The Evolution of KMUW

Coming Soon to your Radio!

The Evolution of KMUW involves some significant adaptations to the station’s public service, growth of technology resources, and a move to a new environment. What won’t change is our mission to provide you with local, national and world news, a broad discussion of ideas, and a distinctive blend of diverse music and entertainment.

As this evolution takes place, the addition of HD Radio™ technology will offer you a digital version of our existing schedule, plus two new digital channels of 24-hour music and global news. A new analog transmitter and back-up electrical generators will enhance our quality and reliability. By relocating our transmitter to a new host tower, we will expand our coverage area to a number of communities. And, we’ll implement several ecologically-friendly practices by incorporating green features in our new transmitter facility and at our Wichita State studios.

KMUW’s Signal Expansion Project is one of the biggest initiatives the station has undertaken since we increased our power to 100,000 watts in 1987, and will result in Wichita Public Radio activating two additional 24-hour digital radio broadcasts, expanding its coverage area, and improving the quality of its signal.

One of the most exciting features of HD Radio™ is that KMUW will have the capability of broadcasting two additional full-power FM signals — essentially two additional radio stations — on our same 89.1 frequency. HD1 will be the main simulcast of our current analog FM signal. HD2 will be a 24-hour music service based on Adult Acoustic Alternative (AAA or A3 — think “World Café”), singer-songwriter, indie rock, world music, blues and AOR (Album Oriented Rock). HD3 will be a 24-hour global news service anchored by the BBC.

Please check back here for pictures and updates during the construction project.