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Most Rice students are unaware of the immense power that KTRU possesses. A radio tower in Humble (a northern suburb of Houston) pumps out 50,000 watts of KTRU power 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Houston's ears.

It is easily the most powerful collegiate radio station in this area, if not the region. KTRU provides an unparalleled opportunity for Rice students to experience the pleasures of radio before they immerse themselves in other careers.

Fifty thousand watts also offer an unparalleled opportunity for Rice to broadcast its name over the airwaves. The report points out that KTRU broadcasts to the 11th biggest broadcast market in the country, in the fourth largest city in the nation.

This broadcast market does not carry a hefty price tag, either. Contrary to popular belief, KTRU does not presently run a large deficit. Since Rice rents space on its own radio tower, the university currently nets approximately $100 per year. Only $14,000 of the station's $45,500 budget (which covers the expenses of both the studio and the radio tower) comes from the blanket tax.

This hidden publicity potential lies behind the report. Essentially, it recommends that KTRU orient its colossal potential towards the surrounding community by offering a greater array of "university programming," incorporating advanced broadcasting technology, greatly expanding publicity and, most importantly, hiring full-time staff to supervise the day-to-day operations of the station.

Specifically, this entails several initiatives. First, hiring a general station manager who would make around $40,000-$45,000 per year, along with a part-time clerical assistant and a part-time Information Technologies employee (a Rice staff member). They would take care of clerical duties, communicate with the administration and assist in technological improvements.

Secondly, reserve up to 12 hours a day for "university programming." Such programming includes broadcasting Shepherd School concerts, lectures, athletics, conferences, "campus news and events" and publicizing outreach activities. "At least 12 hours out of 24" remain for music.

The report also suggests a marketing effort. Noting that "the station produces infrequent program guides and generates minimal publicity," the report recommends heavy marketing for KTRU's new "totally Rice-oriented" niche.

This media blitz would involve a tremendous range of PR: Soft ads in " every concert program [and] every athletics program" (their italics) in exchange for on-air promotions, press releases, promotional tie-ins, community activities ("to be seen as a community player"), a Web site, mailings "to Houston area alumni and 20,000 `friends' or demographically appropriate group" and paid print promotions. Such promotions are estimated to cost $20,000-$30,000 per year.

Technology will also be overhauled to include better remote broadcasting equipment, a new office, a Web site with live audio and satellite and short-wave equipment.

All of this would be under the auspices of a newly formed "KTRU Advisory Board" -- a group of administrators, faculty, staff, students and (perhaps) an outside body. This board would "provide guidance for the staff," "develop short and long-range goals for the station" and "provide general guidance on program initiatives."

The reports has many high points. KTRU could benefit from better equipment and a larger office -- anyone who has been in the studio can agree with that. A Web site with real-time audio would also be a superb addition, allowing access to the station from around the world as well as introducing students to the ever-expanding world of on-line media.

Hiring a part-time technician also strikes me as positive, as it would tremendously facilitate integration of new technologies as well as allow students to learn about these new technologies. The station also needs more money for technological improvements. The pinnacle of technology in the studio right now seems to be its sole Macintosh Performa.

Unfortunately, there is something unsettling in the report as well. If the reforms suggested bring talented, well-meaning support and assistance to the station, KTRU will profit tremendously. However, it could also set up a structure that easily allow the station to become student-assisted rather than student-run.

The report notes that what KTRU alumni enjoyed most about working from the station was, among other things, improved self confidence, a sense of responsibility, technical and managerial experience and better knowledge of music. "Ultimately, they valued the opportunity afforded them as students to manage, shape, participate and make mistakes on their own."

Playing underexposed music, KTRU's best asset, allows students to interact with the surrounding community and gives them a chance to run affairs themselves.

The report admits that damaging the student-run aspect of the station was a concern for "a large percentage of respondents" to the survey. I, for one, do not wish to see professionals head yet another aspect of student life here (see RSVP and SCAB, for example, both headed or "advised" by professionals).

Ultimately, the people concerned feel that allowing "students to manage, shape, participate and make mistakes on their own" is most important, and I agree.

Rice does not have a communications major; student-radio ought not be another internship opportunity. KTRU should remain exclusively student-run, so that we as students can make mistakes and run our own show.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the April 25, 1997 issue.