WHUS, 91.7 on your FM dial, is extending its service area by about 30 percent, with construction of a new antenna on UConn-owned land behind the North Campus residence halls.

The 330-foot antenna replaces a 212-foot antenna, constructed in the late 1960s, that was nearing the end of its useful life.

The new antenna also opens the possibility that WHUS will be heard by thousands of people who previously could not gain access to the student- and community-operated station. It will also be a boon to the state police, other area emergency services, students and others.

John Murphy, station manager, says WHUS will be able to lease access to the new tower to cell phone companies and a variety of other commercial enterprises, enabling the station to continue its 24-hour format, live coverage of UConn men's and women's athletic events, and other public service programming, without increasing costs either to students through fee increases or to the state's taxpayers.

The station also raises money through on-air fund drives.

"I think our location saved us," said Murphy, only slightly tongue-in-cheek, referring to the hilly landscape surrounding UConn that makes it difficult for radio and television waves to reach their customers while, at the same time, providing a high elevation for WHUS to erect their antenna.

The landscape also creates problems with local ambulance crews, state and local police who now will be able to enhance their communications abilities by using the WHUS tower.

Richard Veilleux