History

Listen to Frank Dudgeon's interview with Pat Hayes who has worked at KMUW since 1978.

• April 26,1949

KMUW begins broadcasting as the first 10-watt noncommercial FM station in the United States, the first noncommercial FM station in the State of Kansas and the second FM station in the state.

• March, 1962

KMUW increases its power to 250 watts (ERP).

• August 1, 1970

KMUW hires its first full-time manager with grant money received from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

• October 29, 1970

KMUW increases its power to 10,000 watts (ERP) and relocates its transmitter to the KTVH-TV (now KWCH-TV) facilities at 37th Street North and Hillside. 

• May 1, 1971

KMUW carries the first broadcasts of National Public Radio, as a charter member and affiliate of that new and interconnected network of noncommercial radio stations. 

• September 23, 1973

KMUW begins broadcasting in stereo, through all-new studio equipment purchased with funds received from an HEW matching grant.

• March 27, 1981

KMUW dedicates Blake Hall, its present home, at 3317 East 17th Street. 

• September 1, 1987

KMUW increases its power to 100,000 watts, effectively serving a 60-mile radius around metro Wichita. 

• September 1, 1994

KMUW becomes an affiliate of Public Radio International(PRI). Along with NPR, PRI produces the bulk of nationally-distributed programs heard on public radio station across the country. 

• April 26, 2009

KMUW celebrates its 60th birthday.