Edmond Life and Leisure - August 1, 2024

Museum to showcase FM radio history

The Edmond History Museum, 431 S. Boulevard, presents On the Air in Edmond, an exhibit that explores the FM radio stations that originated in Edmond in the 1960s. The exhibit dives into station history and equipment, along with some of the DJ personalities and other radio stations that have originated from Edmond. The Edmond Amateur Radio Society (EARS) is also featured. The exhibit and opening reception are sponsored by Larry and Leah Westmoreland.

Edmond’s FM Radio History

William (Bill) Payne began broadcasting KWHP from his garage in 1962. Because FM radio was new to the scene, few people owned FM radios— so part of Bill’s job was to convince the people of Edmond that they needed to replace their AM radios with a FM radio. KWHP eventually changed hands and is still heard today as 98.1 as the WWLS Sports Animal.

According to Michael Cavazos, Museum Exhibits Coordinator, “KWHP broadcasted a lot of sporting events. We have an audio clip of Richard Bernard announcing a football game between Central State University and Langston University in 1978. From listening to it, you can’t even tell it was recorded 50 years ago!”

In 1966, Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma) began broadcasting as KCSC, which continues to exist on 90.1 as Classical KUCO. Under the leadership of Brad Ferguson, who was the station manager for nearly 40 years, the station purchased land in Oklahoma City’s antenna farm and greatly expanded the station’s listening area.

There will be a reception with Edmond DJs, Aug 16th, 5:00-6:30pm

No one can tell stories like radio DJs! The public is welcome to the exhibit’s opening reception, aptly named Radio Reception, which features some of Edmond’s former DJs: Mike Munday, Ray Vaughn, Bill Maier and more. Each will have a few minutes “at the mic” to share some of their favorite radio memories. Light food and live music also included. Tickets cost $12, all ages welcome. RSVP at https://www.edmondhistory.org/event/radio-reception/