“IPN culture kidnapped?” Imagine the headlines. That’s the sentiment once expressed by former employees of XHUPC-FM. This radio station, also known as Radio IPN, has a rich history. It is deeply intertwined with the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City.
XHUPC-FM started as a teaching tool in 1984. The station served students in communications and electrical engineering. The IPN sought a permit from the SCT to operate on 95.7 MHz. They received it February 25, 1987. The station was initially located at Unidad Profesional Culhuacán. Later, it moved to the Superior School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. It was then known as ESIME Culhuacán.
Regular programming began September 5, 1994. XHUPC broadcasted 13 hours a day five days a week. It was known as “El Politécnico en Radio”. Weekend programs were added in 1995. By 1997, XHUPC operated 24 hours a day.
2017 brought significant administrative changes. New bylaws governing the station were adopted. New leadership was brought in from Radio UNAM and UAM Radio. Some former employees were not happy. They felt an IPN alumnus should lead the station. They worried the administration would “kidnap IPN culture”. The new administration aimed to make the station more institutional. It was rebranded as “Radio IPN”.
The station’s call letters changed to XHIPN-FM on March 7, 2019. This change was intended to strengthen the radio station’s identification with the IPN. In 2023, XHIPN-FM began broadcasting from the Canal Once tower. This tower is located on Cerro del Chiquihuite. This is a major broadcast site in Mexico City.
Today, XHIPN-FM offers diverse cultural programs. These range from in-house productions to programs from Radio France International. The station also broadcasts audio from Once Noticias newscasts. It serves as a vital voice for the Instituto Politécnico Nacional. It also connects with listeners across Mexico City.
XHUPC-FM reflects the spirit and dynamism of the IPN. It is a testament to the power of radio. It informs, educates, and entertains.