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KXUA is the student-run radio station at the University of Arkansas. It is located at 88.3 on the FM dial.

1 Format

KXUA's format is eclectic with genre-specific shows on evenings and weekends. It's very unique for the Northwest Arkansas region, though somewhat similar to several college stations across the nation. They pride themselves in not only providing an opportunity for students to learn broadcasting experience, but as a major source for music education in the campus and community.


2 History

Decades ago, the University of Arkansas had a student radio station known as KUAF, broadcasting at 91.3FM. However, in 1986 KUAF changed their format to National Public Radio, gaining a wide following but at a loss of student input.

After three years of listening to talk radio, the students became much smarter and hatched a plan to form KRFA, based on the college radio format. The "broadcasting" was done via cable and carrier current (i.e. neither AM nor FM), which was available to on-campus facilities only. In the spring of 1994 KRFA disbanded (possibly due to lack of new King Diamond albums).

That Fall, KRZR was formed as a Registered Student Organization with the goal of creating an FM station to serve the University and the Northwest Arkansas region. A consulting engineer was hired to do a frequency check and complete the technical portion for a 500 watt station at 90.1FM.

In the Spring of 1996, a communications lawyer was hired to complete the non-technical portion of the FCC application for 90.1FM and it was filed with the FCC. The American Family Association (AFA), a Christian organization dedicated to buying up radio frequencies, also filed for 90.FM. Subsequently, KRZR filed for 88.3FM; so did the AFA. After several months of bickering, the AFA and the University of Arkansas came to a settlement and the student radio station was given 88.3FM

In the spring of 1999, the Media Board accepted the student radio station as a part of their organization, among the ranks of the Arkansas Traveler (the student newspaper), the Razorback Yearbook, the AuxArc Review (a literary magazine), and UATV.

KXUA began its first broadcast on April 1, 2000 after five years of hard work. In the spirit of April Fools Day, the first listeners were led to believe that the station wasn't allowed to play music--a stunt upheld by the DJs playing nothing but political speeches. Listener anxiety was expressed by such phrases as "man, that sucks." But soon enough the prank was dismissed, and listeners got their first taste of real programming.

KXUA is now in its 5th year of broadcast, much to the pleasure of the campus and community. Now, with streaming audio, their quality programming can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world


3 Broadcast Info

KXUA has a Class A Non-commercial license.

They are said to have a 17-mile radius coverage area, though there are various popular legends which give them a much greater reach with their 468 watt transmitter.





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