WKCR-FM, radio station at Columbia University
WKCR-FM is a radio station in Manhattan broadcasting on 89.9 FM and operated by Columbia University students. It offers diverse programming including jazz, classical music, world music, and spoken word content available 24 hours a day, with online streaming accessible from anywhere in the world.
WKCR began broadcasting in 1956 but traces its roots to Columbia University's radio club founded in 1908. It was among the first college stations to broadcast on FM and gained attention through its coverage of the university's 1968 protests before shifting toward music programming.
WKCR is run by Columbia University students and reflects the university's academic culture and commitment to free expression. The station serves as a training ground where aspiring broadcasters and music curators develop their craft while serving the community.
The station can be heard on traditional FM radios at 89.9 or online through various apps and websites, making it accessible from anywhere in the world. The studio is located in Lerner Hall on Columbia University's campus in Manhattan.
In 1957, WKCR became the first North American station to rebroadcast signals from the Sputnik 1 satellite, and in the 1990s it hosted the influential Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, which introduced emerging hip-hop artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z to wider audiences. These moments reveal the station's knack for embracing technological innovation and cultural trends.
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