WPRK

WPRK 91.5 FM is a non-commercial college radio station located in Winter Park, Florida owned and operated by Rollins College. Its signal is audible in most of the Orlando metropolitan area. WPRK features programming from nearly every mainstream and non-mainstream music genres.

History

WPRK began broadcasting on December 8, 1952,^[1] with a dedication address from then President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower.^[2] The station originally operated on 88.1 MHz with 10 watts of power but eventually moved to 91.5 MHz and increased power to 1,300 watts effective radiated power.

During its first decade of broadcasting WPRK operated for approximately five hours every evening, transmitting a variety of material including classical music, interview programs, quiz shows, and occasional live broadcasts of concerts and speeches occurring on campus.^[3] The hours of operation gradually expanded. By the mid 1970s WPRK was typically on the air from noon to midnight, featuring classical music during the day, a variety of student-selected radio formats at night, and live play-by-play coverage of selected Rollins soccer and basketball games.

In 1989 students were given more authority over the programming and operation of WPRK; by 1991 the station was described as "completely student-run." The amount of time allocated to classical music was reduced and the length of the broadcast day was expanded with the station operating from 8 AM to 2 AM daily.^[4] Consistent 24-hour broadcasting began in the mid 1990s.

In the summer of 2000, Community Communications, owner of WMFE-FM 90.7, offered to take over the operations of WPRK in a proposed partnership which greatly interested the college.^[5] Students, listeners and other supporters formed an organization called "SaveWPRK.com" to oppose the merger and find other sources of funding for the station.^[6] On February 1, 2001, the Rollins College administration announced its decision to retain control of WPRK.^[7]

From January 17–21, 2005, the station launched its first WPRK Marathon, also known as The 110-Hour Marathon, a fundraiser in which DJ Dave Plotkin attempted to break the world record for longest consecutive on-air DJ session.^[8]

Notable Alumni DJs

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo
Diplo
Gen from the Genitorturers
Q Burns Abstract Message
Drew Garabo
Keith Mercer
Dave Plotkin
Curtis Earth

References

External links

• official site
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WPRK
• Radio-Locator information on WPRK
• Query Nielsen Audio's FM station database for WPRK

Coordinates: 28°35′41″N 81°20′06″W / 28.59472°N 81.33500°W / 28.59472; -81.33500