We pride ourselves on a commitment to new independent music and an approach to radio that defies corporate conventions in Los Angeles. KSCR is the student-run radio station of the University of Southern California; we provide the community with original programming 24 hours a day. We also provide students with the opportunity to work at a radio station and learn the basics of the music industry.

KSCR is completely student operated. The staff—over 200 members strong—is entirely composed of volunteers. A General Manager oversees six main departments: programming, music, concerts, promotions, operations, and sales. In addition to working for one or more of these departments, most staff members put in two or more hours each week in the studio. You can contact staff members via email using the staff directory.

The station is overseen by the USC Media Board as well as USC Student Affairs.

NEW: Read an expanded history of KSCR by founding GM Bob Moore here.

KSCR traces its roots to the original KUSC, which was operated by students starting in 1946. Eventually, KUSC transitioned to classical programming and moved off-campus in the mid-1970s.

In 1975, a group of students reacted to renewed demand for student-run radio at USC and founded KSCR, a carrier-current station broadcasting out of the Hancock Foundation Building. Eventually, due to equipment failures, the University authorized a grant to move KSCR to its current location in Marks Hall and construct new, state-of-the-art studios. In 1984, KSCR transitioned the carrier-current broadcast to its new studios.

The station was incorporated under USC Student Senate in 1988 thanks to an outpouring of student support. New funds enabled new studio upgrades, and a new logo “SC-53” was adopted to signify a new beginning. Then, starting in late 1990, KSCR started broadcasting through downtown’s then-dominant cable provider, Continental Cablevision. A change in station branding to “The Underground” commemorated this change and the station’s new focus on independent music.

After a period of broadcasting at 104.7FM in downtown, the station began webcasting in April 1998. At first, KSCR broadcasted online through a USC server using Real Audio. This made the station’s programming available to a worldwide audience. The station’s slogan changed to “revolutionary radio” to commemorate the renewed student interest in KSCR thanks to its new online technology.

KSCR now broadcasts over-the-air in downtown Los Angeles at 1560AM, and offers two online streams using its own servers. The station is one of the only independent legal webcasters. Today, “revolutionary radio” reflects our approach to radio: hand-picked music in a culture that encourages diversity and independence.

About 75% of our funding comes from support through underwriting from businesses and individuals. Learn how you can support KSCR's programming and reach a new audience through underwriting and donations.

You can also support KSCR by shopping at Insound—just click that link or click on any "buy" link in our playlists or album reviews. KSCR receives a percentage of the purchase price.

All USC students are eligible to become staff members at KSCR; no prior experience in radio is necessary.

Interning at KSCR is a two-step process. First, you will complete a certain amount of work outside the studio. This can include joining our street team, writing music reviews, office jobs, and other duties.

After that, you can become an in-studio intern. You are paired up with a few DJs who will teach you the technical skills you need to apply for your own shift at KSCR.

You move through both of these stages at your own pace. Some people can complete the process in as little as a semester, and some will take an entire year. It’s up to you.

Click here to apply for an internship.