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| C-92 Begins Live
Sports Broadcasts released: 02/06/04 |
 |
 For
the first time in West Virginia Wesleyan College history, campus radio C-92
FM is broadcasting both the men’s and women’s home basketball
games. Bobcat Basketball debuted live on January 17, on 92.1 FM from Rockefeller
Center. The broadcast reaches listeners within C-92’s ten-mile radius,
which covers most of Upshur County and part of Lewis County. Those outside
the station’s range can listen to the broadcast live on the Internet
by going to http://www.wvwc.edu/c92/.
Thanks to the efforts of West Virginia Wesleyan’s network specialist Jim Poling and senior general manager Phillips Kolsun, C-92 is back on the Internet this semester after a year and a half hiatus. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had changed the regulations for noncommercial radio stations to be on the Internet and the resulting fee was too expensive. Negotiations between other noncommercial school radio stations and the FCC brought the fee down to a manageable price. The idea of broadcasting the games was mentioned several years ago, but at the time, it was not feasible. When Kolsun became general manager of C-92 this academic year, some parents of Wesleyan basketball players suggested it again, so he decided to pursue the idea. Kolsun said, “It would put C-92 on the map as far as taking the next step with technology, broadcasting, and professionalism.” With the help of technology engineer sophomore Kevin Younkin, a little brainpower and some creativity with a short-handed staff and a small budget, Bobcat Basketball was launched. According to Kolsun, student interest and initiative is what really made it happen. Senior communication studies major Nick Hamisevicz contacted Kolsun and faculty advisor Pete Galarneau and asked to become a part of the program. Kolsun and Younkin produce the broadcasts from the studio and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Hamisevicz is in charge of the play-by-play, while seniors Samantha Dredge and Amanda Olsen, along with junior Alyssa Miller have taken turns at color commentating and assistant producing. Although all announcers involved are amateurs, the broadcasting staff has received many compliments from students, faculty, and Wesleyan athletes. Junior basketball guard Heather Kauffman said, “I think it’s a great idea. A lot of people on campus can’t make it to the games, but this way they can tune in and listen. My parents can hear it over the Internet from home if they can’t make it to the game.” “I honestly enjoyed listening to it because it was nice to hear amateurs commentate the game,” remarked sophomore quarterback Marc Kimes. “They sounded very into it and painted a great picture for the listeners. I hope they are able to announce football games next season.” The future of Bobcat Broadcasting is promising. Hamisevicz said, “I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and support from both the faculty and the technical staff.” The next goal is to create a way to broadcast the football games in the fall, basketball games in the winter, and gain the ability to take the equipment on the road and broadcast away games. Hamisevicz is hoping to recruit announcers, producers, and technical executives to leave the program fully staffed. Kolsun and Younkin are enthusiastic to continue the program next year and will be researching grants and other resources for funding in order to improve the broadcasts. Any individual would like to contribute to the upgrading of equipment and the expansion of C-92 broadcasting can donate to the Friends of Radio fund by contacting the College Advancement Office at 304-473-8117. If any students are interested in becoming a sports broadcaster or producer, please contact Hamisevicz at hamisevicz_nd@wvwc.edu for more information. |