View source for WKSU

{{good article}}
{{Short description|Public radio station in Kent, Ohio}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Redirect|WNRK|the former station serving Newark, Delaware|WNWK}}
{{Distinguish|WKSW|KKSU-LD|KKSU (AM)}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WKSU
| logo = WKSU Ideastream.png
| logo_alt = The Ideastream symbol, a circle divided into four pieces by a star shape, in red. To the right, on two lines, the words "ideastream" and "public media" in black in a rounded sans serif. Next to that, in the upper right, black letters W K S U with a red line above them.
| city = [[Kent, Ohio]]
| country = US
| area = {{ubl|[[Akron metro area]]|[[Greater Cleveland]]|[[Northeast Ohio]]}}
| branding = WKSU Ideastream Public Media
| frequency = {{Frequency|89.7|[[Hertz#SI multiples|MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| translator = See {{section link||Translators}}
| repeater = See {{section link||Repeaters and boosters}}
| sister_stations = {{hlist|[[WCLV]]|[[WCPN]]|[[WVIZ]]}}
| founded = {{start date|1940|03|03}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1950|10|02|p=y|br=yes}}
| language = [[American English|English]]
| format = [[Public radio]]/[[Talk radio|talk]]
| subchannels = {{ubl|HD2: [[Folk music]]|HD3: [[Classical music|Classical]] ([[WCLV]])|HD4: Public radio}}
| erp = {{val|12000|u=[[watt]]s|fmt=commas}}
| haat = {{Convert|276.21|m|ft|0|sp=us}}
| class = B
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| facility_id = 34045
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|4|58.2|N|81|38|1.4|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC|name=WKSU}}
| callsign_meaning = "Kent State University"
| former_callsigns = WKSU-FM (1950–2016)
| former_frequencies = {{frequency|88.1|MHz}} (1950–1961)
| affiliations = {{hlist|[[American Public Media|APM]]|[[BBC World Service]]|[[NPR]]|[[Public Radio Exchange|PRX]]}}
| owner = [[Kent State University]]
| operator = [[Ideastream]]
| webcast = {{ubl|{{listenlive|https://stream.wksu.org/wksu1.mp3.128}}|{{listenlive|https://freshgrass.streamguys1.com/folkalley-128mp3-wksu}} (HD2)|{{listenlive|https://stream.wksu.org/wksu3.mp3.128}} (HD3)|{{listenlive|https://stream.wksu.org/wksu4.mp3.128}} (HD4)}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.wksu.org/}}
}}

'''WKSU''' (89.7 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a [[non-commercial educational]] [[radio station]] licensed to serve [[Kent, Ohio]], featuring a [[public radio]] format. Owned by [[Kent State University]] and operated by [[Ideastream|Ideastream Public Media]], WKSU's primary signal encompasses the [[Akron metro area]], [[Greater Cleveland]] and much of [[Northeast Ohio]] as the regional affiliate for [[National Public Radio]] (NPR), [[American Public Media]], [[Public Radio Exchange]] and the [[BBC World Service]]. The station's reach is extended into the [[Canton–Massillon, Ohio, metropolitan area|Canton]], [[Mansfield Metropolitan Statistical Area|Mansfield]], [[Lorain, Ohio|Lorain]], [[Ashtabula]], [[Sandusky, Ohio|Sandusky]], [[New Philadelphia, Ohio|New Philadelphia]] and [[Wooster, Ohio|Wooster]] areas via a network of five full-power [[repeater]]s, two low-power [[broadcast relay station|translator]]s, and one [[single-frequency network|on-channel booster]].

Founded by Kent State University, the station had its origins as a radio training workshop on the university's campus that provided programming for [[commercial radio]] stations, and save for a brief hiatus due to [[World War II]], continued into WKSU's 1950 establishment as one of the first educational FM stations in the United States. An NPR affiliate since 1973, WKSU evolved from a university-operated station into a public radio and [[classical music]] outlet, with additional emphasis on [[folk music]] during the weekends. WKSU's influence extended into Cleveland, where from 1978 to 1984, it was the NPR information station of record for the entire region. After a [[Local marketing agreement|public service operating agreement]] with [[WCLV|WCPN]] owner Ideastream took effect on October 1, 2021, this distinction was again made official as both stations combined programming and personnel, with WKSU as the surviving entity.

