From its humble beginnings as WLB in 1922 KUOM has a rich history. This isn’t just a radio station. It’s a legacy. A testament to innovation and education. Right here in Minneapolis KUOM started broadcasting on January 13 1922. It was Minnesota’s very first broadcasting station. Think about that for a moment. KUOM one of the oldest surviving radio stations in North America.
KUOM wasn’t always KUOM. It began as WLB a name chosen randomly. Its early days were filled with experimental broadcasts. Morse code messages crackled through the air. Market reports and weather updates were transmitted. Even live play-by-play accounts of football games. Can you imagine listening to a football game on a crackling radio almost a hundred years ago?
The station went through name changes. It briefly used WGMS. That stood for Gold Medal Flour Station. A reflection of the times when local businesses supported the broadcasts. Then it became KUOM. The University of Minnesota wanted a name that clearly linked the station to the institution.
KUOM faced challenges. It shared airwaves with other stations. This limited its broadcasting hours. Eventually KUOM secured 770 kHz. Even then it only broadcasted during daylight hours. This was to avoid interference with a New York City station. Its operating hours varied. Shorter in winter longer in summer. It’s a fascinating detail isn’t it?
KUOM evolved. It wasn’t just about news and reports. The programming expanded. Lectures concerts and even educational materials were broadcast. Imagine the reach of the University of Minnesota expanding beyond the campus. The station hosted famed authors politicians musicians and scientists.
Garrison Keillor a legendary radio host started his career at KUOM. He broadcast classical music as a student. Prince’s very first public radio broadcast is thought to have happened at KUOM. This station played a pivotal role in shaping Minnesota’s media landscape.
In 1993 KUOM merged with another student-run station WMMR. They became Radio K. The name change reflected a shift in programming. More independent and alternative music. The station continues to thrive. It serves listeners in Minneapolis-St Paul and around the world through online streaming. It’s truly a testament to a legacy that started in 1912. It’s more than a radio station. It’s a piece of Minnesota’s history. A vibrant cultural hub for the University of Minnesota and beyond.