WQHS 'clearing up' image

Criticized for having a fuzzy radio signal in the past, WQHS is trying to clear up its image. The all-student run radio station, located at 730 AM on the radio dial, has encountered low listener ratings because it has been plagued with broadcast difficulties, said WQHS Station Manager Jason Straus, a College junior. "You can probably count the audience on two hands," said Straus. "We try to be as professional as possible even though we don't have a substantial listener base." Straus attributed the problem to the signal being transmitted over phone lines to Hill House, the Quad, and High Rise South. "The lines go down all the time because of poor weather," Straus said. College freshman Melissa Wagamon said she would tune in more frequently if the signal was clearer. "I would listen to the station more if I could get it in my room," Wagamon said. "But I have to go next door to pick it up." College freshman Daniel Passman said he has heard complaints from the listeners of his radio show regarding the quality of the broadcast. He added that people cannot listen to the show for long periods of time because of background noise. "The problem is that the station comes in poorly," Passman said. "People can't stand the constant humming." But Passman said he and his partner, Wharton freshman Steve Trachtenberg, have generally received positive feedback from listeners who enjoy the show's format, which features bootlegged copies of Grateful Dead and Phish concerts. For students wired to ResNet there is some relief from the poor reception. They can hear the station on ResNet's channel two, which Straus said comes in "crystal clear." The television station is the University information channel which plays WQHS in the background. Wharton junior Theodore Tsai, who listens three or four times a week, agreed with Straus' assessment. "I get better reception over the television than over the radio," Tsai said. Straus said he wants to improve the signal by getting a better frequency on the dial, even though it would be expensive for the financially strapped station. WQHS is supported by $7,000 from the Student Activities Council. This year the SAC funding was insufficient and the station has had to find other sources of income. Straus said the station has received alumni donations, has sought private advertisement and is looking to disc jockey local parties. In the future, he said he wants the station to be self-sufficient and not reliant on SAC funding. Despite the poor signal, WQHS does have a loyal following. College Junior Frank Schembri put listening to WQHS above sexual satisfaction. "Sometimes WQHS is better than sex," Schembri said. "They do what you want. You call them up and they instantly play what you want."