WLFM Radio Station Records

Collection

Identifier: LU-RG06-008

Staff Only

This collection includes records documenting WLFM, the student-run radio station at Lawrence University and the first FM radio station in Appleton, Wisconsin, which began broadcasting in 1956. Records date from 1954 to 2005 and include Board of Control materials, correspondence and reports of station managers and directors, program schedules, and other materials related to the management of the station. Newspaper articles and photographs are also included.

Dates

1954-2005

Creator

Lawrence University (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights and copyright reside with Lawrence University. For uses beyond those allowed for fair use under U. S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.), please contact the University Archivist.

Extent

1.38 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Additional Description

Biographical or Historical Information

An ad hoc commitee proposed the establishment of an educational FM-radio station to be sponsored and supported by the college in 1955. Following the donation of a used FM transmitter by the Green Bay radio station WJPG and the appointment of Joe Hopfensperger as the station's first director, broadcasts began March 10, 1956. With the exception of the director, the rest of the staff positions were filled by students. At this time the studio was located in the basement of the old campus gymnasium (Alexander Gymnasium I) and broadcasted within a 40-mile radius. The studio moved to the basement of the Music-Drama Center in 1960, and in 1976, to the newly-constructed Seeley G. Mudd Library. Programming included educational discussions and lectures, in addition to music. In 1986, WLFM began an affiliation with Wisconsin Public Radio, broadcasting NPR's "Morning Edition" and other WPR programs. In 2005, WLFM switched to an internet-only broadcast format.

Arrangement Note

Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject.

Method of Acquisition

Some administrative records donated by Todd Niquette, class of 1991 and former WLFM Operations Manager, in June 2012. Other materials had been acquired prior to July 2005.

Related Materials

For materials related to the annual Great Midwest Trivia Contest broadcast through WLFM, see the Great Midwest Trivia Contest Collection, LU-MS-020.

http://archives.lawrence.edu/?p=collections/controlcard&id=69