The change is part of a larger upgrade to bring expanded cable to all of Des Moines. The project actually began several years ago, but the Drake neighborhood was one of the last areas of town to be served. If it failed to do so, the city would not renew its contract. He said TCI cut several channels in previous years, including MTV, which angered many students. The channels were eventually reinstated.
Drake pays a fee for each room each month.
Drake now receives the same channels as the rest of Des Moines, but broadcasts its own signal on two. Channel 12 is reserved for KDRK, and Channel 7 is used for DBS programming. At times, Evans broadcasts C-SPAN on channel 7 if no Drake programming is on.