WIXQ has recently filed an application with the FCC for a power increase from ten to 100 watts. The application is in compliance with a June 1978 FCC ruling that all ten watt non-commercial stations either move to the commercial band (92-108 MHz.), or remain in the non-commercial band (88-92 MHz.) and increase power to 100 watts.

WIXQ has enjoyed its present status since December 1977 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a power increase from AM carrier current to ten watts FM.

Discussion of the power increase began in Spring 1978 at a meeting of the WIXQ FM advisory board, which includes the stations' executive council, faculty advisers, and Dr. Gary Reighard, vice president for student affairs and chairman of the advisory board. Discussion stopped and work on the application began in June, 1979 when members of the Executive Council began an intense ascertainment study of the Millersville area.

This FCC required study was completed in October and the remainder of the application completed and filed in early December, 1979.

According to Dr. Ralph Anttonen, faculty adviser to WIXQ, "We've [WIXQ] got a long way to go, but it will be a good service to the college." Although it may be six to nine months before final FCC approval, plans are already being organized to get the campus and community more involved with the station.

Many of the news, talk, and feature shows being planned are campus and community oriented. Among those are "Rap on Religion," hosted by two of the campus chaplains, and "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" sponsored by the Career Planning and Placement Center and the MSC Alumni Association. WIXQ staff member, Mike Bauer commented, "We want to see what the campus and community can do for each other."

Along with the increased cooperation of campus and community, engineers for the station say the overall broadcast range and thus the potential listening audience should increase. This is due to the upgraded equipment required by the FCC.

Although it's not certain how much of an increase in listening audience 100 watts will give WIXQ, it is believed it will cover most of Lancaster County and possibly more.

Support from the students, faculty and administration so far has been positive. But, according to Anttonen, the college should be making a more solid effort. As an incentive to get the students involved with WIXQ, Anttonen feels that worthy students should get class credits for their work with the radio station, possibly with the help of the Speech-Drama Department. Not only would this help recruit students, but it would result in a much better air quality for the station.

Cost is one of the factors that affects a power increase. An engineering study, additional equipment and an extended engineer's contract all add to the cost of building an operating a 100 watt station.

Money for the increase has been allocated by the Student Senate with $4500 in an escrow fund awaiting final FCC approval for the application.

The station will now be required to remain on the air 12 months a year instead of nine. The staff of WIXQ first accomplished this last summer by remaining on the air from June to September.

Dr. Reighard reported that because the station will be more closely watched by the FCC, overall WIXQ will have to be run more professionally. Dr. Reighard, who has been a strong supporter of WIXQ during its growth commented, "I am hopeful of a close working relationship with the Speech-Drama Department and other departments on campus to help with the station's programming." Speaking for the administration, Dr. Reighard said that they are looking forward to the increased exposure for the college and will continue to support the power increase as long as the students are willing to work to strengthen the station.

Back to WIXQ/WMSR History