Research at the college in radio communication, initially with Morse code transmissions using spark-gap transmitters, reportedly began in 1908.
[3] In early 1916, the college was issued a license for a "Technical and Training School" station, with the call sign 7YI.
[4] However, in April 1917, due to the entrance of the United States into World War I, most non-government stations were ordered to cease operations.
Effective December 1, 1921, the Commerce Department, which regulated radio at this time, adopted rules formally defining "broadcasting stations".
[5] On June 21, 1922, the State College of Washington was issued a license for a new station operating on 360 meters in Pullman.
A transmitting antenna was constructed on the building roof, consisting of 6 wires strung between two 70-foot (21 meter) tall towers.
Longtime CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow began his career on KWSC, in addition to ABC sportscaster Keith Jackson and newscaster Barry Serafin.
[19] The call letters were changed to KWSU on March 1, 1969, ten years after Washington State attained university status.