In a world where many media outlets are funded by massive corporations, independent radio stations like KURE 88.5 have to get creative when looking for a means to stay afloat.

In order to improve the station, student-run KURE has teamed up with the Maintenance Shop to put on a benefit show, featuring The Anniversary.

Josh Berwanger, singer and guitarist for The Anniversary, says those who attend the show are helping promote a valuable outlet for underground music.

“College radio is the only thing people who care about music and appreciate music have left,” Berwanger says. “It’s the easiest way to find out about new music.”

KURE is allotted a certain amount of money each year by the Government of the Student Body, but any equipment upgrades or repairs that go beyond the bare minimum are the station’s responsibility, says KURE Loud Rock Director Greg Rice.

Rice, graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, organized the benefit show and says he believes it will be more of a success than in the past.

“Last time we did it, two years ago, only about 60 or 70 people came out,” Rice says.

Rice says The Anniversary will appeal to a larger demographic than a hardcore or metal band.

“We want to bring in the punk kids, emo kids, indie kids, alternative kids — everybody,” he says.

The Anniversary has sold out the M-Shop for its last two visits to Ames and Rice says he is hoping history will repeat itself and make this event a success.

“When we can draw out a wider audience, not only are we making more money, but we’re bringing a larger part of the community into the music scene and giving the station more exposure at the same time,” he says.

Another avenue KURE is using to expand its listening base is a new Web radio feature, which is currently in the testing phase.

“This gives us an opportunity to reach kids who might be outside broadcasting range but still want to hear good underground music,” Rice says. “By giving them our schedule at the show, we’re letting them know what type of music broadcasts when and we’re giving them the mechanism with which to listen to it by providing the music in the Internet.”

Reaching people in efficient means such as these is essential for independent stations and bands. The fact that the DJs at KURE aren’t paid, as they would be in commercial radio, shows they care about what they’re doing and merits support by the community, Berwanger says.

“The DJs get to pick what they want to play and for the most part, all college kids that are into doing radio shows are really into good music,” he says.

As a member of an indie rock band, Berwanger knows firsthand the importance of giving lesser-known artists a chance to get airtime, thus spreading their music to virgin ears.

“We would never be played on anything but college radio,” Berwanger says. “It’s important for those who aren’t aware of college radio to pay attention to it.”