KNWD explained

KNWD
Logo Alt:KNWD The Demon logo (circa 2015)
City:Natchitoches, Louisiana
Area:Natchitoches Parish
Branding:The Demon
Format:College/Alternative
Owner:Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Licensee:NSU Board of Trustees
Operator:Manager - Grace Jensen
Founded: (carrier current)
Airdate: (FM)
Former Callsigns:KNSU-AM
Former Frequencies: (carrier current)
Callsign Meaning:NorthWestern Demons
Licensing Authority:FCC
Facility Id:49791
Class:A
Erp:255 watts
Coordinates:31.7476°N -93.0965°W

KNWD-FM (91.7 FM) is a student-run, non-commercial radio station broadcasting a college format from the campus of Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) and serving Natchitoches, Louisiana.[1] Although the station is licensed to the university's board of trustees, it operates independently from the NSU Department of New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts; its operations are funded by a student activity fee and its general manager is selected by the Student Media Board.[2] Station staff and management positions are open to all NSU students, as well as students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.[3] [4] [5]

History

Planning for what would become KNWD began in 1970[6] with two competing plans being proposed: an independent student-run station or an academic station connected to NSU's Speech and Journalism Department.[7] [8] The departmental proposal was for an AM station that would be used "only as an academic tool", while the student-led proposal was for an independent FM music station.[9]

In October 1973, while still working toward final approval for an over-the-air station, students Mike Price, Russell Morrison, and Gary Lampert launched an unlicensed AM carrier current station, KNSU-AM, in their dorm.[10] In November 1973, students approved a referendum assessing a new 50¢ fee to support the station, pending approval by the state board of education and a license from the Federal Communications Commission.[11]

On April 22, 1974, KNSU-AM went campus-wide on via carrier current, broadcasting primarily contemporary progressive rock from the Russell Library while it awaited an FM license.[12] The station received its non-commercial FM construction permit in August 1974; the application was accelerated by the FCC with the help of the Louisiana congressional delegation.[13] Operating as KNWD-FM (the KNSU call letters having been previously claimed by Nicholls State University), the student-run station officially went on air on September 30, 1975,[14] with the slogan "Creative FM Stereo 91.7."[15]

KNWD-FM continued to operate out of Russell Library (which later became Russell Hall when the library moved to a new building in the 1970s[16]) until 1988, when the station moved across campus to South Hall,[17] which the station referred to on air as "Croce Hall" in honor of 1970s singer-songwriter Jim Croce who died in a plane crash in Natchitoches in 1973.[18] In 1995, the station moved once again to Kyser Hall.[19]

Equipment for the new station was funded through a $4,200 grant and a $6,600 loan from the student government, with the expectation that the loan would be paid back over several years from through the student activity fee assessment.[20] [21] The station also received donations of studio equipment from KTOC(AM) in Jonesboro, Louisiana.[22] Throughout the 1970s, the SGA loan was a bone of contention between the station and student government, until it was repaid in 1977 following an increase in the student activity fee.[23] [24] Over the years, the station hosted a variety of fundraisers to support equipment purchases, including several notable radiothons, such as the 54-hour broadcast from atop the Old Bullard Mansion columns in 1982[25] and the 1987 homecoming weekend-long "Stairway to Heaven in '87" broadcast from atop Turpin Stadium.[26]

The station transmitter and antenna were initially installed atop Russell Library, operating at 10 watts ERP.[27] To improve coverage, the station moved the antenna to an airport beacon tower at Natchitoches Regional Airport in 1978,[28] before relocating to the top of Harry Turpin Stadium in the mid-1980s, which allowed the station to broadcast at its licensed 255 watts ERP.[29] [30]

In September 1998, KNWD began streaming its signal online,[31] and in 2014 it began streaming via the TuneIn app.[32] Also since 2014, the station has also broadcast RBDS RadioText.[33]

Programming

, KNWD programs a mix of "alternative and progressive music not appreciated in mainstream media."[34] It also actively promotes local musicians, both through airplay and events.[35] In addition, the station airs student-written news reports and coverage of Northwestern Demons athletics and NSU events.

