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WRFL Celebrates 37 Years of Community Radio in Lexington

Celebration of WRFL's 37th anniversary with DJs and local bands.

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News Summary

WRFL, the University of Kentucky’s college radio station, marks its 37th anniversary as a leading alternative music platform. With a strong community connection, it airs diverse programming entirely run by volunteers. WRFL continues to engage listeners with live shows and local events, showcasing the area’s vibrant music scene.

Lexington, KY – WRFL (Radio Free Lexington), the college radio station for the University of Kentucky, is celebrating 37 years of broadcasting, firmly establishing itself as one of the top college radio stations in the United States. Since its inception on March 7, 1988, WRFL has served as a platform for alternative music and educational programming, engaging both students and community members through its entirely volunteer-driven operations.

Broadcasting on 88.1 FM, WRFL not only reaches the local Lexington area but also extends its signal to neighboring regions such as Georgetown, Frankfort, Stamping Ground, and Versailles. The station underwent significant upgrades over the years, including a major boost in power to 7,900 watts in 2007, enhancing its broadcast range and listenership. By 2010, WRFL had installed a new tower atop the Patterson Office Tower, replacing its previous 250-watt tower.

The station is notable for its eclectic programming, which features unique shows titled “Your Father’s Music Program,” “Humpday Bump,” and “Unhinged Reality Show,” all produced by the DJs who create their own content. This approach allows for a diverse array of music and discussions that are not typically found on commercial radio, aligning with the station’s commitment to alternative music.

WRFL prides itself on maintaining a human touch with live DJs on air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, avoiding any form of automation in its broadcasting process. Training for new DJs occurs through a unique “Disorientation” program consisting of four sessions, covering station culture, policy, and FCC regulations. Recent training classes have seen high demand, with up to 35 prospective DJs eager to join the ranks.

The involvement of the local community is crucial to WRFL’s identity. Many DJs hail from surrounding neighborhoods, fostering connections with local organizations. This commitment to community extends to the station’s annual anniversary celebration hosted at the Burl, which features live performances from local bands. This year’s event saw sold-out performances from Geese, TREG, and Valus, indicating an ever-enthusiastic audience for unique musical experiences.

WRFL’s rich history has produced a number of notable alumni, including artists, film producers, regional on-air reporters, and even a former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. The station was co-founded by Associate Professor Kakie Urch, who emphasizes WRFL’s spot among the top 10 college radio stations in the country.

In addition to traditional radio broadcasting, WRFL produces an online zine named RiFLe, which contains articles, reviews, stories, poetry, and comics created by both station members and fans. This initiative further enhances the station’s role as an educational platform, providing a creative outlet for student expression.

In another testament to WRFL’s community ties, John Clark has been an integral part of the station for over 17 years as a journalism professor and long-time host. His daughter, Mary Clark, has now taken over as the faculty advisor and chief operator, continuing the family’s legacy. With a commitment to maintaining a nurturing environment, Mary Clark aims to keep the station a platform for students to explore their interests and identities in radio.

The 37-year anniversary of WRFL is not just a celebration of its past but also a reflection of its ongoing commitment to providing educational content and alternative music to the University of Kentucky and the surrounding community. As WRFL continues to evolve, its dedication to fostering creativity and community involvement remains its cornerstone.