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WXOU dropping FM to go internet exclusively.

K

Kevin

Guest
WXOU 88.3 from Oakland University may soon drop the FM signal in favor of being online only. Apparently the costs to keep the FM signal are to expensive and the signal is bad near the University. Just found a link to the story www.oaklandpostonline.com you have to search WXOU going digital.
 
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Kevin said:
WXOU 88.3 from Oakland University may soon drop the FM signal in favor of being online only.
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This follows a number of universities that have decided to sell their FM stations, often to EMF or other religious broadcasters. This is strictly to save money. They misread the data that says their students get their music online. While that may be true, it doesn't mean they listen to online radio. So moving a student station from FM to online means their student station will be completely ignored by the students, who have no need for student run radio.

Triola said every DJ will have an opportunity to make podcasts that will be published under the WXOU umbrella to websites like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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I don't know if Triola knows that any podcasts that include music will be subject to paying full royalties to the artists, labels, musicians, and songwriters. Those royalties will far exceed the $4000 she's paying for the FM transmitter link, and the paperwork required will be cumbersome to students who haven't done it before. This is why almost all podcasts being done today don't include music. There is no discount for educational or student podcasts.

The online station will also be subject to the additional royalties that previously weren't required of the FM station. FM stations only are required to pay songwriter royalties, and those can often by handled through membership in a non-commercial broadcasters group. I hope she's factored all that into her accounting.
 
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According to Radio-Locator, WXOU is currently silent. I remember when WXOU was a carrier-current station on AM 640.
 
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TheBigA said:
They're probably looking for a buyer.
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That signal is extremely directional to the north. That’s the only direction they can go, 88.3 is so congested in that area of Oakland County. You’re correct some Jesuscaster will buy the station for a bargain basement price.
 
Kevin said:
That signal is extremely directional to the north. That’s the only direction they can go, 88.3 is so congested in that area of Oakland County. You’re correct some Jesuscaster will buy the station for a bargain basement price.
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It makes the most sense. I looked at Oakland's course of study, and they offer a degree in Communications, and as part of it, they encourage students to host their own show on WXOU
  • Deliver direct access to an exceptional education in communication, journalism, and public relations and strategic communication using state-of-the art tools, that prepares students to enter the constantly changing media and communication industries or pursue graduate studies.

  • Encourage students to gain real-world experiences right here on campus by hosting or producing their own shows on the student-run radio and television stations, WXOU and OUTV, and by becoming a staff member or contributor at the independent student newspaper, The Oakland Post.
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But they don't actually have courses in radio or audio. They teach TV and various general "media" courses. So they probably won't miss much academically by shutting down the station.
 
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