KWSU Radio Station Records, 1916-1977

KWSU Radio (originally known as KFAE, then KWSC) is one of the oldest and largest university-owned radio stations in the United States. It began broadcasting from the Mechanic Arts Building on the WSU campus on December 10, 1922. The initial funds for the station came from equal donations by the Agricultural Extension Service, the Associated Students of Washington State University, and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. The three men most responsible for creating the station were: H. V. Carpenter, Dean of the College of Engineering; Frank F. Nalder, Director of General Extension Service; and Homer Dana, Professor of Electrical Engineering. The goals for the station as outlined by Dr. Nalder have not changed since they were formulated in 1922: to provide an information and cultural service to a wide area of population, to draw on the expertise of the faculty and present their findings, to provide a vehicle for further research in broadcasting and to train young people in the use, operation, and "human service" of radio.

In the early years KWSU Radio shared the same frequency with KTW, a station owned by the First Presbyterian Church of Seattle. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated the use of the common frequency with a "Time Sharing Agreement" in 1931. KTW Radio was given exclusive use of the frequency at limited times--Sundays, Thursday evenings, and holidays. Problems arose with this arrangement in 1956 when KTW began to expand its broadcasting time. KTW petitioned the FCC for permission to operate simultaneously with KWSU; KWSU countered by filing for unlimited use of the frequency. The FCC held hearings in 1960 in an attempt to solve the problem. After investigating the situation the FCC awarded KWSU the right to broadcast from 6:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. each day; KTW, designated a "daytime" station, was allowed to broadcast during daylight hours and also from 11:15 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

The station has grown tremendously both in its physical facilities, broadcasting time, and programming capabilities. It has expanded from its first location in the College of Mechanic Arts and Engineering to a home in the Edward R. Murrow Communications Center, which was completed in 1976. The Center also houses KWSU-TV and classrooms and offices for the Department of Communications. The first course of instruction in radio was offered at Washington State University in 1929. Courses in broadcasting are offered as one of six possible majors in the Department of Communications. Originally scheduled for only four and one-half hours of air time per week in 1922 at 250 watts of power, KWSU now broadcasts with 5000 watts for over 120 hours per week. It was affiliated with National Educational Radio (NER), a precursor of National Public Radio. KWSU Radio News uses the services of Associated Press, United Press International wire services and audio, and National Public Radio.

Burt Harrison, manager of KWSU Radio from 1959 to 1976, was very active in the movement to establish what became the Public Broadcasting Act. He helped lay the legislative and financial groundwork for a network of national public radio stations. In 1970 KWSU Radio was designated as one of the 92 "qualified National Public Radio" stations. KWSU Radio broadcasts programs from the National Public Radio network and also produces programs for the network's national distribution.