WKSU's studios are currently located at the Idea Center in [[Downtown Cleveland]], while the station transmitter is in [[Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio|Copley Township]].<ref name="FybushIdeastream">{{Cite web |last=Fybush |first=Scott |date=May 8, 2015 |title=Site of the Week 5/8/15: From Cleveland to Akron |url=https://www.fybush.com/site-20150508/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=Fybush.com |language=en-US |via=RadioBB |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923094804/https://www.fybush.com/site-20150508/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to a standard [[analog transmission]], WKSU broadcasts over four [[HD Radio]] channels, is simulcast over WCLV's third HD [[subchannel]] and [[WVIZ]]'s 25.7 audio-only subchannel, and is available online.

==History==

=== Kent State Radio Workshop ===
[[File:Kent State Radio Workshop January 1940.jpg|left|thumb|Kent State Radio Workshop [[radio drama]] rehearsal, January 1940]]Radio operations within Kent State University can be traced back to October 1939 with the establishment of the Kent State Radio Workshop, a division of the university's School of Speech<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1939 |title=Radio Workshop Elects Officers |page=5 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19391103-01.2.32&srpos=1&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024454/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19391103-01.2.32&srpos=1&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> led by director E. Turner Stump and professor G. Harry Wright, who joined Kent State{{Efn|Prior to 1935, this institution was known as Kent State College.}} in 1930 and 1935, respectively; both had worked together previously at [[Marshall University|Marshall College]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 7, 1930 |title=Prof. E. T. Stump Will Teach English Here |page=1 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19300807-01.2.10&srpos=1&dliv=none |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193727/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19300807-01.2.10&srpos=1&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 17, 1935 |title=Wright Coming To Join Stump: Men Worked Together at Marshall College |page=1 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19350117-01.2.5&dliv=none |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193750/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19350117-01.2.5&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> The Radio Workshop entered into a partnership with [[WARF|WADC]]{{Efn|WADC had already been broadcasting programs presented by Kent State's School of Speech on an sporadic basis as early as October 11, 1935.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1935 |title=Kent Speech Class Makes Radio Debut |page=2 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19351017-01.2.25&srpos=32&dliv=none |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193727/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19351017-01.2.25&srpos=32&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref>}} to air a series of 15-minute long radio dramas produced by the Workshop on Tuesday afternoons;<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 8, 1940 |title=Students Operate Workshop; Write and Produce Plays |page=1 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400108-01.2.3&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024452/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400108-01.2.3&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> this began on March 3, 1940, with the program ''Lunch Room Nocturne'', performed at the WADC studios in [[Tallmadge, Ohio|Tallmadge]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doran|first=Dorothy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46234426/university-workshop-to-air-weekly-fare/|title=University Workshop To Air Weekly Fare|date=February 29, 1940|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=17|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182442/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46234426/university-workshop-to-air-weekly-fare/|url-status=live}}</ref> Studios were constructed for the Radio Workshop on the university campus that were comparable to a licensed radio station and took nearly five years for Wright to secure;<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1940 |title=Department of Speech Gets Long Awaited Radio Shop |page=1 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400524-01.2.3&srpos=21&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024453/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400524-01.2.3&srpos=21&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> Wright also suggested the possibility of a [[carrier current]] AM station for the campus proper.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vacariu |first=Earl |date=March 12, 1940 |title=Campus May Have Own Radio Station |page=1 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400312-01.2.10&srpos=8&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024453/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19400312-01.2.10&srpos=8&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> The Radio Workshop also assumed production of a weekly radio program by Kent State faculty members from [[WTAM]] in Cleveland, that program was also moved to WADC.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doran|first=Dorothy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46235906/college-students-faculty-will-air/|title=College Students, Faculty Will Air Series On WADC|date=October 12, 1941|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=9-B|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46235906/college-students-faculty-will-air/|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the last programs offered on WADC was an adaptation of the play [[Arsenic and Old Lace (play)|''Arsenic and Old Lace'']] by the university's theater department on December 1, 1942.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doran|first=Dorothy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46236446/long-run-serial-fades-thin-man-may/|title=Long-Run Serial Fades; 'Thin Man' May Be Dropped|date=November 30, 1942|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=20|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182442/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46236446/long-run-serial-fades-thin-man-may/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Programs did not air on terrestrial radio between 1943 and 1945 due to [[World War II]], but the Radio Workshop remained in operation to assist in war effort purposes; this included a listening hour of [[classical music]] selections played for military personnel stationed on the campus.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cordier|first=Luella|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242662/air-cadets-take-over-kent-dorms-girls/|title=Air Cadets Take Over Kent Dorms; Girls Switch Courses, Look Ahead|date=May 30, 1943|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=D1|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242662/air-cadets-take-over-kent-dorms-girls/|url-status=live}}</ref> When the Radio Workshop was able to resume regular operations, [[WAKR]] began airing the workshop-produced programs on January 13, 1945,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Recht|first=Ruth Jane|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242417/radio-workshop-goes-back-on-air/|title=Radio Workshop Goes Back On Air Wednesday, Jan. 13|date=December 24, 1944|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=4|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182442/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242417/radio-workshop-goes-back-on-air/|url-status=live}}</ref> and continued to do so through 1950, airing on Saturday mornings.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Paffilas|first=Pauline|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46245979/broadcasting-airs-from-armory/|title=Broadcasting Airs From Armory|date=October 15, 1948|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=36|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46245979/broadcasting-airs-from-armory/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Offineer|first=Bee|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46249151/nelson-family-airs-on-wakr/|title=Nelson Family Airs On WAKR|date=October 14, 1949|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=42|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46249151/nelson-family-airs-on-wakr/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Cullinson|first=Art|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46246274/college-court-games-go-to-tv/|title=College Court Games Go To TV|date=December 8, 1950|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=52|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46246274/college-court-games-go-to-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Radio Workshop also signed on "WKSU",{{Efn|The university reportedly had requested the "WKSU" [[call sign]] with the FCC for this operation, but carrier current stations did not require an official broadcast license or an assigned call sign. The initial application for WKSU-FM was not filed until December 2, 1949.<ref name="hc">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=70481 |title= History Cards for WKSU|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} ([[Wikipedia:WikiProject Radio Stations/History Cards|Guide to reading History Cards]])<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref>}} an unlicensed carrier current station at {{Frequency|560|[[kHz]]}}, on April 4, 1949,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 8, 1949 |title=News, Drama Aired Today |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19490408-01.2.10&srpos=4&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003614/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19490408-01.2.10&srpos=4&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> carrying newscasts and rebroadcasts of the workshop's WAKR programs for the immediate university campus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 1, 1949 |title=Campus Radio Tests Monday: Plan Full Schedule For Following Week |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19490401-01.2.2&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003615/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks19490401-01.2.2&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Early educational years ===
