New, online student-run radio station breaks mold

UTC is starting its first student-run radio station, The Perch, according to Dr. Charlene Simmons, communication professor and faculty director for the station.Donning the slogan "Entertainment Lands Here," The Perch will air 24 hours a day in streaming audio online at www.utc.edu/theperch, starting in November, Simmons said.

Simmons said "The government controls the radio and there is no more room for actual radio stations in Chattanooga because it would cause interference."

Simmons said The Perch is not a traditional radio station and does not have to, and will not, abide by the rules of a regular radio station.

There will be an informational meeting Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the UC Signal Mountain Room.

Simmons said there are many jobs available for students including Disc Jockey, on-air personalities, computer engineers and managers.

Mary Strong, a freshman from Knoxville, said, "I heard about the radio station and I want to be a part of it, maybe be a DJ."

Students can fill out a radio station interest form detailing the positions they are interested in from the Web site. Forms may be e-mail it to Charlene Simmons.

Carrie Bressler, a Cookeville, Tenn., freshman, said "I heard about the Perch and was a little questionable about it because it is online, so I don't know if it will be well-received."

Simmons said there will be talk shows, news shows and music, and most of The Perch is free format.

Anna Chill, a sophomore from Chattanooga said, "I want [the radio station] to be like NPR with really good music."

Bressler said she would like to hear "NPR, unknown bands on campus and other local artists who don't have a chance to be heard elsewhere and updates about the presidential election."

Alumnus Christian Craan, bassist for the local Reggae band Milele Roots said he would love it if his band's music could be featured on the radio station.

Bressler said, "I do plan on listening but it would be nicer if [The Perch] was an actual radio station, and I would like to know why it is strictly online and not on the radio."

Strong said, "I will never listen to [the radio station] actually because it's not on the radio."

For more information about The Perch, visit the Web site www.utc.edu/theperch or e-mail Simmons at charlene-simmons@utc.edu.