The student-run WCRD radio station will attempt to gain a larger audience after it moves the antenna used to broadcast to the top of a 200-foot-tall smokestack at the heating plant on campus.
Originally the antenna sat atop Southside High School, which is several miles from Ball State's campus.
Telecommunications professor Barry Umansky said the move is an effort to improve the viability of the station.
"When I came back to Ball State I was bothered because I couldn't always pick up the signal for the radio station," Umansky said. "I then began exploring the possibility of moving the antenna somewhere on campus."
The goal is to make WCRD a more reliable source for music, news and messages concerning the community, he said.
WCRD general manager Joe Lacay said the move is going to bring the presence closer to campus and focus it toward students.
"This is a great thing for WCRD; there will be a larger presence on campus especially for the students in the dorms," Lacay said.
The plan was also coordinated with the office of the Vice President of Business Affairs and the Faculty Office at Ball State, and the proposal has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The move is hoped to offer a stronger signal for surrounding Muncie communities as well as the business district on McGalliard Road, Umansky said.
WCRD broadcasts 24 hours a day on 91.3 FM, and the student broadcast comes from the Ball Communications Building on campus.
Freshman telecommunications and theatre major Corinne Stevens has been a member of the WCRD crew since the beginning of the year and currently broadcasts from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.
"I'm really excited to increase our number of listeners throughout the community," Stevens said.
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