Music Selection

A question that burned in my mind when I began working at KXCI was: How exactly do they decide what gets played and what does not? The station has a fairly well-ordered system for receiving, organizing, and reviewing CDs.

First, CDs are mailed to KXCI by any labels that wish to have those artists played on air. Generally these labels send the CDs to many, many stations with KXCI being one of them. The CDs are received and organized. This process of organization, known as “marking” the CDs, is something I did quite a bit. Essentially, the CDs have the first three letters of their name put on a label and a review sheet placed inside. This allows the CDs to be reviewed, and makes it easier to place them on a bookshelf to be organized. Finally, CDs are also given colored stickers to show the genre of the CD, and any other important information such as: New releases, or CDs that are soundtracks.

Next, the CDs are picked up by volunteers. The volunteers take the CD home and listen to all the tracks. They then give a numerical review to the CD, mark any tracks that have FCC regulated words ( which is INCREDIBLY important, refer to my second post. ) and mark which tracks they think are the best. CDs with a high rating are then placed into circulation, and can be played by DJs on the air.

This system also reflects the importance of volunteer support. I can speak from first-hand experience: of all the CDs I mark I will only ever review at most two. This is because the station receives an incredible amount of new music, so volunteers picking up CDs is very important. Also, volunteers and the members of KXCI have complete control over what gets played on the air, so it is important to not pick CDs with genres one naturally dislikes. It is an interesting system that helps keep the music of the station fresh and emphasizes the importance of the contribution of members.

Funding a Small Station

Probably one of the bigger mysteries of running a small community radio station is how exactly to fund everything you’re doing. After you've dealt with the FCC’s guidelines and have acquired a station and broadcasting licence, you still need to pay to keep the station. KXCI is a community radio station and they aren't for profit. They do not air any commercial segments and don’t take money from labels to play certain songs or singles.

Now, when I say they don’t take commercial segments, they still do receive some sponsorship funding from local businesses in Tucson. A business can give money to the station, and they will be mentioned as part of an underwriting program. So, you may hear KXCI mention and thank local businesses on air, which is a form of advertising. This differs from general commercial advertising as underwriting is written by the KXCI staff, and said on air by a DJ in real time. The businesses do not tell KXCI what to say on air.

In addition to underwriting, KXCI also raises funds through grants given to small smaller radio stations and fund-raising through its members. KXCI will have membership drives where they ask for donations to meet a certain funding goal. People that listen are urged to donate some money to the station to keep it running. These membership drives take place over a few weeks, and are vital to funding the station.

KXCI manages to exist thanks these funding techniques. It should also be mentioned that KXCI does not have a large staff. There are only four full-time employees at the station that ensure the stations runs properly.