Over its history, KNWD has had a variety of formats from progressive rock to Top 40[36] to album oriented rock,[37] although for most of its history the station has followed a traditionally eclectic college radio format with a variety of specialty shows and some syndicated programming.[38] [39] The degree to which the station adhered to a more "professional" format with restricted playlists has also varied over the years.[40] [41] The station also produces themed Spotify playlists for holidays and events.[42] [43]

Music festivals

KNWD organizes music festivals and concerts on campus featuring local performers, as well as national acts. The station organized its first festival, featuring five local bands, in December 1975; instead of tickets, the station sold KNWD T-shirts for concert-goers to wear.[44]

CaddoFest was a fall pep-rally and music festival held in 2013 and 2015 to complement the annual "Battle for Chief Caddo" football rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin State University.[45] In 2016 and 2017, the station organized Neon Inferno, an EDM and hip-hop festival.[46]

DemonFest is a music festival held in the spring by KNWD. It usually holds up to two or more up-and-coming bands as headliners and well-known local bands. KNWD launched the festival in 2000 in part as a reaction to the university booking Toby Keith for an on-campus concert, which the station felt did not reflect the interests of students.[47] In 2007, the station combined DemonFest with the Natchitoches Jazz & R&B Festival.[48] After a hiatus of several years, DemonFest was restarted by KNWD in 2013.[49] In 2017, weather concerns forced the traditionally outdoor festival into Prather Coliseum.[50] Over the years, the festival has ranged from one day of music to three days.

