Sixty-five years ago today, WUOM aired its first broadcast from temporary studios in Angell Hall on the campus of the University of Michigan.
U of M was one of the first educational institutions to apply for an FM license. The station's first broadcast went on out on the brand new, high fidelity FM band at 91.7. It has been broadcasting on this signal ever since. Today, the station broadcasts on two more signals (WVGR 104.1 FM in Grand Rapids, and WFUM 91.1 FM in Flint).
The station has been a leader in developing today's public radio system. In addition to being a charter member of NPR in 1971, the station's manager in the 1960s, Ed Burrows, was instrumental in keeping public radio relevant. Current.org has more on Burrows' story.
Take a listen to this piece by Michigan Radio's current News Director Vincent Duffy about the station's history:
Or look through old photos and a station timeline on our Michigan Radio History page.