Date
3-2017
Department
History Department
Class
History 303: Research and Writing Seminar in History
Advisor(s)
Andrew Morris
Abstract
Since its first broadcast in 1968, 91.3 FM KCPR has been bringing Cal Poly students daily music and news from the comfort of their studio in the Graphic Arts building.Originally started by two students in their on-campus dorm room, KCPR has evolved to become a large scale, student-run production.This paper will examine the history of the station and how it has expanded and changed throughout its nearly fifty-year existence. Throughout its history, KCPR has offered students a unique opportunity to engage in Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” mission through their work in the station. Programming on the station has helped break down barriers between students and administration as well as the rest of the San Luis Obispo community. Some of the key elements that allowed KCPR to succeed are the acquisition of new technology, allowing the students to take control of their own programming, and keeping the students on track with a recent reevaluation of the station. At times, students have taken their freedom of expression at the station too far, causing the Journalism Department to reevaluate the station rules and standards. I will pay close attention to how those in charge of the changes made to KCPR made their restrictions and how these decisions affect the operations of KCPR today.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cphistory/35