KOAC Radio Milestones


1922	On December 7th, OAC received broadcast license for 50-watt station KFDJ.

1923	First broadcast from the new station was a concert by the Corvallis High School band
	on January 23rd.

1925	In May, the College Radio Committee recommended that OAC have a broadcasting station 
	with technical operation under the Department of Physics and the Extension Service 
	responsible for programming.
		
	During the summer, Physics Professor Jacob Jordan, built a 500-watt transmitter, 
	located in Apperson Hall.
		
	On October 16, a dedicatory program was presented to the radio audience.
		
	On December 11, the call letters were changed from KFDJ to KOAC -- the radio 
	station of (OAC) Oregon Agricultural College.

1928	A new 1000-watt transmitter was installed in the new Physics Building 
	Covell Hall) with studios immediately across the hall.

1929	KOAC began twice daily broadcasting of current market quotations on farm 
	commodities.

1931	The station increased operation to 12 hours per day.

1932	Administration of KOAC was transferred to the General Extension Division of the 
	newly established Oregon State System of Higher Education.

1936	On May 20th, the first nationwide broadcast from KOAC studios (via the NBC 
	network) featured the ROTC cadet band, a message from President Peavy, a 
	discussion of  Oregon resources, and the OSC alma mater to conclude the program.

1938	A permanent remote studio was established in Eugene, in the ensemble room of the 
	music building on the University of Oregon campus.

1941	Transmitter building constructed and two 325-foot towers erected at Granger.

1942	On October 16th, KOAC's new 5000-watt transmission system was dedicated and the 
	station celebrated its 20th anniversary.

1943	KOAC received the George Foster Peabody Radio award for outstanding public 
	service for a 10-part series on venereal diseases.

1950	KOAC had studios in five locations: Corvallis, Eugene, Monmouth, Salem, 
	and Portland.

1957	KOAC-TV was established.

1971	Oregon's network of public radio and television stations was named the Oregon 
	Educational and Public Broadcasting Service (OEPBS).

1972	KOAC celebrated its 50th anniversary.

1979	KOAC became a member of the National Public Radio (NPR) network.

1981	The Oregon State System of Higher Education divested its radio and television 
	stations (including KOAC) and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) was formed.



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Last updated: Monday, 11-Aug-2008 13:06:25 PDT