What is KWMU, and where is it located?

KWMU is a non-commercial, listener-supported radio station broadcasting at 90.7 MHz in St. Louis, Missouri. It operates with a public radio format focused on news, talk, and information.

What is the broadcast area for KWMU?

The station serves the Greater St. Louis area.

Which major public radio networks is KWMU affiliated with?

KWMU is a member station of National Public Radio (NPR), and also carries programming from American Public Media (APM) and Public Radio Exchange (PRX). Additionally, it broadcasts the BBC World Service.

Where are KWMU's studios and offices situated?

The studios and offices for KWMU are located on Olive Street in the Grand Center district of St. Louis, near the campus of Saint Louis University.

What is KWMU's technical classification and broadcast power?

KWMU is classified as a Class C1 station. It broadcasts with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts, which is the maximum power for most stations, ensuring a strong signal.

What is the height of KWMU's transmitter above average terrain (HAAT)?

The transmitter has a Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 289 meters (949 feet).

Does KWMU utilize HD Radio technology, and what does this enable?

Yes, KWMU broadcasts using HD Radio technology. This allows for digital broadcasting, enabling multiple subchannels beyond the main analog signal.

What programming is available on KWMU's HD2 digital subchannel?

The HD2 subchannel carries a jazz format, branded as "Jazz KWMU-2."

What content is featured on KWMU's HD3 digital subchannel?

The HD3 subchannel broadcasts a 24-hour classical music service, known as "Classical 90.7 KWMU-3."

What are KWMU's sister stations?

KWMU's sister stations are KMST, located in Rolla, Missouri, and WQUB, serving Quincy, Illinois.

When did KWMU first begin broadcasting?

KWMU signed on the air on June 2, 1972.

What was KWMU's initial programming format upon its launch?

In its early years, KWMU broadcast a "Fine Arts and News" format. The 'Fine Arts' component included classical music, opera, and other musical genres not typically found on commercial radio stations.

What news source did KWMU utilize for audio clips in its early newscasts?

KWMU used ABC Radio News for audio clips during its newscasts in its early years.

What were two significant technological firsts for KWMU in the 1980s?

In 1983, KWMU was the first radio station in St. Louis to play music from compact discs (CDs). A year later, in 1984, it became the first radio station in the United States to broadcast Ambisonic programs.

What significant change occurred in KWMU's programming in 1995?

In 1995, KWMU shifted to an all-news and talk format, eliminating most of its weekday music programming. Only a few specialty music shows on weekend nights remained.

When did KWMU begin broadcasting using HD Radio technology?

KWMU started utilizing HD Radio technology for its broadcasts in 2006.

When were KWMU's second and third digital subchannels added, and what are they?

The second digital subchannel, KWMU-2 (initially "The Gateway," now "Jazz KWMU-2"), was added in the fall of 2008. The third digital subchannel, "Classical 90.7 KWMU-3," a 24-hour classical music service, was added in the spring of 2010. Both streams are also available live on the internet.

When did KWMU rebrand, and what is its current branding?

KWMU rebranded as St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR) on September 10, 2009. Its website address also changed to stlpublicradio.org.

When did STLPR begin broadcasting live concerts by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra?

STLPR began broadcasting live concerts from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in September 2010, airing Saturday night performances from Powell Symphony Hall.

When did St. Louis Public Radio move to its new, state-of-the-art facility?

STLPR moved to its new facility on Olive Street in Grand Center on June 18, 2012. This new location also houses academic space for the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL).

When did UMSL officially acquire the WQUB station?

The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) officially acquired WQUB on July 26, 2012. WQUB now serves as a semi-satellite station for KWMU in the Illinois-Iowa-Missouri Tri-State Area.

When did UMSL begin using KMST as a satellite station for KWMU?

Beginning July 1, 2017, UMSL started broadcasting on KMST in Rolla, Missouri, as a satellite of KWMU, extending its reach to south-central Missouri.

Approximately how many listeners does STLPR serve in the St. Louis area?

STLPR reaches more than 500,000 listeners in the St. Louis area.

How many journalists and total staff are employed by STLPR?

The station employs over 30 journalists and has a total staff of more than 70 individuals. Additionally, scores of volunteers assist with special events.

What are the primary sources of funding for KWMU?

