Southeastern’s radio station, KSLU 90.9 FM, joined more than 350 college radio stations nationwide in observance of “College Radio Day.”

College Radio Day was held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 by a number of college radio stations including KSLU. According to www.collegeradioday.com, the point of College Radio Day is to spread listenership of college radio among those who may not normally listen to college radio stations.

“It’s a big group of college based radio stations getting together and drawing attention to college radio stations and the value they provide on campus,” said Todd Delaney, general manager of KSLU.

Delaney elaborated by saying that the day was an opportunity for college radio stations to spread awareness for the issues facing college radio stations. These issues are numerous, but Delaney pointed out one in particular.

“There are some universities out there who are selling their college radio licenses for money,” Delaney said. “[College Radio Day] brings awareness to the value of radio on campus and to the community as well.”

In addition to speaking throughout the day about the benefits of college radio, KSLU aired a documentary about the past and present of on campus radio. According to Delaney, the documentary was supposed to inform listeners about the origins of college radio, its current status, what it is doing for universities and the future of radio on campus.

When asked about the importance of College Radio Day for KSLU, Delaney expressed the need to get the word out amongst old and new listeners alike due to the budget issues facing all colleges.

“It is necessary for a lot of universities to get the word out,” Delaney said. “Fortunately, KSLU is well funded. I think we’re doing pretty well.”

Delaney hoped that listeners of KSLU would realize some of the many benefits that college radio offers to the community both on and off campus.

When asked about some of these benefits, Delaney said that “it is a great place for local musicians to get their start and to find an audience.”

Delaney went on to explain that college radio stations are often the testing ground for commercial radio stations.

Delaney invited new and old listeners alike to tune in and offer their suggestions on the radio and programming.

“We’re always looking for input,” Delaney said. “If a listener has a really great idea for a fantastic show, new music or something they’d like to see us do in the future, we’re always open to new ideas.”

For more information on College Radio Day, visit www.collegeradioday.com. For information about KSLU 90.9 FM, visit www.kslu.org.