KTRM

Infobox Radio Station
name = KTRM


area = Kirksville, MO
branding = "88.7 The Edge"
slogan = "Kirksville's Tru Alternative"
airdate = February 10, 1998
frequency = 88.7 (mHz)
format = College Radio/Alternative
erp = 1,000 watts
class = A
owner = Board of Governors Truman State University
website = http://ktrm.truman.edu
callsign_meaning = Truman State University

KTRM (88.7 FM, "The Edge") is an FM non-commercial/educational radio station operated by students at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. The station plays alternative music, with specialty shows hosted by disc jockeys with prior experience at the station. KTRM broadcasts at 1,000 watts power, covering Adair County and rural areas within a 25-mile radius.

KTRM also streams online using QuickTime.

History

KTRM was originally envisioned in 1975, when the Department of Language and Literature sought to establish a 100,000 watt FM station. The University, however, decided to pursue an unlicensed operation, regulated by Part 15 of FCC code. Under the letters KNEU (for Northeast Missouri State University, Truman's previous name), the station debuted in October 1975 at 1600 AM. Because the power levels allowed by Part 15 only resulted in a small coverage area, transmitters were purchased for each residence hall.

The reception of the 1600 AM signal was not ideal in several of the brick and mortar halls. In February 1976, KNEU moved to 580 AM and rewired the transmitters in each building. In the late 1970s, KNEU added FM coverage, but students could only receive the 102.1 FM signal on-campus via Cable FM. KNEU also broadcast on the University's public service channels.

Ten years after an earlier attempt failed, the Department of Language and Literature filed an application with the FCC for licensing. The Board of Governors approved the application's submission, and in 1996, Truman received a construction permit from the FCC. Because the KNEU call sign was used by a religious station in Utah, the University selected KTRM, representative of the University's new name.

At 2 p.m. on February 10, 1998, University President Jack Magruder flipped the switch, powering the antenna and bringing "Kirksville's Tru Alternative" online. KTRM broadcast from studios on the first floor of the Student Union Building prior to the building undergoing renovation after April 2007. KTRM and the rest of the campus media relocated to Barnett Hall, on the southern edge of campus, in fall 2007. While their counterparts "Index" and News36 restarted operations at the start of the following semester, KTRM remained off the air until December because of delays in installing equipment that will make the station capable of broadcasting with a digital signal.

With the aid of automation software, KTRM went to 24-hour operation in October 2006.

KTRM (AM) Beaumont

The KTRM call sign was previously used by an AM station in Beaumont, Texas. J.P. Richardson (AKA The Big Bopper) made his debut at that station in 1949 as an announcer before becoming a Top-40 performer. That station, broadcasting at 990 kHz, is now the Gospel Music station KZZB.

External links

* [http://ktrm.truman.edu/ KTRM official website]
* [http://ktrm.truman.edu/listen.php KTRM internet broadcast]
*FMQ|KTRM
*FML|KTRM
*FMARB|KTRM