‘Weird Al’ Returns to Radio Roots to Dedicate New KCPR at Cal Poly

SAN LUIS OBISPO – In 1978, the spotlight was shining brightly on musicians such as Billy Joel, Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. Meanwhile, a Cal Poly architecture student was about to make history in a more humble limelight – the fluorescent one of a men’s restroom on campus.

Nearly 30 years after recording his first hit across the hall from KCPR, Grammy award-winning artist “Weird Al” Yankovic returns to Cal Poly’s radio broadcast laboratory to dedicate the newly renovated studios.

Moved from the second to the third floor of the Graphic Arts Building, KCPR now houses two on-air studios, one which also functions as a production facility. The new studios are fully automated and feature advanced equipment.

“We are thrilled to see the completion of this new state-of-the-art facility,” said Dean of Liberal Arts Linda Halisky. “This renovation is critical to the program if it is to move effectively into the future.”

KCPR 91.3 FM went live in 1968 with 1.7 watts and a transmitter on Broadcast Peak. Veteran broadcast journalist Ed Zuchelli was the station advisor, a position he held until his death in 1986. Now under the faculty advisement of Journalism Professor John Soares, KCPR has realized a goal 30 years in the making – moving the station’s transmitter to Cuesta Peak and improving the signal’s reach to listeners from Paso Robles to beyond Santa Maria.

All KCPR studio spaces and programs are available for naming and sponsorship opportunities. The Journalism Department is also launching two endowment campaigns: a $100,000 Equipment Endowment to fund technology upgrades for the station and a $50,000 Student Scholarship Endowment.

For more information, contact Terry J. San Filippo, College of Liberal Arts, at 756-1216 or tsanfili@calpoly.edu.

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