KSLU receives CPB grant to add digital signal
Contact: Christina Chapple
8/22/06
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s public radio station, 90.9FM KSLU, has been awarded a $93,831 digital radio grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to assist in the station’s transition to digital broadcasting.
The grant was announced Aug. 18 by United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La.
"Public radio serves an important role in providing Louisianians with news and other important community information," Sen. Landrieu said. "This grant will help KSLU, which has already been named the 2006 Station of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, get even better as they improve their technology and move to digital transmission."
She said the grant is part of the nearly $220 million in Congressional funding provided to CPB since 2001 to assist both public radio and public television stations to convert from analog to digital transmission.
Southeastern Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Crain said KSLU is spearheading digital conversion efforts on the north shore.
"Southeastern greatly appreciates the support of Sen. Landrieu in helping to secure this grant to enhance KSLU's technology," he said. "Over the years, KSLU has proven its value to the community as an important communications vehicle while serving as a strong hands-on learning experience for our students interested in pursuing a career in radio communication."
“By adding a digital channel to our traditional signal, we will provide listeners with song title and artist information, emergency alerts, weather, and traffic updates automatically on their radio display,” said Todd Delaney, KSLU interim general manager.
“Just as we were the first public radio station in the United States to install a touch screen automation system in 1988, this grant will enable us to continue our innovative efforts to bring the digital revolution to the radio industry,” Delaney said.
Listeners can experience the static-free sound that digital radio will offer by tuning in to KSLU’s online stream at www.kslu.org.
Delaney said the grant will permit KSLU to “secure a future broadcast industry focused on not only meeting, but surpassing the needs of the local community.”
90.9FM KSLU is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and features a variety of music and award-winning programs and serves as a training facility for university students focused on careers in the broadcast industry.
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