September 2007


When should I buy a digital radio?” I have been asked that question many times since KVLU began digital broadcasting almost a year ago. My standard answer has been to wait. Wait for prices to go down; wait for us to work the bugs out of the host of new equipment we have installed. Now, nearly a year later, prices are down to near 100 dollars for several brands of HD radios, we have learned how to manage multiple channels of programming, we are ready to show you what we can do.

At the beginning of the day, Morning Edition has a new local host. We are pleased to welcome Troy Harper back to KVLU. His previous association with KVLU was as a Lamar University Communications major where he performed various duties. After receiving his degree, he went on to work for two area television stations and has been honored by the Press Club of Southeast Texas for his outstanding work. This year, he returned to KVLU as a volunteer to co-host Left of the Dial with Jason Miller, Saturday nights. Listen for Troy on Morning Edition beginning September 4.

Speaking of Jason Miller, His relief from morning duties will free him for several projects, including expanding his hosting of Afternoon Jazz. Now you can join Jason Monday through Friday at 1:00, for the best of our KVLU jazz library.

Classical music will start earlier in the evening with Joe Elwell at 6:00pm Monday through Thursday. Programs previously heard at 6 p.m. are moving to Sunday. Speaking of Faith moves to 9:00am Sunday, followed by the City Club Forum at 10:00. Then, Marketplace Money offers its sage advice at 11:00am, and Weekend Radio brings its “curiously strange and offbeat potpourri of classical music, wit and convivial companionship” to 12 noon. At 1:00, From the Top, the showcase of teenage classical musicians, finds its place, followed by Pipedreams at 2:00.

Marilyn Arnold, a long time jazz host for KVLU will continue in a new time slot following John Stevens’ Make Believe Ballroom on Fridays. Join us for Jazz with Marilyn Arnold Friday nights at 9:00. Rhythm Sweet & Hot follows at 10:00. Music From the Hearts of Space can now be heard Sunday nights at 9:30.

On KVLU-2, we are offering Jazz overnight as well as in the mornings and late afternoons. We are also offering some favorites at better times.

Dick Estell and The Radio Reader moves to KVLU-2 at 12 noon, Monday through Friday, beginning September 4 with a new book. Performance Today with Fred Child can now be heard at 10:00am, and classic Rhythm Sweet and Hot programs with Mike Plaskett and the late Ken Crawford follow Dick Estell at 12:30. On Saturday at Noon, catch Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on its new channel.

Familiar voices will be heard on KVLU-2 as Joe Elwell hosts classical music from 6:00 until 12 noon Sundays, followed by Joey Love with jazz. Matt Harvill, with his mix of jazz will also be heard weekend afternoons. The repeat of A Prairie Home Companion can now be heard at 6:00 Friday nights if you missed the live show Saturday night on KVLU-1.

Also on Friday, KVLU-2 will present The Gordon Baxter Show, consisting of archives of shows with the late Gordon Baxter on KVLU during the 1980’s and early 1990’s as well as broadcasts spanning his 50-plus year career from his own collection. Join us Friday nights at 5:00, “ready or not.”

KVLU-3 is our alternative music channel and in addition to music of interest to the college audience and the young at heart, we present Story and Song. Hosted and produced by Lamar University Communications major Dale Dillon, S&S features up and coming recording artists in interviews and their music, some local, some not so local. Join us Saturday afternoons at 2:00.

Monday through Friday on KVLU-3 join us for archives of Jason Miller and Troy Harper on Classic Needledrop. Listen in Weekdays at 5:00pm and see how it all began.

Now when people ask me when they should buy a digital radio, I say “right now is the perfect time.” Catch your favorite programs in digital on your choice of three channels. Just be sure the radio you buy says “HD Radio” on the box, that way you can enjoy KVLU 72 hours a day.

Don’t go far.