On June 11, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications celebrated 50 years of the campus radio station, 90.3 KRNU with food, drinks and live music from The Garage Band at the Bourbon Theater in Lincoln.
-
Rick Alloway stands on stage at 90.3 KRNU's 50th Anniversary
-
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU's 50th anniversary celebration was held on June 11, 2022. -
90.3 KRNU 50th anniversary branded items from the celebration on June 11, 2022.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln taught its first radio course in 1924 and added radio to the curriculum in 1937. In 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, the campus added the ability for broadcasting students to air their work in the campus dorms on KNUS, KRNU’s predecessor station. In 1969, Professors Larry Walklin and Peter Mayeux approached the Nebraska Broadcasters Association for support in gaining an FCC license for a formal campus radio station. With their help, 90.3 KRNU, a 10-watt station, went on air on Feb. 23, 1970.
Today, KRNU has expanded into KRNU Studios, which maintains the now 100-watt station, 90.3 KRNU, plus two webstreams, KRNU and KRNU 2, a website and produces a wide variety of audio content including sports shows, play-by-play, podcasts and more.
KRNU Studios has joined other College of Journalism and Mass Communications programs as part of the Experience Lab, a program that provides students with at least three semesters of experience working in one of the college’s media outlets and agencies.
The 50th-anniversary celebration focused on raising money to support the future of the station, including paid student leads to oversee students enrolled in the Experience Lab, a new tower and antenna on the UNL Campus, and new technology and software to ensure students have access to state-of-the-art equipment to prepare them for their future careers.
“KRNU is an incredible learning lab,” said Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “It gives students the chance to practice, experiment and learn invaluable skills that will serve them throughout their lives.”
The evening celebrations also honored long-time General Manager Rick Alloway, who will be inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame in August 2022. Alloway first joined 90.3 KRNU in 1974 as a student in the college. He returned in 1986 as a faculty member and station manager. In 1995, he became general manager of the station and has been mentoring and supporting students ever since.
“He’s my yoda,” said John Bishop, a former KRNU student and current program director at KLIN Radio in Lincoln. “I’d like to think that his voice is always going to be ringing in the back of my head and reminding me of where I came from.”
All proceeds from the event will go to support the future of KRNU and individuals can continue to provide support by donating to the KRNU Excellence Fund or purchasing KRNU merchandise.