[[File:Kent Hall 2015 front.jpg|left|thumb|WKSU's original studios and 10-watt transmitter were located at the university's [[Ohio State Normal College at Kent|Kent Hall]].]]With the guidance of E. Turner Stump and speech professor Walton Clarke, the university and Radio Workshop filed paperwork in 1949 for a licensed 10-watt educational [[FM broadcasting|FM]] station.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46240278/ksu-asks-fm-license/|title=KSU Asks FM License|date=December 17, 1949|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=9|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46240278/ksu-asks-fm-license/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 1950, the [[FCC]] gave the university permission to build a small [[transmitter]] attached to the roof of Kent Hall,{{r|hc}} and after testing that began on July 19,<ref name="AkronB19500720p 10">{{Cite news|last=Offineer|first=Bee|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242856/wksu-fm-testing-equipment/|title=WKSU-FM Testing Equipment|date=July 20, 1950|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=10|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46242856/wksu-fm-testing-equipment/|url-status=live}}</ref> WKSU-FM (88.1) was born on October 2, 1950.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/chestnutburr1951kent|title=1951 Chestnut Burr Yearbook|publisher=[[Kent State University]]|year=1951|location=Kent, Ohio|pages=41}}</ref> The signal was transmitted only within the confines of the campus, but the station encouraged people to report reception outside of the campus while they were in testing mode.{{r|AkronB19500720p 10}} By November of that year, WKSU-FM was broadcasting five hours a day, five days a week.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Boyler|first=Joe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46245741/students-on-the-airwaves/|title=Students On The Airwaves|date=December 10, 1950|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=10|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46245741/students-on-the-airwaves/|url-status=live}}</ref> WKSU-FM's operations were housed on the third floor of Kent Hall with a staff of fifty people,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boehmer |first=Pat |date=October 2, 1952 |title=WKSU-FM Begins Fourth Year On Air At Kent |page=2 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19521002-01.2.10&srpos=19&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1952-- |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174025/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19521002-01.2.10&srpos=19&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1952-- |url-status=live }}</ref> mostly community volunteers and student assistants.<ref name="WKSUWKSRConflicts">{{Cite news |last=DiMengo |first=Maria |date=April 27, 1983 |title=Conflicts plague WKSU, WKSR relationship |pages=9, 13 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19830427-01.2.29&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174021/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19830427-01.2.29&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch of WKSU-FM necessitated the closure of carrier current "WKSU", but a lack of FM receivers and reception issues among the student body led to the launch of another "WKSU-AM" at {{Frequency|590|kHz}} on May 11, 1953, simulcasting the FM,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1953 |title=WKSU To Air Programs On AM New Hook-up |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19530508-01.2.2&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003615/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19530508-01.2.2&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |url-status=live }}</ref> while Stopher Hall also introduced a carrier current station of their own at {{Frequency|950|kHz}} utilizing that building's [[District heating|steam pipe]] system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lance |first=Bob |date=November 20, 1954 |title=Stopherites 'Tune In' Via Steampipes |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19541130-01.2.2&srpos=13&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003614/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19541130-01.2.2&srpos=13&dliv=none&e=------195-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |url-status=live }}</ref> Neither station is documented to have lasted long.<ref name="BS Radio History">{{Cite web|url=http://www.jmc.kent.edu/home/feature/2006/November/BSR/index.htm|title=Kent State School of Journalism and Mass Communication, journalism degrees, journalism programs, advertising|date=November 2006|website=Kent State School of Journalism and Mass Communication|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513200923/http://www.jmc.kent.edu/home/feature/2006/November/BSR/index.htm|archive-date=May 13, 2008|access-date=March 6, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:WKSU_1959_news_department.jpg|thumb|183x183px|The WKSU news department in 1959]]The station suspended operations in June 1960 following the completion of Kent State's Music and Speech Center;<ref name="AkronB19620114p 176">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46292165/kent-station-returns/|title=Kent Station Returns|date=January 14, 1962|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 7, 2020|page=6F|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182502/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46292165/kent-station-returns/|url-status=live}}</ref> Walton Clarke and WKSU-FM operations director John Weiser had been involved with the center's planning and construction process as early as 1954.<ref name="ChrisDuncanWKSU">{{Cite web|url=http://www.chrisduncan.com/projects/web/wksu/site/about/history/|title=WKSU Persistence & Passion: A Historical Perspective|last=Viancourt|first=Kelly|website=www.chrisduncan.com|access-date=March 7, 2020|archive-date=March 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304065652/http://www.chrisduncan.com/projects/web/wksu/site/about/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[closed-circuit television]] station—also bearing the unofficial "WKSU" calls—remained in operation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46290771/ksu-music-and-speech-center-struts-at/|title=KSU Music And Speech Center Struts At Open House|date=January 16, 1961|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 7, 2020|page=17|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46290771/ksu-music-and-speech-center-struts-at/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 13, 1961, the university announced that WKSU-FM would soon return to the air following a $27,000 investment, with hopes of establishing a full-time operation daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46290362/wksu-to-reopen-with-more-power/|title=WKSU To Reopen With More Power|date=January 13, 1961|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 7, 2020|page=16|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46290362/wksu-to-reopen-with-more-power/|url-status=live}}</ref> but the initial choice of {{Frequency|91.9|MHz}} was challenged by a Cleveland FM station over potential interference.{{r|ChrisDuncanWKSU}} The FCC approved a frequency change to {{Frequency|89.7|MHz}} and a power increase to {{val|7500|fmt=commas|u=watts}}, on December 20, 1961;{{r|hc}} the former {{Frequency|88.1|MHz}} frequency was quickly reused by [[WZIP|WAUP]], the [[University of Akron|Municipal University of Akron]]'s radio station which signed on the following year.<ref name="Akro620520">{{Cite news |date=May 20, 1962 |title=AU On FM Air In Fall |page=35 |newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102343984/au-on-fm-air-in-fall/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530064910/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102343984/au-on-fm-air-in-fall/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

