Good news, KSLU fans-you can now listen to the station without ever turning on your radio or TV. That’s right, KSLU has now become ultra-available, and all you need is a computer with Internet access.
By going to kslu.slu.edu and clicking the “listen” link on the right side of the page, your computer will be connected to the live stream of the radio station, after downloading a small file. iTunes is the default player that will open, but you can also connect using Windows Media Player.
“KSLU thought iTunes was a great avenue, since almost all music listeners use iTunes on their computers,” said Courtney Nelson, KSLU general manager.
In the age of iPods and easy Internet listening, becoming available on the Internet was the obvious next step in promoting KSLU.
According to Nelson, KSLU made a one-time purchase of a program called Nicecast, which works with iTunes, to provide the stream.
“At KSLU, we have a variety of programming, but many of our shows play indie rock and hip hop. We also have specialty programming that includes our sports show, a news show and the Power Hour, which features myself, Andrew Clifton [SGA President] and Gagan Ragu [Commuter Senator],” Nelson said.
Kyle Lewis, station manager, added that the KSLU programming appeals to a wide range of listeners.
“We also have a sports show, KSLUSports, with Robert Moehle, Mike Deye and Michael Evans, and an afternoon news talk show with George Caputa and Meg Murphy,” Lewis said.
Started in 1920 as a religious station, the radio station began in conjunction with the establishment of the first station west of the Mississippi River, WEW. It then gradually became independent of its mother station and became a training ground for students interested in radio as a career. The stream on iTunes was an affordable and convenient way for KSLU to reach a larger audience. With the help of ITS and a little research, KSLU managers were able to successfully add this feature to their ever-evolving website.
“We have a lot of exciting plans for the future. First off, we are adding new functionality to our new website every week. It’s a great place to learn more about DJs and their shows and to check the schedule for when shows are on. Also, watch out for select KSLU shows being broadcast in some great new locations -eateries, around the BSC and more–around campus. We also now offer our great music publication, ‘The Amp’ online,” Lewis said.
Many Saint Louis University students are equally as excited about the future of KSLU and the recent online availability.
Freshman Katelyn Coyle, an avid iTunes user, feels that these improvements will help to bolster knowledge about the station.
“I think it’s great that KSLU is on iTunes now; that’s a big step for them. It will make it a lot easier to listen, especially since everybody is always on their laptop anyway,”?Coyle said.
