Campus internet radio station offers students media experience
By Lisa Fitch | OW Editor-in-Chief
KDHR, the student-run internet radio station that broadcasts from the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills, was one of the host organizations for the campus’ homecoming events, last week’s celebrations uniting the community, and showcasing “Toro pride.”
“It was fun,” she said of Friday’s college gathering. “It was very busy and it was cool seeing my friends. Then the day afterward, I went to the Alpha and Omega party. That was my first greek party!”
KDHR is sponsored by the Associate Students, Inc. (ASI) and with the idea that students should be able to produce their own radio shows, regardless of their expertise level or previous experience. Students are encouraged to fill out a volunteer application and internship opportunities are available if students wish to gain more experience in the field of radio production.
Green was one of those students. She has her own, one-hour show on Fridays at noon. The Advertising and Public Relations major is a junior transfer from Santa Monica College. Her show, “Honey Pro Records Radio,”can be heard on KDHR.net, where it streams, or on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon.
Although she never received any formal musical theory training, Green has an ear for music and began her interest in the industry when she was 16.
“I know basically every job role in the music industry,” she said. “I’ve worked in A&R; contracts; as a touring director; photographer; and videographer.”
Green’s radio show covers a variety of musical forms.
“With soul and jazz — these are the main genres that I grew up with,” she said. “That’s my culture and that’s what I think the Black culture is.”
Green is anxious for graduation next year. In fact, the co-ed has already created a production company and has worked with underground, unsigned artists, helping them gain industry exposure.
“I created this show as a spinoff from the music production company,” Green said, noting that discussions about music highlight her program. “I believe that everyone is connected through music.”
She has a number of guests and invites them to talk about their work and the music business.
“I personally do not want to hear myself talk for an hour,” Green said, noting that the campus studio allows up to five people at a time to have a microphone. Covid guidelines limit that number to current CSUDH students, otherwise, guests must phone in or join via zoom or skype to talk about their expertise.
“I want to help people,” Green said. “I want them to have their own voice, share their talents and ideas. We all have different ideas and perspectives. I love giving opportunities to other people. It’s all about giving in the end.
“The main thing is, I also want to give a voice to Black students on our campus,” she added, noting that CSUDH is composed mainly of Latinx and African-Americans.
Green and other students looking to host shows learn the computer controls, audio engineering and control board in the studio through a step-by-step guide booklet. As the studio is part of the school, it is closed on holidays.
“They just redesigned the whole entire studio during the pandemic,” Green said. “They want students to get active on the site. It’s open for everyone.”
She recommends more students get involved in KDHR. No class requirements or previous experiences are necessary. There were 15 shows on the station’s schedule at press time.
“It was very easy to fill out the application,” Green said. “It depends on your school schedule and if you even have time to do a show. They prefer you to balance out your school schedule.”
Radio hosts are current students with no less than six units each semester and essentially are unpaid volunteers. There is a prerequisite production training before CSUDH students can do anything at the station. There are also mandatory KDHR station meetings and all volunteers must maintain a satisfactory grade point average — at least 2.0 — to remain on staff.
Students agree that ASI and KDH may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to sever the volunteer’s relationship with them.
Volunteers are also required to sign a contract which states that all shows recorded are rightfully the property of the station and its representatives.
Hosts do have the right to reproduce their own shows for their own use, such as (but not limited to) demo reels, website publications, audio checks and resumes.
Because KDHR broadcasts on the internet, which is free from FCC regulations, certain restrictions are not applied such as content, profanity and timing.
Green insists she keeps her show “respectable,” but the station contract states that if the language becomes “too obscure or out of hand,” hosts will be given a warning first, then a suspension if the problem persists.
Additionally, if hosts play content that contains vulgar profanity or comments regarding race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, then it is up to the host to verbally warn listeners with a disclaimer at the beginning of the show.
