Purdue News
Purdue News
WBAA general manager Dan Skinner said the station has been through tremendous change in its first 75 years, and he expects more of the same.
One constant since 1922 is that the station has provided Greater Lafayette with an alternative to commercial media. Skinner said WBAA's prime-time hours are spent providing content rather than advertising. "There's nothing wrong with commercial radio; it's just different," he said. "We're able to spend time providing a service without a lot of interruptions."
WBAA combines news and information with jazz, folklore and storytelling, and cultural segments. "For instance, Garrison Keillor brings the day-to-day American experience to life in his radio show. He's one of a few who practices the art of storytelling," Skinner said.
"It may seem to be just entertainment on the surface, but when you look deeper you see we're preserving some of America's vocal heritage."
In its 75th year, WBAA is taking on an aggressive campaign to bring some National Public Radio programming back to Tippecanoe County. WBAA dropped NPR in the fall of 1992 when programming costs escalated.
Skinner said he hopes to bring "Morning Edition" and "Weekend Edition" back to the dial. So far, through a combination of on-air, direct mail and corporate fund-raising efforts, $130,000 has been raised; $50,000 more is needed.
"We want our listeners to know that we've been listening to them," Skinner said. "They've told us NPR is a priority, and we've been working behind the scenes to make it happen." Skinner said fund-raising efforts will continue in the hopes of adding more NPR programs in the future.
The station's official anniversary date will pass without much fanfare, but Skinner said a fall open house is planned so listeners can see the station and meet the staff of both WBAA AM and FM. The FM signal was launched in 1993, focusing mainly on fine arts programming.
Some other milestones in WBAA's 75 years include:
Writer: Jenny Miller, (765) 494-2096; e-mail, jenny_miller@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
