50 Years of Campus Radio

By Bridget Muñóz

University of Findlay’s radio station, WLFC 88.3 FM, was once only available within a 10-mile radius of campus. Today, it can be broadcast globally to more Oilers than ever before as a result of music streaming and podcast popularity. Since its start in 1973, the radio station has prioritized students and opportunities to learn.

Initially broadcast as an AM station, Findlay College was approved for an FM license for WLFC-FM 88.3 by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in November 1973. The transition from AM to FM dials produced a stronger quality and added listenership numbers in the community. However, the allotted 10-watt reach was quite small relative to today's capabilities.

Mike Yunis, ’80, former general manager of WLFC and now Communications Advisory Board member, acknowledges the growth WLFC has achieved since its launch over 50 years ago.

“I remember when 10-watts allowed WLFC to be the voice to the city, and now it’s a voice to the world,” said Yunis.

The call letters are commonly believed to stand for We Love Findlay College as the station quickly became an important part of the campus community. Aside from the station’s contemporary playlists, favorite shows included: the Helen Hall Show, Allison's Tea House, Findlay College Tonight, Bob Jones Sports Quiz, Ohio Education News Special, and the Findlay College Alumni Report

Alexander Davis, communications instructor and faculty advisor for WLFC, believes it’s important to remember the “live and local” aspect of radio’s roots, while also remaining open to new trends in the communications industry. With a recent Instagram post from a UF student generating 2 million responses and another TikTok video that inspired 4.8 million views, Davis acknowledges, “Our reach is different.”

WLFC has had many different homes on campus over the years but most recently moved to the heart of campus in the Alumni Memorial Union in November 2021. The creative workspace houses advanced equipment that is used by students of all majors for live shows, podcasting, interviews, and more. Ron Tulley, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, is excited by the amount of interest students have taken in the space.

“Podcasting has become incredibly popular, especially with student-athletes,” Tulley explains. “It generates a feeling around campus that ‘I don’t have to be a communications major to be part of the radio station.’ We want it to be a lab, a place of discovery for students.”

Student-run podcasts bring the radio station to life, incorporating faculty, staff, and student perspectives on topics relating to UF. Some include Findlay Talks by Aurel Toska and Aiden Wright, The Spotlight by Jordan Grimes, and Late Nights with Lea by Malea Bess.

Bill Rumbold ’74, a “founding father” of WLFC and current member of UF’s Communications Advisory Board, recognizes that the medium has changed drastically but believes there is “tremendous potential” to reach new listeners. “This is a worldwide medium, and it can be an emissary for the University,” he noted. “For example, I can be in Singapore and pull up 88.3 on my phone.”

The potential for WLFC 88.3 is boundless as are the opportunities available for University of Findlay students to engage with a live radio station and pursue their interests. 50 years of campus radio is no small feat, and WLFC is poised to benefit current and future Oilers for years to come.