WKSU-FM resumed operations in mid-March 1962 with an eight-hour broadcast day,<ref name="DKS19620116p1">{{Cite news |last=May |first=Tony |date=January 16, 1962 |title=Expanded Programming: WKSU Broadcasts in March |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19620116-01.2.2&srpos=3&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003615/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19620116-01.2.2&srpos=3&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |url-status=live }}</ref> de-emphasizing [[rock and roll]] in favor of additional classical music programming, [[show tune]]s and [[jazz]]; the station also affiliated with the [[National Association of Educational Broadcasters]].{{r|AkronB19620114p 176}} WKSU began broadcasting the university's annual "Campus Day" parade<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 6, 1969 |title=WKSU Radio To Cover Campus Day Activities |page=7 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19690506-01.2.33&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521023805/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19690506-01.2.33&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> and all home [[Kent State Golden Flashes]] sporting events were carried live.{{r|DKS19620116p1}} A third iteration of "[[Black Squirrel Radio|WKSU-AM]]" at {{Frequency|730|kHz}} emerged in 1964 again as a WKSU-FM simulcast<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1964 |title=Phone Carries AM to WKSU |page=5 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19640305-01.2.29&srpos=6&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003615/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19640305-01.2.29&srpos=6&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |url-status=live }}</ref> but adopted a separate programming schedule on January 18, 1965.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1965 |title=New 'Lites' on Campus: WKSU Goes 'AM' Monday Afternoon |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19650115-01.2.9&srpos=15&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003616/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19650115-01.2.9&srpos=15&dliv=none&e=------196-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU+AM------ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both stations were placed under the supervision of a student-faculty [[advisory board]], with students encouraged to submit programs ideas for WKSU-FM to the board via an application process.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 13, 1970 |title=Member says: Advisory Board doing well |page=P-2 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19700213-01.2.31&srpos=10&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1970-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003616/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19700213-01.2.31&srpos=10&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1970-- |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- The 1960s brought about slow but steady growth for the fledgling station. The station's music library was built up from private collections and the collections of its student employees, and its airtime expanded to 40 hours a week. WKSU-FM began to produce reports covering everything from election returns to football games. -->

