WKU Public Radio is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.

WKYU-FM (88.9) in Bowling Green signed on the air on Nov. 8, 1980, broadcasting a wide range of news and cultural programs. Over the years more transmitters were added to increase coverage across the state: WDCL-FM (89.7) in Somerset is 25 years old this year; WKPB-FM (89.5) in Owensboro and WKUE-FM (90.9) in Elizabethtown both turn 20 this year.

Together the stations serve a population of 1.3 million people in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. In addition, the live webstream at www.wkyufm.org enables listeners to tune in anywhere.

WKU Public Radio will host a special 30th anniversary celebration Nov. 15 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Special guest will be veteran broadcaster Carl Kasell, official judge and scorekeeper for NPR’s weekly news quiz show Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me. The celebration will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.; for tickets, call 1-800-599-9598.

 WKU Public Radio presents award-winning regional news coverage along with national and international news and information programs from National Public Radio and the BBC. Many locally produced news features and interviews feature WKU faculty members. 

The schedule also includes a variety of music and entertainment shows, including the locally produced WKU Recital Hour featuring performances by faculty and students, plus the popular traditional music program Barren River Breakdown.

 Over the years thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations have contributed to the success of WKU Public Radio. Volunteers, financial supporters and community partners have worked together to make WKU Public Radio a valuable part of the communities it serves.