WHRB May Broadcast Over FM by Next Year

FM broadcasting by WHRB may begin within the next academic year if funds can be raised to buy the necessary equipment, Victor F. Andrew '57, president of the station, announced yesterday.

The plan to add open FM broadcasting to the station's present transmission only through University electric lines will come before the full board of WHRB, the Faculty Committee on Undergraduate Affairs, and the Federal Communications Commission, before exam period.

"Although in essence we could make the change without faculty permission," Andrew stated, "Dean Watson has placed the matter on the Committee's agenda for May 17 as a matter of importance to the College." WHRB has submitted a brief to prove that the change will not affect its status as a non-profit organization.

Andrew added that by consulting the faculty the station may be able to get access to alumni solicitation files at the office of James R. Reynolds, assistant to the President. The cost of the added equipment necessary for FM will run between $2000 and $4000, Andrew estimated.

An 80-page report must be submitted for the required F.C.C. permission. The Commission, which has already granted the Princeton radio station permission to broadcast on FM, will probably approve the plan, Andrew asserted, since its policy has favored more of this type of broadcasting and discouraged the "carrier-current" system.

The advantages of FM broadcasting by WHRB will be more extensive training for personnel, clearer reception in the University.

The station's board of directors has made a study of the problems involved in the change and will submit a report to the rest of the members within ten days.