After months of preparation, student radio is returning to NIU.

NS*Radio, a Web-based radio station broadcasting a diverse selection of music, launches today on www.northernstar.info.

The station’s programming will highlight the latest releases in a variety of music genres.

“We’re excited to launch the station because of the void in student broadcasting on campus,” said Scott Smith, NS*Radio program director.

To coincide with the debut, the Northern Star is sponsoring a live music event at 2 p.m. today at the King Memorial Commons. The show will feature After the Fall, a local rock band.

“In the next several weeks, we’ll be adding live on-air personalities to host specialty shows,” Smith said.

Interested students can apply at the Campus Life Building, Suite 130, or online.

Live broadcasts will begin as early as November; until then, the station will feature automated programming.

NIU has remained without a student radio station since WKDI shut down in spring 2002.