The plans for radio station KTIM,
“The Sound of Camp Timberlane”, began in 1967 when Vance
Liebman brought the suggestion to Harold Hiken. Vance worked with
counselors Bill Coy and Steve Brown, both from Des Moines, Iowa. With
a budget of 300 dollars, and a winter to produce it, KTIM was formed.
From the relatively small allotment of money was created an exciting
activity that will be passed down, revised and improved upon by
coming generations of campers. The immediate impact of KTIM was
easily noted in 1968, and it has increased from then on.
The summer of 1968 saw the first broadcasts out of KTIM led by Bill
Coy and Steve Brown. Although it probably has the capability to
broadcast about 20 miles, Harold limits KTIM’s range to less
than a mile, so not to bother others in the area. A very considerate
thought from the director.
The original equipment consisted of one turntable and one microphone.
Gradually, it expanded. At one point, there were two Garrard
turntables and a reel-to-reel tape player. Cartridge tape machines
came next. In 1978 we have one, newer turntable, two cartridge
machines, and a new cassette player that is now the most used machine
in the station. Harold tries to upgrade KTIM each summer.
Bill Coy and Steve Brown, the first disc-jockeys, were experts in the
electronic field. They then taught the campers, who eventually added
special touches of their own. Such things as the self-written
commercials which were a fun highlight of past years.
Mr. Hiken explained that here at camp he tries to get ideas for new
activities, and this was the basis of KTIM. Innovations such as
short-wave radio broadcasting and videotape recording (yes. H.H.
actually bought a T.V. camera) were tried; though none so successful
as KTIM.
From 1970 to 1975, Vance Liebman directed the station. After Vance
left, Jim Goldstein took over and has been in charge since.
What does KTIM lack? "New equipment," says Jim Goldstein, such as a
new cartridge machine and a new turntable. H.H. thinks otherwise.
“We need responsible people running the station, and sometimes
the kids don’t take proper care of the equipment; causing it to
constantly need repairs.”
This is KTIM’s 10th anniversary of broadcasting; and we wish it
many more years of service to Camp Timberlane.