The radio station’s home in the basement of Holden Hall appears the way one may expect from watching “Frasier.” One room contains the host of a show that is being broadcasted with his or her guests at large, outstretched microphones. Another room — adjacent to the host’s area — accommodates the engineering studio that edits the sound.

Whiting, a telecommunication, information studies and media master’s student, said the goal of Impact is to provide quality, commercial-free music to MSU and the communities surrounding it. This is somewhat difficult, he said, because the station receives just a $3 tax from each MSU student.

“With the evolution of radio as a whole, it’s really important to keep hold of the commercial-free music radio,” said Autumn Maison, a communication junior and training director for Impact.

Despite little funding, Impact has made it through difficult times by adapting to the ever-changing music climate, Whiting said. Impact is looking to expand its production of podcasts, create a new Web site design and possibly produce video.

Another facet to the station’s mission that the staff feels strongly about is its involvement in the community. This is key to the station’s success and the reason why it has lasted for 20 years, Awrylo said.

“We do a lot of outreach with the local community, more than commercial stations do,” she said.

Laura Wise, a daytime DJ and higher, adult and lifelong education graduate student, said students flow in and out of East Lansing, but permanent residents are staple listeners.

“There’s always going to be new students, but the community is full of longtime listeners that we really care about,” she said.

In tune with students

Lansing resident Patrick Crane considers himself a dedicated Impact fan, particularly because of the programming and variety of music from the student DJs.

“It’s run by college students that are more in tune with musical trends and musical history than corporate radio,” he said.

The radio station opens a lot of doors for students who are interested in music and broadcasting, said Jill Heringhausen, a DJ and communication junior.

“If you want to pursue broadcasting, this is possibly one of the best options you can have,” she said. “If you have it in you and you like music and you like to talk, this is definitely for you.”

At its birthday bash, Impact employees broadcasted live from Buffalo Wild Wings, as dedicated listeners and former employees reminisced about the past 20 years.

Impact radio alumnus Jon Erickson arrived at the celebration not only to wish a happy birthday to the station, but also to cover the event for WLAJ, an ABC affiliate.

“It gave me an outlet for four years,” he said. Erickson said he attributes the success of Impact to the range of music choices the staff has to offer listeners.

“Impact gives its staff a lot of freedom. If they clamped on their freedoms, the station would die.”