KSDB-FM
KSDB-FM, branded as Wildcat 91.9 FM, is Kansas State University's campus radio station.
The station has been broadcasting on the FM band since spring of 1950 and is currently located on the third floor of McCain on the campus of Kansas State.
Previously, the station broadcast on the campus carrier current AM system, and had studios located in Nichols Gymnasium.
Wildcat 91.9 is thought to be the oldest continuously running student-led college FM radio station in the United States, perhaps even the world.
Broadcasting as a wired-wireless (or carrier current) station meant the signals never went more than a few hundred feet from power lines.
At this time, the station was a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System and under the direction of the Speech Department and Prof. George L.
At this frequency, “practically the only way to hear the station was to sit on the steps of Nichols gym with a portable radio.” The station switched to 660 in December 1949, which “resulted in a marked improvement in reception.”[2] Programming for Wildcat 91.9 in the first year went from an hour of music at first, to about four hours of music, talk, and sports by November 2, 1949.
[6] The station became an FM outlet on April 2, 1951, broadcasting with 10 watts at 88.1 MHz, thanks to a transmitter donated by Senator Arthur Capper.
In addition, low ceilings hampered the ability of the television workshop to provide adequate lighting for scenes.
Wildcat 91.9 officially moved into a new studio in the K-State Student Union on July 1, 2002 under the leadership of Candace Walton.
[12] Under Punnett's instruction, Wildcat 91.9 saw marked improvement in all aspects of programming, production value, content, on-air talent, and student leadership.
In 2023, Wildcat 91.9 was named the number one college radio station in the nation by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards.
This prompted the creation of the alternate tagline used primarily during live sports broadcasts, "The number one college radio station in the nation."
[14] Wildcat 91.9 also saw significant development in terms of Kansas Association of Broadcaster student and professional awards.
Professor of Practice at Kansas State and TV director, Andrew Smith, was named the new chief operator in January, 2024.
Due to the transient nature of college radio, students typically commit no more than four years to the station, providing much variance.
Since the early 1980s, Wildcat 91.9 has been known for its diverse programming, which has taken such titles as, “Urban,” “Jam the Box,” “Nights,” and others, which typically aired in the evenings.
At the end of the fall semester, 2022, the tagline was changed to, "You Belong" to facilitate a more inclusive, community-based environment.
[15] Wildcat 91.9, in its current state, is the product of much recognition including improvement of diverse programs that change with the student body over the years.
Programming decisions are made collectively by the student executive board, who then make recommendations to the chief operator for final approval.
This balance of freedom and oversight has resulted in numerous awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for Wildcat 91.9 students.
"[18] The broadcast would also make Wildcat 91.9 history as it would feature freshman sideline reporter, Emma Wiley and senior videographer Dawson Wagner.
