A History of American University's Radio Towers and Broadcasting
The story of radio broadcasting at American University (AU) is a rich tapestry woven from student innovation, technological advancements, and a commitment to public service. From its humble beginnings as a carrier-current AM station to its current status as a leading NPR affiliate, WAMU's journey is inextricably linked to the evolution of radio technology and the strategic placement of broadcasting towers.
The Dawn of Wireless Communication
Before delving into the specifics of American University's radio towers, it's crucial to understand the broader context of radio's development. The printing press revolutionized mass communication, but the telegraph enabled instantaneous communication over vast distances. Experiments by Heinrich Rudolf Hertz demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves between 1880 and 1890, building on earlier theories about the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Guglielmo Marconi is often credited with the invention of radio, though many others were simultaneously developing similar technologies. In 1895, Marconi successfully transmitted a wireless Morse Code message over a kilometer. He patented the first "wireless telegraphy" system in England in 1896. Despite the work of inventors like Nikola Tesla, Marconi's business acumen and connections propelled him to global recognition.
Tesla, in the early 1890s, explored the potential of electromagnetic waves, receiving a patent in 1897 for a system using the Earth as a conductor for long-distance signals. Between 1901 and 1906, he built Wardenclyffe Tower in Shoreham, NY, to transmit messages, telephony, and images across the Atlantic. However, the project faltered due to financial constraints.
The US Supreme Court, in 1943, acknowledged Tesla's contributions, restoring many original patent rights to him. By 1914, Reginald Fessenden had developed alternators capable of transmitting voice and music over long distances. In 1919, Marconi's assets were acquired by General Electric, leading to the formation of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and the NBC Radio network, spearheaded by David Sarnoff.
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The 1920s witnessed a radio boom, with widespread adoption for news and entertainment. Radio became a vital source of information during World War II.
Early Broadcasting at American University
WAMU's history began as an AM carrier-current student radio station, signing on July 28, 1951, on 1200 kHz, before shifting to 590 kHz in March 1952 and 610 kHz in November 1952. These carrier-current stations didn't require FCC licenses but used "WAMU" for identification. The station broadcast a variety of student-produced content, including music, news, sports, dramas, and debates.
Throughout the late 1950s, students and faculty advocated for an FM station to reach a wider audience. In 1960, the university secured a non-commercial FM broadcasting license, and WAMU-FM debuted on October 23, 1961, on 88.5 MHz, utilizing a 4,000-watt transmitter acquired from WGBH in Boston. The FM station adopted the "WAMU-FM" call sign.
From its inception, WAMU prioritized public affairs and educational programming. In 1961, WAMU-FM joined the National Educational Radio Network, a precursor to NPR. In 1967, WAMU-FM began featuring bluegrass music.
The Tenley Tower and Broadcast House
The "Tenley Tower," dating back to the mid-1940s, played a significant role in early broadcasting and telecommunications in the region. Western Union Telegraph Co. constructed it as part of an experimental microwave system for transmitting telegrams, contributing to the decline of telegraph wires and poles. The tower also facilitated the relay of early television signals, giving Western Union and RCA an advantage in the television revolution of the 1950s. During the Cold War, the 90-foot tower handled national security communications.
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In 1953, Broadcast House, located behind the tower at 40th and Brandywine Streets, became home to WTOP TV and radio studios. It was the first production facility designed for both media.
Evolution of WAMU's Programming and Reach
Over the years, WAMU has undergone significant programming changes. In December 2015, Diane Rehm, a long-time program host, announced her departure, signaling a shift in WAMU's lineup. In February 2018, WAMU, KPCC, and WNYC acquired the archives of Gothamist, leading to the relaunch of the local Washington news site DCist in Spring 2018. However, WAMU shut down DCist in February 2024, laying off its journalists.
In 2013, WAMU relocated to a new studio facility at 4401 Connecticut Ave. In October 2019, the station initiated a major tower renovation and antenna replacement project on the American University campus to improve reception in Northern Virginia and Maryland.
WAMU's main channel features content from NPR, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and Public Radio Exchange. The weekday schedule includes NPR staples like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here and Now, The Takeaway, and Fresh Air. As of April 2021, WAMU produces 1A, a daily program distributed nationally by NPR. The station also airs This American Life. Weekend nights offer entertainment programming, including The Big Broadcast, which features rebroadcasts of classic radio shows.
WAMU's HD2 subchannel broadcasts bluegrass music under the branding Bluegrass Country. In 2016, WAMU announced the potential shutdown of Bluegrass Country due to financial reasons. However, listeners formed the Bluegrass Country Foundation, which took over operations in January 2017.
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From 2010 to 2021, WAMU operated a 50,000-watt Class B Eastern Shore relay service on WRAU 88.3 MHz in Ocean City, Maryland. From 2014 to 2017, it operated a second repeater, WYAU on 89.5 MHz in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia.
The Modern American University Tower
Washington, D.C., now boasts a state-of-the-art master FM antenna system situated on high ground around the American University campus. This project involved a new panel antenna and antennas for other stations.
The project took place on the 419-foot broadcast tower on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. The new panel antenna is a four-bay, three-around ERI Cogwheel antenna that serves WAMU, WTOP, WPFW, and WETA. There is a new ERI SHPX Rototiller in place for WPGC and a new ERI LPX Rototiller for WMMJ.
The AU Tower has been a hub for multiple FM stations since the 1960s. WAMU and WETA provide reciprocal auxiliary sites. WAMU joined the WETA combined antenna in 2019 in preparation for this project. WTOP and WPGC are directional, which presented challenges for integrating them into the master system.
The project addressed reception issues in the area surrounding the studios. American University decided to invest in the tower as a valuable asset. WAMU led the project, with WTOP as a key partner.
The project cost $2.8 million, including a new shelter beneath the tower and reinforcement of the tower structure. Vertical Technology Services performed the tower modifications. The structural engineer was Richard Dyer of Morris Ritchie Associates. The general contractor was Network Building & Construction services.
The Burk Arcturus system provides VSWR protection and monitoring of the system.
The Evolution of Antenna Systems
The current array of antennas on the tower-top pole were erected in the early 1990s, when the stations had different community impacts. WAMU was a smaller bluegrass station, while WGMS (now WTOP) was a classical station. The legacy build involved a six-bay antenna for WAMU, a three-bay directional antenna for WGMS, and two bays for WMMJ.
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