KCR (SDSU)


KCR College Radio a student-run, online radio station located on the first floor of the communication building on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California. KCR is a program of Associated Students at San Diego State University.

Operations and broadcasting

In continuous operation since 1969, KCR's original broadcasts took place over cable systems. This was followed by Carrier Current AM on AM 550 in the Dorms on campus and in the campus area on the hard wired PA systems in the cafeterias and Aztec Center, as well as later analog FM band transmission, before it started broadcasting by way of 1610 AM in the college community area. It can currently be heard on local digital cable channels Cox 956 and TWC 957, and in the SDSU dorms on HD 81-61. It also streams to a KCR College Radio Android App, the TuneIn Radio app, and a Shoutcast player on its website.
KCR can be heard playing in University Towers Kitchen and Cuicacalli Dining Hall on SDSU's campus, and Pizza Boss on College Square.

History

KCR Radio has long been considered one of the nation’s original college radio stations. Its free-form music format provided a launching pad for then undiscovered musical talents like the Police, the Clash, REM, Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails. KCR has recently changed from a free-form, music only format to a block schedule with music, talk, sports, and other programming.

Philosophy and Format

In the 1970s, KCR boasted, "If you hear it on commercial radio stations, you won't hear it here," a testament to the fierce devotion of its DJs to independent, free-form radio. With DJs as diverse as the SDSU student population, the resulting broadcast variety of music and talk shows appeals to a wide cross-section of listeners with a loyal following locally, domestically, and even internationally on occasion.
In 2013, KCR moved its programming away from free-form. KCR's current mission is to be the "Sound of State," student designed programming for the SDSU community. Another part of KCR's mission is to provide opportunities for students to share their creativity, explore a career path, and gain broadcast and technical skills. All content is created by and broadcast by students. The station still has free-form shows, called Aztec Originals, where students are allowed to broadcast whatever content they want. Structured talk shows include The KCR Morning Show, #stateproblems, Talkin' Aztec Sports, and Talkin' National Sports. All songs played can be viewed on the KCR College Radio App for Android, the Tunein radio app for iPhone, and on the website.

Live Remote Broadcasting

KCR broadcasts live coverage of SDSU Ice Hockey and Baseball games that were an early 1970s popular addition. KCR talk show hosts have also covered student political events live from the field, such as a student moderated open-forum on the CSU "Student Success Fee," and 2013 A.S. presidential candidate Gabriel Torres' open forum. Music DJs broadcast live from University Towers Kitchen on Friday nights.

Secret Sessions

In an effort to give SDSU students a chance to practice interviewing and production skills, KCR started a YouTube and Soundcloud series called "Secret Sessions" in Fall 2013. Secret Sessions premiered with an interview and acoustic performances by indie folk band Dresses, followed by a session with local San Diego band Uncle Jesse.

KCR Alumni

Media and entertainment professionals who got their start in KCR’s studios
Other notable KCR alumni