WUOL Classical Celebrates Half-Century
• 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville will mark 50 years on the air on Dec. 20. To celebrate, Louisville Public Media (LPM) is presenting a season of events and special programming running through May 2027, including an anniversary membership drive in December.
“WUOL has spent 50 years making classical music free and accessible to everyone in our community, whether you’re a lifelong fan or hearing a symphony for the first time,” said Kenya Young, LPM President & CEO. “It has supported local musicians, brought music education into schools and given Louisville a place to slow down and listen. This anniversary belongs to the community that has kept WUOL on the air, and we’re committed to making sure the next 50 years reach even more listeners.”
WUOL launched on Dec. 20, 1976, from the University of Louisville campus, with The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by an announcer saying, “Good morning. WUOL Louisville, Kentucky now begins its first day of FM stereophonic broadcasting.”
In 1986, WUOL became the first local public radio station to broadcast 24 hours a day. In 1993, WFPL, WFPKand WUOL merged under the newly formed Public Radio Partnership (now Louisville Public Media) — the first broadcast entity in the U.S. to operate three radio stations under a single board of directors and professional management team. In 1995, WUOL became the first Louisville-area radio station with an internet presence. In 1996, WFPK switched to the Triple A format it still has today, and WUOL became Louisville’s home for Classical music. In 1999, all three stations merged under one roof at 619 S. Fourth St. in downtown Louisville.
“50 years of being Louisville’s Classical radio station is quite an honor!” said Daniel Gilliam, LPM Director of Programming and WUOL host. “We’ve been here since 1976 because listeners in Louisville and Southern Indiana want what WUOL provides. There is a magic and connection through Classical music on the radio that is unique: made by humans for this community. This anniversary is about more than celebrating a milestone, though: it’s about looking ahead and growing this community service for the future.”
Donations in honor of the 50th anniversary may be made at lpm.org/wuol50.
