Luther College gets FCC approval for a low power FM radio station, which MAY mean the end of KWLC-AM after 88 years

An early KWLC broadcast

Some major changes may coming to one of the oldest continuously operating college radio stations in the country.  Luther College's KWLC AM signed on on December 18th, 1926 when then-president of Luther Oscar L. Olson read the Gettysburg Address.

After World War II the radio station began sharing its frequency with KDEC-AM and has maintained that agreement for almost 70 years.

Recently, however, Luther College applied for—and now has been granted—a license for a low power FM radio frequency.  As part of the application, Luther College stated "Luther College is committing to divest KWLC-AM before the proposed new (FM) station would go on the air."

HOWEVER, COLLEGE OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE NOT YET DECIDED WHETHER TO MAKE THIS CHANGE.  THEY HAVE 18 MONTHS TO MAKE A DECISION.

No timeline has been set for the decision on whether or not to proceed, but the college plans to work closely with KDEC as they move forward with discussions about the possible change.

A news release from the college says, "No timeline has been set for the decision on whether or not to proceed, but the college plans to work closely with KDEC as they move forward with discussions about the possible change.  The college submitted the application after receiving notice of a one-time opportunity to become a LPFM, and chose to apply to preserve the option to do so."