Adam Chapman
Reporter
February 10, 2006
Milligan’s radio station, WUMC, is facing obstacles in its plans to broadcast online during the spring 2006 semester.
The final process of getting WUMC online waits on a patent case between internet streaming industries and a technological company group called Acacia. Within this copyright suit, Acacia is accusing the entire streaming industry for music patent infringement.
This case started with a suit against pornography companies, but then broadened to include music and video streaming companies as well.
As for streaming radio, Acacia has been reported to give legal threats against other schools about music infringement. If Acacia wins this case, there will be a fee issued on the music licensing.
“We pretty much believe its ridiculous claim but are not prepared to pay the licensing,” said station manager Bryan Mills.
With no expectations for Acacia to win their claim, Mill continues to work on the plans to make WUMC online. If the court approves of Acacia’s claim, the station will pay for its license to stream online.
Once online, WUMC will be accessible with a live streaming feed to anyone, anywhere with a capable internet connection.
Heading up the online project are Dr. Carrie Swanay, associate professor of communications, and station manager Bryan Mills. They are currently looking at using Live 365, an internet radio streaming company, to handle the traffic and streaming feed.
According to Swanay, this online broadcast will help promote WUMC.
“When we do get the signal online, parents and friends of disc jockeys would be able to listen to their shows online,” Swanay said. “We will continue to broadcast basketball games and maybe even more sporting events.”
Currently, radio listeners must be within a five-mile radius of the Milligan Campus to receive the signal.
“I am in the process of working out a possible move of our tower from off campus to Buffalo Mountain,” said Swanay.
With only about 20 DJs and hopes to get more people involved, the online broadcasting will open many new opportunities for each student to pursue.
“It’s a great outlet for the students and a wonderful promotional tool for the college,” Swanay said.
Mills encouraged anyone to participate with the station, from having a show to just helping the DJs.
“Having the ability to create a show on whatever topic I want was an awesome experience, which I’m glad to do again,” said freshman Jeremy Long. “And now that WUMC has plans to go online, my friends from back home can tune in.