WCYC-FM

WCYC-FM. A name that once crackled with the energy of Chicago’s youth, a testament to the power of community radio. WCYC-FM first emerged from the heart of Chicago in 1970, a project of the Chicago Boys and Girls Clubs. Imagine teenagers, brimming with passion and armed with microphones, broadcasting their voices across the city. Initially on 88.7 MHz, WCYC-FM offered a vibrant urban contemporary format, crafted and curated by these young volunteers. These weren’t seasoned professionals; these were kids from the neighborhood, sharing their music, their stories, their Chicago. An important rule at WCYC-FM: DJs couldn’t reveal their full names, nicknames, or street names on air. This unusual precaution stemmed from a tragic incident where a volunteer DJ was targeted outside the studio. Despite the challenges, WCYC-FM thrived. It became a training ground for future radio stars, with some alumni moving on to successful careers at prominent stations like WGCI-FM. Alongside its youth-driven programming, WCYC-FM also carried a more traditional element: The Lutheran Hour, offering a unique blend of the secular and the sacred. In 1988, WCYC-FM shifted its frequency to 90.5 MHz, broadening its reach and continuing its mission of community engagement. This move symbolized the station’s growth and evolution, its commitment to amplifying the voices of Chicago’s youth. This era marked a pivotal moment for WCYC-FM. It wasn’t just about playing music; it was about empowerment, opportunity, and the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s diverse communities. The legacy of WCYC-FM lived on, even after the station was sold to the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in 1997, becoming WRTE and embarking on a new chapter as “Radio Arte.” But the spirit of those teenage volunteers, their dedication to community, and their love for Chicago radio, continued to resonate in the airwaves.