WKNC

WKNC is the campus radio station at North Carolina State University. It started as WLAC in 1922 but faced challenges with funding and licensing. It went through several changes before becoming WKNC. The station grew in the 1950s-1970s, switched from AM to FM, and gained recognition as one of the top college radio stations. In 1992, students protested for more inclusion of Afrocentric music. The station now broadcasts underground hip-hop, has multimedia production, podcasts, and covers various genres. It aims to be more inclusive and accountable for past mistakes. WKNC is the North Carolina State University campus radio station run by students. The radio station broadcasts many genres of music, provides campus sports coverage, and reports on current events from the local community. However, this was not always the case. The radio station faced many challenges and encountered substantial backlash from members of the Wolfpack community. How did WKNC's early representation reflect the university's priorities or lack thereof? The station was originally established in 1922 as WLAC, We Lead All Colleges. Ultimately, WLAC could not remain in business due to inadequate funding and licensing. In 1944, the station was revised and renamed Wolf under new management NCSU's engineering students. WLAC and Wolf are just two examples of many facelifts undergone before WKNC came about. The station rapidly grew in the 1950s through the 1970s. During this period, the station switched from AM to FM to expand accessibility to the public. WKNC FM took over Talley Student Union, allowing it to reach 40 miles outside of Raleigh. WKNC gained access to better technology, like the improved transmitter tower. After years of trial and error, combating the issues of accessibility and responding to opposition, the station found its groove. The station made its way onto the map, gaining recognition as one of the top college radio stations in the country. In November 1992, students participated in a sit-in to protest the lack of inclusion of Afrocentric music played during prime listening hours. What would lead students to protest the radio station for lack of representation? To provide context on the university's demographics, let's start from the beginning. North Carolina State was founded in 1887 and opened its doors to students in October of 1889. The first black undergraduate students were admitted in 1956, years later. This occurred after segregation was ruled unconstitutional and black students were able to enroll as undergraduates. The WKNC disintegration is a parallel issue to the exclusion of cultures from the North Carolina State community. Enrollment in racial demographics during the time racial issues arose publicly favored white men and minimally included African Americans and women. The silence of minorities in the media is an issue that has to be addressed to get the entire history. A prominent focus of culture today is ensuring a safe and equal work environment to provide equal opportunity for producers as well as consumers. This information will become relevant as we dive into the history of WKNC. Now let's get back to the timeline of the station. Up to this point, WKNC was primarily known for heavy metal on its station. Don Gordon, the leader of the sit-in, stated in an interview, WKNC is funded by student fees and it's the purpose of all radio stations to serve the public, not just those who like rock. In hopes of correcting this mistake, WKNC leaders and black student leaders collaborated and agreed to broadcast the Magic 88, which played rap and R&B music. The student-led radio station now plays underground hip-hop for 24 hours each Monday. The tradition of expanding underground continues as a legacy of the 95-minute sit-in. This protest occurred almost three decades ago, but the goal of recognizing black creators continues today. WKNC has the platform to provide resources to students to help them get involved and in touch with their unique cultures. The station has taken strides to meet the wants and needs of the community far and wide. Production and operations managers collaborated to launch The Lounge, a multimedia video production. This gives the audience increased interactivity as well as enhanced accessibility. The Lounge is tailored to artists from North Carolina and around the country. The Lounge offers unique and intimate performances that give its audience insight into the physical aspects of recording. Another on-the-go material provided by WKNC is podcasts, which can be streamed on a variety of platforms, including Apple and Spotify. There are various podcasts on topics from political history, financial literacy, and reflective thoughts to sports, interviews, and news. The podcast Brain Trust prompts listeners to think in a new way and see how their perspective can change. Some of the commentary podcasts, like On Black, a society and culture podcast, walks through the day-to-day experiences of living and evolving while being black. The station still produces many genres and covers NC Stateport's sporting events. In addition, the station is now more accessible with a 25,000-watt transmitter and more versatile playing. Even mainstream music, as opposed to what's on commercial radio, WKNC recognizes its past mistakes and strives to hold itself accountable. Students accomplish this by adjusting the broadcasting schedule and proportionately focusing on indie and alternative music within its channel. WKNC works to reverse the discarded, appropriated, and overlooked black musicians and creators that have founded many of the genres included on WKNC radio.