In these times of corporate consolidation and narrow homogenization of media content, where can we find truly local independent voices and non-standardized musical offerings? As one of the few truly local stations, KCPR, Cal Poly’s student- and volunteer-run station, has been bringing local voices to Central Coast airways for the last 42 years. Where else can you hear truly independently produced indie-pop music, the New York Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, blues, jazz, traditional country music, reggae, seasonal and topical tunes, and live musicians in the studio, sometimes on the same program?

Do you remember when there were many local radio stations--some independent, others part of major networks, but nearly all featuring some locally produced programs?  The major networks produced a wide variety of shows, ranging from the Jack Benny and Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy shows to The Metropolitan Opera and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

 Now, most of the radio spectrum is dominated by a few national companies that broadcast the same narrow styles of music or talk to hundreds of stations nationwide, with loss of much local color.

The KCPR broadcasts are among the many ways Cal Poly enriches the cultural life of our community. All of the DJs truly enjoy sharing the music we treasure. We “learn by doing.”

The KCPR Pledge Dive, a major fundraiser, is scheduled for May 24 through May 30. Although KCPR receives basic support from Cal Poly’s Journalism Department, funds are needed for additional music and other activities. Donations from local merchants and organizations for the pledge drive are most welcome. Please support us at 756-5277 (SLO-KCPR).