KSLU, Saint Louis University’s student radio station, began the new semester by electing next year’s general manager. In an evening vote on Tuesday, Jan. 16, KSLU’s Board of Directors chose Courtney Nelson to succeeded longtime general manger Bart Lissner. Nelson will take office after Lissner’s graduation in May.
Lissner, a senior majoring in urban affairs, has led the station for nearly two years, and most of the members of KSLU’s Board of Directors have never worked under another general manager. This year’s election was held several weeks early to give ample time for a transition to new leadership.
“Having the election now, in January, gives us six months to get ready for the big change next year,” Lissner said.
Lissner’s years as general manager have been a time of changes and some successes for KSLU. Under his watch, KSLU launched The Amp, the station’s own music magazine, and introduced a mobile DJ team for on-campus events. KSLU also won “most improved college radio station” in a national contest.
Nelson, a junior majoring in psychology and human resources, is currently KSLU’s station manager. Her duties already include much of the day-to-day work of running the radio station.
Nelson’s major goal for next year is to increase KSLU’s profile on campus.
“I want people to say, ‘Hey, I’m not doing anything. Maybe I should see what’s on KSLU.’ I want people that don’t typically listen to KSLU to give it a try and see what we’re about,” Nelson said.
The new general manager also plans to improve The Amp. KSLU only launched the magazine last year, and it still relies on funding from the station. Nelson hopes to lead the publication to financial self-sufficiency through advertising sales by the end of 2008.
Nelson also plans to enhance KSLU’s Web site. The station is only available to listeners online, so Nelson sees that station’s future success as tied to the quality of its Internet presence. She is considering a new feature that would allow Web surfers to request songs from a playlist on the Web site. An online version of The Amp may be available next year.
