KCMU/KEXP Milestones

Station Milestones

Beginning as a tiny 10-watt station back in 1972, KCMU has grown over the years into an innovative, influential cultural force in the Seattle community and beyond. Some of the station's milestones include:

2001	KCMU becomes KEXP 90.3 FM, maintaining all staff, the same format and frequency, while almost doubling its wattage from 400 to 720 and moving to a new technologically-advanced studio near downtown Seattle. Through a partnership with Experience Music Project, the station's eclectic music programming is expanded and enhanced to provide a richer musical experience for listeners.
2000	KCMU becomes the first station in the world to offer uncompressed CD-quality audio on the Internet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. KCMU moves from its long-time home in the Communications Bldg. (CMU) to Kane Hall.
1986	The station moves to 90.3 FM while relocating its transmitter to Capitol Hill and boosting its power to 400 watts. The station's range is extended 15 miles.
1985	KCMU expands its musical focus by adding a variety of other styles to its regular modern rock programming, including hip hop, roots and blues, world music, reggae, jazz and more.
1981	University budget cuts demand the station look to the community for support. The station adopts a modern-rock format and begins raising funds from the community.
1975	The station's wattage increases to 182, allowing the station to be heard outside the University District.
1972	The station begins broadcasting at 90.5 FM, programming an album-rock format. The station's 10-watt transmitter is located on top of McMahon Hall on the UW campus.

gleaned in 2001 by Raptorial Media