RAW began life as University Radio Warwick in the 1970-71 academic year by students who spent their summer vacation installing an induction loop transmission system in the Rootes residence buildings.

On 30 January 1999, W963 rebranded itself as RaW and on 30 September 1999, the station began broadcasting on 1251 kHz AM, discarding the then obsolete induction loop system.

[1] RAW provided a special broadcast service for the International Children's Games held in Coventry in July 2005, and was named[by whom?]

In late 2005, David Davis, the Shadow Home Secretary, launched his bid for the Conservative Party leadership with a visit to RAW, the station which he helped to found.

in the studio (surrounded by around 20 journalists), Davis held a press conference in the Rootes Social Building Panorama Room, which symbolised the beginning of his campaign.

Over £1,000 was raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and the station was announced winner of the Charity Champion prize at the I Love Student Radio Awards later that year.

RAW has twice been named the Student Radio Association's Station of the Year, in 2000 and 2003, along with other gold awards in both on and off air categories.