At 5 p.m. on Oct. 1, 1994, KPSU officially joined the airwaves and embarked on what’s been a 25-year journey in radio, music and self-expression.
For those who haven’t visited the sub-basement of Smith Memorial Student Union or streamed one of the 50 plus shows available online, a quick introduction: KPSU is Portland State’s student-run college radio station.
Early on — back when the station was known as Project KPSU — the station lived in what Vicky Mazzone described as a tiny closet on the second floor. KPSU has since relocated to the sub-basement and slowly reformed a computer lab into the lounge and studio space it is today. Mazzone hosts Guitar Shop, the second-longest running show on KPSU with 23 years on air.
Humble beginnings
When KPSU launched, they shared airwaves with Portland Public Schools thanks to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Benson High School’s station was in financial trouble, and PSU learned that not only were there no radio frequencies available, but purchasing an existing channel came at a high cost — $1 million. Instead, PSU would buy 49 hours of airtime a week from PPS and stream daily between 5 p.m. and midnight.
“There is no major college radio station in Portland and this is an exciting opportunity for PSU,” said Don Nasca, then coordinator of KPSU in 1994 according to the Vanguard. “We want to know what people want to hear that isn’t on radio already in Portland.”
Trouble with the FCC
For 15 years, KPSU allowed students to explore alternative music, boost local bands and provide a space for free thought. But in 2010, the contract with KBPS ended suddenly. One of the student shows used “offending language” and KBPS opted to remove KPSU’s ability to broadcast on their AM station. KPSU hasn’t returned to the airwaves since, instead streaming exclusively online.
The station applied with the FCC in 2013 to rejoin the airwaves, but their application was rejected.
“It’s not the worst thing to happen: the question is how we look forward,” says Reaz Mahmood, coordinator of student media. “How people consume audio has evolved so much that I really don’t think in the big spectrum of things that’s going to be such a big deal.”
The students behind KPSU agree.
Ned Tilbrook, promotions director, says they still keep to the FCC guidelines just in case KPSU opts to try again in the future, but also, “it’s just best practice,” he adds. KPSU plays in Smith and can be heard by passersby in the pedestrian walkway.
They’re looking at new ways to reach listeners, maybe more podcast-esque shows that could stream on Spotify. But also ways to reach potential DJs.
“Old-timey” appeal
“There’s an astounding mystery to it,” says Anna Ross, volunteer director. “I didn’t know this was going to happen when I signed up to be a DJ. One hour, once a week where I just come in here and don’t think about anything else. It’s the best downtime ever.”
Tilbrook says he didn’t know he wanted a radio show until he was offered one.
Ross adds students are always surprised when they learn about KPSU and that anyone can have a show to use as they wish.
“It’s one of the freest spaces on campus in terms of expression because we literally let you do whatever you want,” Ross says.
Mahmood argues that student radio is integral to the campus community and provides more than just an opportunity to try out radio.
“It’s one of the most direct ways someone can have their voice,” he says. “The campus uses an equity lens and I think sometimes an under-appreciated facet of that is just direct empowerment. There is an opportunity for somebody to take the ball and run with it.”