KCSB, UCSB’s 24-7 non-commercial radio station, began its annual fund drive yesterday that will conclude on Nov. 12.

Now in its 49th year, the station receives some funding from student-approved lock-in fees, but mostly relies on donations and volunteer support to offer and maintain its programming and services. Last year, the “Celebrating Community Radio” drive raised almost $23,000 for the station.

According to KCSB Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Lauwereins, a third-year environmental studies major, a significant amount of the station’s programming support is derived from this and similar events.

“The fund drive is important because 90 percent of our funding comes from the community and students,” Lauwereins said. “Most of it is from student lock-in fees so the fund drive is the greater community’s chance to give back to the station.”

Lauwereins said 20 percent of proceeds from the drive will fund community events like this weekend’s Santa Barbara New Noise Festival.

Students who pledge a minimum of $25 to the drive and community members who donate $50 will receive gifts such as T-shirts, CDs, DVDs, books, magazine subscriptions and gift certificates.

Development Coordinator Ted Coe said KCSB hopes to raise at least $25,000 through this year’s drive.

“It would be wholly remiss not to ask non-students to invest in our organization through donation,” Coe said. “It’s also an opportunity to organize a public awareness campaign.”

Aside from raising money, Coe said the annual fund drive is also meant to promote KCSB’s efforts to adapt their media as modernity progresses.

“We’re evolving just like the rest of the media landscape,” Coe said. “We’re trying to create exceptional programming that shows how unique we are.”

Publications Coordinator Nicole Goulding, a fourth-year microbiology major, said KCSB is dedicated to promoting the commercially unheard, such as local or unsigned artists, controversial news issues and nonmainstream sports, including women’s events.

“I think KCSB brings programming that you can’t find in the local area,” Goulding said. “Music programmers play B-side tracks as well as local artists and artists you wouldn’t hear on any other public radio station.”

Lauwereins said KCSB is always sure to offer a unique blend of programming.

“There’s every type of music, every type of commentary, even sports that aren’t usually covered,” Lauwereins said.

Goulding said the station refrains from “block programming” in order to present diverse musical tastes.

“Other college stations do block programming so it’s all predetermined,” Goulding said. “KCSB tries to respect the programmer’s interests.”

Additionally, Coe said they operate so disc jockeys can have more artistic freedom.

“With block programming, DJs are limited in what they can play,” Coe said.

Supporters can call (805) 893-2424 to help fund KCSB’s programming and activities until Nov. 12.

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