KWMU receives its funding from a combination of private donations, corporate sponsors, local, regional, and national grants, as well as support from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

What was STLPR's total revenue in Fiscal Year 2019, and how was it broken down?

In Fiscal Year 2019, STLPR's total revenue was $8,856,000. This revenue came from 92% Community Support, 6% Corporation for Public Broadcasting & Missouri Public Broadcasting, and 2% Other Grants.

What were the specific sources of STLPR's Community Support revenue in FY 2019?

The Community Support revenue of $8,130,000 in FY 2019 was derived from 74% Individual & Foundation Support, 22% Corporate Support, and 4% Events and Other Support.

What programming is featured on KWMU during weekdays?

On weekdays, KWMU airs news and information programs from NPR and other public radio networks, including 'Morning Edition,' 'All Things Considered,' 'Fresh Air,' '1A,' 'Here and Now,' 'Marketplace,' and 'The World.' It also produces a local show, 'St. Louis on the Air,' and features hourly news briefs from its staff. The BBC World Service is broadcast late nights.

What is the frequency and call sign of the radio station in St. Louis, Missouri, that is the subject of this article?

The radio station is KWMU, broadcasting on the frequency of 90.7 MHz.

What is the purpose of the 'More citations needed' notice at the beginning of the article?

The 'More citations needed' notice indicates that the article requires additional citations to reliable sources to verify its information. It encourages readers to help improve the article by adding these citations.

What does the 'Facility ID' number 65585 refer to in relation to KWMU?

Facility ID 65585 is the unique identifier assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to KWMU, used for licensing and management purposes.

What does 'HAAT' stand for in the context of radio broadcasting, and what is KWMU's HAAT?

HAAT stands for Height Above Average Terrain. It is a measurement used in radio broadcasting to determine the effective height of a transmitting antenna. KWMU's HAAT is 289 meters (949 feet).

What are the geographic coordinates for KWMU's transmitter?

The transmitter coordinates for KWMU are 38°34′50″N 90°19′45″W, which can also be expressed in decimal degrees as approximately 38.58056°N 90.32917°W.

What information is available through the FCC Public File and LMS links for KWMU?

The FCC Public File link provides access to official station documents, while the LMS (Licensing and Management System) link offers detailed technical data and licensing information for KWMU directly from the Federal Communications Commission.

What is the significance of the announcement made on February 10, 2025, regarding KWMU?

On February 10, 2025, it was announced that the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) would transfer the licenses for KWMU, KMST, and WQUB to Friends of KWMU, Inc., indicating a shift in ownership structure towards a non-profit entity.

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About KWMU

The Station

KWMU, broadcasting on 90.7 MHz, is a non-commercial, listener-supported public radio station serving the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area. It operates as a member station of National Public Radio (NPR), delivering a comprehensive format of news, talk, and information programming.^[1]

Location and Operations

Licensed to St. Louis, KWMU is operated by St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR). Its studios are situated in the Grand Center district, proximate to the campus of Saint Louis University. The station's license is held by the Curators of the University of Missouri System, with a pending transfer to Friends of KWMU, Inc.^[5]

Reach and Support

KWMU is a vital part of the St. Louis media landscape, reaching listeners across Greater St. Louis. Its operations are sustained through community support, grants, and corporate sponsorships, underscoring its commitment to public service broadcasting.

Broadcast Specifications

Technical Profile

KWMU is classified as a Class C1 station, signifying its robust broadcasting capabilities. It operates with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts, the maximum permissible for many stations, ensuring a strong signal across its service area.^[1]

Transmitter Details

The station's transmitter is located on Trianon Parkway Drive in Shrewsbury, Missouri. It shares a prominent tower with other local FM and TV stations, optimizing signal distribution and infrastructure efficiency.^[2]

Height and Frequency

The transmitter boasts a Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 289 meters (949 feet). Broadcasting on 90.7 MHz, KWMU utilizes this frequency for its primary analog and HD Radio transmissions.^[1]

Digital Channels

HD Radio Technology

KWMU employs HD Radio technology, enabling high-definition digital broadcasts. This allows for enhanced audio quality and the transmission of multiple subchannels, expanding the station's programming diversity.^[1]

Subchannel Offerings

The station features two distinct digital subchannels:

HD2: Jazz KWMU-2 - Dedicated to a diverse jazz music format.
HD3: Classical KWMU-3 - A 24-hour stream of classical music programming.

