By Laura Koenig | Echo
Spotify, Pandora, iTunes Radio-we have a variety of music streaming services available on our phones and computers every day. However, the popularity of these new mediums means that one music technology has been shoved off the list-radio.
WTUR, Taylor University's online radio station, is hoping to repurpose this medium with their new mobile application, tentatively scheduled for release on Monday, Nov. 23.
WTUR is a student-run, 24/7 online radio station that plays a variety of Christian music, as well as student-hosted shows on the weekdays and chapel broadcasts.
The new app has two simple goals: to broaden the WTUR listening base and to make it easier to tune in.
Senior WTUR station manager Max Romanowski said, "It is more of an accessory as opposed to something you have to go out of the way for."
The function of the app will resemble music sources such as Spotify and Pandora. The WTUR staff has tossed around the idea of this app for at least a couple years now, but this year it has become a major focus of the station. After setting the goals, the staff had to find capable developers and compelling features.
The WTUR staff selected computer science majors junior Jordan Wright and senior Keith Bauson for this task. They have been developing the app over the past few months. Wright is designing the Android version while Bauson is working on the iOS version.
The app will have three pages. The first page will have a live stream of WTUR with a play and pause button. The second page will consist of a schedule and staff contact information. The third page will hold a live Twitter feed and links to other social media.
For Bauson, the technical part of the development has not been that difficult. The visuals, though, have been more challenging.
"iOS has certain things that make it easy to do. But if you want to deviate from that, sometimes it's harder," Bauson said. "They (the staff) would like a certain look and feel, so matching those expectations is sometimes challenging. . . . It's mostly a matter of hooking the visuals with the non-visuals. The visuals are the bulk of the work."
Romanowski, acting as the bridge between developers and staff, agreed that the development process has been pretty smooth. However, he has seen challenges in getting a developer's license and trying to get the app approved and in each operating system's store.
Overall, Romanowski hopes the new app will help WTUR connect with Taylor's student body.
"One thing we try to do as a radio station is to establish ourselves within the community of Taylor," Romanowski said. "Unfortunately, a lot of people don't know enough about the radio station. The app is a step forward technologically. We can catch up with the times because radio feels dated. And we can be more of a staple around campus."
WTUR plans on announcing the app's launch on Monday at the top of the Dining Commons during dinner. They will be holding a raffle for cheesecakes. They will also be encouraging students to download the app and answering questions.
To listen to WTUR in its current form, visit wtur.taylormediacomm.com.
