take 2

WKNC is a student-run radio station at North Carolina State University. It has faced challenges and backlash from the community in the past. The station has undergone several changes and improvements over the years, including switching from AM to FM and expanding its reach. In 1992, there was a sit-in to protest the lack of representation of Afrocentric music. The station has since made efforts to be more inclusive, broadcasting rap, R&B, and underground hip-hop. WKNC also provides resources to students, such as The Lounge, a multimedia video project, and podcasts on various topics. The station aims to be more accountable and has adjusted its broadcasting schedule to focus on indie and alternative music. 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 in CSU'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 some 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. To 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 media is an issue that has been addressed to get the entire story. A prominent focus of culture today is ensuring a safe and equal work environment to provide equal opportunities 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 its heavy metal station. John 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 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 a platform to provide resources to students that 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 project. 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 Spotify and Apple Music. 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 broadcasts many genres and covers North Carolina State sporting events. In addition, the station is now more accessible with a 25,000-watt transmitter and more versatile playing non-stream music as opposed to what's on commercial radio. WKNC recognizes its past mistakes and strives to hold itself accountable. WKNC has accomplished this by adjusting the broadcasting schedule and proportionally focusing on indie and alternative music within its channel. WKNC works to reverse the discarded, appropriated, and overlooked black musicians and creators that have sounded many of the genres included on WKNC radio.