundays 6 p.m.-8 p.m..
Hip Hop Hype
s Bronson/KANSAN of many differ-
in student riders
BY ADAM STRUNK
astrunk@kansan.com
Perfume, alcohol and sweat pervade the air. Students drink colorful liquids from water bottles or sneak sips from cans of Busch Light and Keystone hidden beneath jackets. The group, stacked body upon body, begins an impromptu rendition of the national anthem followed by the Rock Chalk chant. One couple makes out, trying to steady themselves against the wall. This is everything one imagines as a college party at the University of Kansas ... and it's on wheels.
He helps us in our Safety.
Adam Rubler/KANSAN FI FPHOTO
2011, Safelux recorded 37,283 rides, a 70 percent increase from the 21,999 rides recorded during the corresponding time period last school year.
"The secret here is adding Daisy Hill," he said. Safe Bus,
A student hops onto SafeBus. This year SafeBus has experienced a rise in ridership.
"The numbers have been quite surprising," said Derek Meier, transport coordinator for KU on Wheels. Meier explained that the large growth in ridership was because of the restructuring of routes.
SEE SAFEBUS ON PAGE 3A
postponed in senate
In an effort to give student senators the chance to better represent their constituents and themselves, the student rights committee drafted a student senator Code of Ethics to be added to the senate rules and regulations.
BY ANGELIQUE MCNAUGHTON amcnaughton@kansan.com
Student senate member Brandon Weiderholt, a freshman from Garnett, said he hadn't experienced anything unethical during his time in senate. However, Weiderholt said it would be a good thing to have.
"When you're controlling a budget that big and with that much power, this is definitely a good idea," Widerholt said. "We're trying to make sure students know their senators are being held accountable."
Student senators are responsible for controlling a $24 million budget. With no current code of conduct or similar ethical code directly related to senate, the student rights committee proposed the bill to provide some accountability for student senators.
Harris said he felt chief of staff Aaron Dollinger moved to have the bill postponed in order to enable himself more time to look it over because the bill would add more responsibilities to his position.
Student senator Aaron Harris, a senior from Wyandotte and a photographer for The University Daily Kansan, is a sponsor of the bill and the driving force behind it. He said throughout the past few years senate didn't have an ideal image.
"I am a little disappointed that it got postponed but its better than being defeated," Harris
3. Senators are elected by their fellow students. Therefore, it is their duty to pay attention during session to make sure that their constituency is being duly represented.
2. A bill should be voted on for its merit to the student body regardless of the author.
1. Members of the Student Senate at the University of Kansas are empowered by the student body to represent student interests both responsibly as well as ethically.
3. Senators are
"I think that it is important that when you have a piece of legislation that directly affects any position you thoroughly go through it," Dollinger said.
Dollinger said he thought it was necessary to have a document that makes it clear how senators should act and to have the enforcement of the code go through his office because his staff is very knowledgeable of senate rules and regulations.
The bill will be the first item on the agenda at the next full senate meeting on March 16 in the Kansas room of the Kansas
SUGGESTED ARTICLE FOR THE STUDENT SENATE CODE OF ETHICS:
said.
SEE ETHICS ON PAGE 3A
View the proposed Code of Ethics bill at kansan.com
GREEK LIFE | 2A
Letter sheds light on hazing
The University's final report on potential hazing incident is unveiled.
GAMEDAY|8A
Jayhawks take on Tigers
Kansas will play its last game of the conference season at Missouri
INDEX
Classifieds ... 3A
Crossword ... 4A
Cryptoquips ... 4A
Opinion ... 5A
Sports ... 10A
Sudoku ... 4A
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