These streams are also available live via the internet.^[1]

Programming Spectrum

News and Talk

Weekdays feature a robust schedule of news and information programs from NPR and other public radio networks, including staples like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, 1A, and Marketplace. KWMU staff also provide hourly news briefs.

Local Voices

The station produces its own flagship weekday program, St. Louis on the Air, hosted by Elaine Cha. This hour-long show delves into local news, culture, and interviews, offering a unique perspective on the St. Louis region. It airs at noon and is repeated at 7 p.m.

Global and Weekend

Late nights are dedicated to the BBC World Service. Weekends offer a curated selection of popular specialty shows such as Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, Radiolab, This American Life, and The Moth Radio Hour.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Evolution

KWMU commenced broadcasting on June 2, 1972, initially from studios on the UMSL campus. Its early format blended "Fine Arts and News," featuring classical music, opera, and other genres alongside news programming.^[3]

1972: Signed on the air with a "Fine Arts and News" format.^[3]
1983: First St. Louis station to broadcast music from Compact Discs (CDs).
1984: Became the first U.S. station to broadcast Ambisonic programs.
1992: Increased effective radiated power to 100,000 watts.
1995: Transitioned to an all-news and talk format, retaining some weekend specialty music shows.
2006: Began utilizing HD Radio technology.
2008: Launched KWMU-2 (Jazz).
2010: Added Classical KWMU-3 and rebranded as St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR).
2012: Moved to a new state-of-the-art facility in Grand Center.^[4]
2017: Began broadcasting on KMST in Rolla as a satellite.
2025: Announced transfer of licenses to Friends of KWMU, Inc.^[5]

Network Affiliations

Key Partnerships

KWMU is a proud affiliate of several prominent public broadcasting organizations, ensuring access to high-quality programming and news:

National Public Radio (NPR): Primary source for national news and programming.
American Public Media (APM): Provider of diverse cultural and informational content.
Public Radio Exchange (PRX): Distributor of independent public radio programs.
BBC World Service: Offers global news and perspectives.

Ownership Structure

University Affiliation

The license for KWMU is held by the Curators of the University of Missouri System. The station operates under the umbrella of St. Louis Public Radio, which is affiliated with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL).^[1]

Transition to Non-Profit

As announced in February 2025, UMSL is in the process of transferring the licenses for KWMU, KMST, and WQUB to Friends of KWMU, Inc. This transition signifies a move towards independent non-profit operation.^[5]

Mission Statement

Guiding Principles

St. Louis Public Radio articulates its mission as: "to inform and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures for a more inspired and engaged public."^[6] This statement guides the station's commitment to journalistic integrity and community enrichment.

Financial Overview

Revenue Streams (FY2019)

In Fiscal Year 2019, KWMU's total revenue was approximately $8.86 million. The primary funding sources reflect a strong community commitment:^[9]

Source	Percentage	Amount (Approx.)
Community Support	92%	$8.13 million
Corporation for Public Broadcasting & Missouri Public Broadcasting	6%	$531,000
Other Grants	2%	$177,000

Community Support is further broken down:

Individual & Foundation Support: 74%
Corporate Support: 22%
Events and Other Support: 4%

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References

Radio-Locator.com/KWMU

Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page C-124. Retrieved June 4, 2024.

A full list of references for this article are available at the KWMU Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on KWMU, and may not be entirely comprehensive, current, or free from minor inaccuracies.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcasting, media operations, or financial matters. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified experts for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sonic Spectrum

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About KWMU ℹ️

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Broadcast Specifications 📡

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Digital Channels 💻

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🌍 Global and Weekend

Historical Trajectory ⏳

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Ownership Structure 🏢

🎓 University Affiliation

➡️ Transition to Non-Profit

Mission Statement 🎯

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About KWMU

The Station

Location and Operations

Reach and Support

Broadcast Specifications

Technical Profile

Transmitter Details

Height and Frequency

Digital Channels

HD Radio Technology

Subchannel Offerings

Programming Spectrum

News and Talk

Local Voices

Global and Weekend

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Evolution

Network Affiliations

Key Partnerships

Ownership Structure

University Affiliation

Transition to Non-Profit

Mission Statement

Guiding Principles

Financial Overview

Revenue Streams (FY2019)

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice