KTRM (FM)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| KTRM | |
 |
|
| Broadcast area | Kirksville, MO |
|---|---|
| Branding | "88.7 The Edge" |
| Slogan | "Kirksville's Tru Alternative" |
| First air date | Feb. 10, 1998 |
| Frequency | 88.7 (mHz) |
| Format | College Radio/Alternative |
| ERP | 1,000 watts |
| Class | A |
| Callsign meaning | Truman State University |
| Owner | Board of Governors Truman State University |
| Website | http://ktrm.truman.edu] |
KTRM is an FM non-commercial/educational radio station operated by students at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Dubbed "The Edge", the station plays alternative music, with specialty shows hosted by disc jockeys with prior experience at the station. KTRM broadcasts at 1,000 watts power, covering Adair County and rural areas within a 25-mile radius.
KTRM also streams online using QuickTime.
[edit] History
KTRM was originally envisioned in 1975, when the Deparment of Language and Literature sought to establish a 100,000 watt FM station. The University, however, decided to pursue an unlicensed operation, regulated by Part 15 of FCC code. Under the letters KNEU (for Northeast Missouri State University, Truman's previous name), the station debuted in October 1975 at 1600 AM. Because the power levels allowed by Part 15 only resulted in a small coverage area, transmitters were purchased for each residence hall.
The reception of the 1600 AM signal was not ideal in several of the brick and mortar halls. In February 1976, KNEU moved to 580 AM and rewired the transmitters in each building. In the late 1970s, KNEU added FM coverage, but students could only receive the 102.1 FM signal on-campus via Cable FM. KNEU also broadcast on the University's public service channels.
Ten years after an earlier attempt failed, Lang and Lit filed an application with the FCC for licensing. The Board of Governors approved the application's submission, and in 1996, Truman received a construction permit from the FCC. Because the KNEU call sign was used by a religious station in Utah, the University selected KTRM, representative of the University's new name.
At 2 p.m. on February 10, 1998, University President Jack Magruder flipped the switch, powering the antenna and bringing "Kirksville's Tru Alternative" online. Since that date, KTRM has broadcast from its studios on the first floor of the Student Union Building. However, KTRM, and the rest of the campus media, will relocate to Barnett Hall, on the southern edge of campus, in fall 2007.
With the aid of automation software, KTRM went to 24-hour operation in October 2006.
[edit] KTRM (AM) Beaumont
The KTRM call sign was previously used by an AM station in Beaumont, Texas. J.P. Richardson (AKA The Big Bopper) made his debut at that station in 1949 as an announcer before becoming a Top-40 performer. That station, broadcasting at 990 kHz, is now the Gospel Music station KZZB.