Other events

KNWD has organized a number of campus and local events over the years. Notably, on Halloween 1982, the station coordinated the move of the campus ghost, Isabella, from the burned ruins of Caldwell Hall to the oldest building on campus, the Old Women's Gymnasium[51] [52] (now Lee H. Nelson Hall and home to the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training[53]). The event involved more than 750 people, a marching band, and a mounted honor guard.[54]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: KNWD Facility Record . United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division .
  2. Web site: Student media. Northwestern State University of Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  3. Book: Brough, Kevin. Student Media Get 'Read World' Experience. 1998. Potpourri 1998: The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same .... 87. 42–43. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1998nort/page/42/mode/2up. July 23, 2020.
  4. Web site: On Air - KNWD the Demon: Upgraded studio has new capabilities. Leah. Jackson. October 3, 2013. News Bureau @ Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 23, 2020.
  5. News: Students DJ at local radio station. Mendoza. Brooke. November 2013. The Renaissance. Natchitoches, Louisiana. XXXI. 3. 11. July 22, 2020.
  6. News: Radio Station Proposed. . May 1, 1970. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LVIII. 22. 2. August 3, 2020.
  7. News: NSU Radio Station Plans Final Committee Authorization. June 12, 1973. Harrison. Tommy. Current Sauce. LX. 22. 3. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  8. News: One More Idea: The Sounds of Controversy. Sanchez. Ronald. June 26, 1973. Current Sauce. LX. 24. 2. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  9. A Short History of Northwestern's Alternative Sound, KNSU-KNWD. 1983. Aymond. Cheryl L.. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana.
  10. News: Dorm station now operating. . October 2, 1973. Current Sauce. LXI. 4. 3. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  11. News: 1,372 students vote to approve station. . November 13, 1973. Current Sauce. LXI. 10. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  12. News: Turn on --KNSU. . April 30, 1974. Current Sauce. LXI. 22. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  13. News: KNSU-AM receives FM construction permit. Austin. Kenneth. September 10, 1974. Current Sauce. LXII. 1. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  14. News: KNWD is ready. . September 16, 1975. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXIII. 2. 3. July 20, 2020.
  15. News: This is our sign. . July 22, 1975. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXII. 27. 1. July 22, 2020.
  16. Book: Making Our Mark: The 1989 Potpourri. 1989. 78. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. Russell Hall. 190. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1989nort/page/190/mode/2up. July 20, 2020.
  17. News: Campus radio station slates KNWD Week. Rigaud. Sonya. March 1, 1988. Current Sauce. 76. 23. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  18. Fall 2023 . Who's Randy . Alumni Columns . 11.
  19. News: KNWD finally moves to Kyser Hall. Martin. Andrew. November 28, 1995. Current Sauce. 84. 17. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 20, 2020.
  20. News: State Board approves KNSU. Elizey. Carroll. January 29, 1974. Current Sauce. LXI. 12. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 24, 2020.
  21. News: KNSU receives FM grant form SBA. Coffey. Kathie. September 24, 1974. Current Sauce. LXIII. 3. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 24, 2020.
  22. News: KNSU given equipment. . February 5, 1974. Current Sauce. LXI. 13. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 24, 2020.
  23. News: Students decide KNWD future, increases; mock election slated. Rash. Bob. October 26, 1976. Current Sauce. LXIV. 8. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 24, 2020.
  24. News: KNWD plans antenna move. . October 4, 1977. Current Sauce. LXV. 9. 1. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 21, 2020.
  25. Book: KNWD-FM Holds Radiothon. Potpourri '82. 1982. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 74. 120. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1982nort/page/78/mode/2up. July 24, 2020.
  26. Book: A new site, a new sound, a new era for KNWD. A Touch of Purple: Potpourri 1988. 1988. 77. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 90–91. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1988nort/page/90/mode/2up. July 24, 2002.
  27. Web site: FM Broadcast Station License (File No. BLED-1437). June 1, 1979. Federal Communications Commission. Washington, D.C.. July 21, 2020.
  28. Book: 1977–78 Potpourri. 70. 1978. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. KNWD Chooses Slogan: 'Your Mother Wouldn't Like It'. 242. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1978nort/page/242/mode/2up. July 21, 2020.
  29. Web site: FM Broadcast Station Construction Permit (File No. BPED-791231A). Federal Communications Commission. Washington, D.C.. February 25, 1982. July 21, 2020.
  30. Web site: Application Search Details. Federal Communications Commission. Washington, D.C.. April 24, 1984. July 21, 2020.
  31. News: Computers help Grambling basketball team score. Thomas. Mary Sharon. The Shreveport Times. Shreveport, Louisiana. September 20, 1998. 3B. Newspapers.com. October 19, 2020.
  32. Web site: KNWD 91.7 FM The Demon. February 23, 2014. Facebook. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/58906876870/10152033588591871 . 2022-02-26 . limited. July 22, 2020.
  33. Web site: KNWD 91.7 FM The Demon. October 7, 2014. Facebook. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/58906876870/10152489129171871 . 2022-02-26 . limited. July 22, 2020.
  34. Web site: About. KNWD Radio. 18 February 2020. July 22, 2020.
  35. News: KNWD incorporates changes to broadcasting. Renteria. Anthony. October 17, 2018. The Current Sauce. July 24, 2020.
  36. News: KNWD promises Top 40. Curlee. Zina. June 13, 1978. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXV. 29. 5. July 22, 2020.
  37. Book: Tuning In: KNWD's new image, format pleases students. . Potpourri 1987: Showing Our True Colors. 1987. 76. 118–119. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1987nort/page/118/mode/2up. July 22, 2020.
  38. News: KNWD OK's format. . September 14, 1976. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXIV. 2. 7. July 22, 2020.
  39. Book: KNWD: The Next Wave. . In the Shadow of the Columns: The 1991 Potpourri. 1991. 80. 112–113. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1991nort/page/112/mode/2up. July 22, 2020.
  40. News: KNWD recruits new personnel. Harris. E.M.. January 27, 1976. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXIII. 12. 4. July 22, 2020.
  41. Book: KNWD Management Regulates Airwaves for Professional Sound. . Making Our Mark: The 1989 Potpourri. 1989. 78. 112–113. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. https://archive.org/details/potpourri1989nort/page/112/mode/2up. July 22, 2020.
  42. https://open.spotify.com/user/knwdradio @KNWDradio on Spotify
  43. News: KNWD has something for everyone. Smith. Toria. February 15, 2017. The Current Sauce. 102. 18. 4. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 22, 2020.
  44. News: 'Neato Torpedo' KNWD concert begins. Akinrinade. Olu. November 18, 1975. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXIII. 10. 6. July 20, 2020.
  45. News: CaddoFest: off radio, on stage. Martzell. Olivia. November 20, 2013. The Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 99. 10. 2. July 20, 2020.
  46. Web site: KNWD to host its first electronic music festival. November 10, 2016. Fontenot. Joshua. Potpourri. July 20, 2020.
  47. News: KNWD vs Student Activities Board. Naquin. Joni. February 22, 2000. The Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 85. 24. 5. July 20, 2020.
  48. News: KNWD Hosts Demonfest 2007. Bass. Andy. April 26, 2007. The Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 92. 29. 4. July 20, 2020.
  49. News: KNWD finalizes DemonFest line-up. Luck. Tara. February 27, 2013. The Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. 98. 16. 2. July 20, 2020.
  50. News: DemonFest moves to Prather Coliseum. April 20, 2017. . Natchitoches Parish Journal. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 24, 2020.
  51. News: Demons? No, a ghost!—The legend of NSU's ghost, Isabella. Hillard. Kathleen. October 30, 2019. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 29, 2020.
  52. Web site: The Legend of Isabella. Traditions of Northwestern State University. Northwestern State University. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 29, 2020.
  53. Web site: Lee H. Nelson Hall. National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Natchitoches, Louisiana. July 29, 2020.
  54. News: Ghost Moving a Success. Maron. Eric B.. November 9, 1982. Current Sauce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. LXX. 12. 4. July 29, 2020.

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