50th Anniversary Slideshow
It was quite the challenge piecing together a timeline from WNMU's past 50 years. As we dug into our archive of station materials in anticipation of our 50th anniversary in 2013, we discovered just how much we didn't save over the years. Many materials were recycled and re-recorded rather than purchased new, in order to keep WNMU operating on its shoestring budget.
We hope you enjoy this glimpse back on our 50-year history.
__________________________________
1960-1966
In the early 1960s the most recent development in the field of radio was FM which provided a much better listening experience than AM radio known for frequent interference from electric razors, light switches and even automobiles.
Naturally, a group of ambitious Northern Michigan University students decided they wanted a radio station on campus. Using a microphone and record turntable, they built WNMR radio in a closet in Lee Hall. The station's first broadcasts were not over-the-air but via the power circuitry in the basement of the Olson Library, enabling students in the two student dormitories on campus at the time to listen to WNMR
In 1963, WNMR purchased an old 250 watt transmitter from WJPD in Ishpeming which they loaded into a 400 watt light bulb to broadcast over the air, making WNMR the first FM radio station in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Northern Michigan University was known as Northern Michigan College in 1963 when WNMR went on the air. When trying to determine call letters for the new station WNMC was already taken so they went with WNMR which stood for Northern Michigan Radio. When Northern Michigan College changed its name to Northern Michigan University, the station changed their call letters to WNMU.