=== Campus unrest and the Kent State shootings ===
{{Further|Kent State shootings}}
WKSU-FM's news department covered much of the campus unrest at Kent State University in the late 1960s, operations director John Weiser later said that the staffers "handled the events... in a professional manner."<ref name="DKS19811009p5">{{Cite news |last=Draus |first=Joanne |date=October 9, 1981 |title=WKSU: Blasting away for almost 31 years |page=S-7 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19811009-01.2.40&srpos=17&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU----1981-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003616/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19811009-01.2.40&srpos=17&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU----1981-- |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the more violent clashes during this period involved the station itself. A closed-door discipline hearing for two students connected to the [[Students for a Democratic Society]] (SDS) held at the Music and Speech Center on April 16, 1969, resulted in a group of supporters marching to the building and storming it, occupying the building's third floor<ref name="DKS19690417p1">{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1969 |title=Arrest 60 at Hearing Break-up: Charge 7 with 'Riot' |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19690417-01.2.2&srpos=16&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1969-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003616/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19690417-01.2.2&srpos=16&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1969-- |url-status=live }}</ref> and attempting to take over the station.{{r|DKS19811009p5}} One WKSU staffer and a ''Daily Kent Stater'' reporter suffered injuries when the demonstrators clashed with opponents outside the center's locked doors.{{r|DKS19690417p1}} The [[Ohio State Highway Patrol]] and [[riot police]] were called in to arrest 58 protestors<ref name="AkronB19690417p 1">{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1969 |title=58 Are Arrested: SDS Tactics May Force KSU To Close, White Warns |pages=A1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102238661/58-are-arrested-sds-tactics-may-force/ A2] |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102238617/58-are-arrested-sds-tactics-may-force/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003617/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102238617/58-are-arrested-sds-tactics-may-force/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in what Weiser later considered to be his most vivid memory working with the station.{{r|DKS19811009p5}}

After Kent, Ohio, was placed under a [[state of emergency]] on May 2, 1970, following a series of riots in the city and on the campus, WKSU-FM was used for a [[rumor control center]] for the student body dubbed "News Rap".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46259865/kent-under-state-of-emergency/|title=Kent Under 'State Of Emergency'|date=May 3, 1970|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=A4|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46259865/kent-under-state-of-emergency/|url-status=live}}</ref> Called in to restore order, the [[Ohio National Guard]] directed WKSU to broadcast a notice the morning of May 4, 1970, banning all outdoor gatherings under threat of arrest, directly preceding [[Kent State shootings|the guard opening fire on demonstrating students]] at 12:24&nbsp;p.m. that day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 27, 1990 |title=MAY 4th 1970 123456789801234567890: Monday Chronology |pages=10–12 |work=The Daily Kent Stater Special Edition—May 4th: Chronology |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19900427-02.2.8&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003700/https://dks.library.kent.edu/favicon.ico |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU news director Greg Benedetti's written eyewitness account of the shootings was printed in newspapers internationally via the [[Associated Press]].<ref name="Cincin19700505p1">{{Cite news |last=Benedetti |first=Greg |date=May 5, 1970 |title=They'd Kneel, Back Off...Kneel, Then—Crack! |page=1 |newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |location=Cincinnati, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102235931/theyd-kneel-back-offkneel/ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003701/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102235931/theyd-kneel-back-offkneel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In conjunction with the university, WKSU established an online [[archive]] of recordings and transcriptions related to the shootings on April 29, 2010, marking its 40th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Kent State's WKSU-FM Launches May 4, 1970, Audio Archive |url=https://www.kent.edu/may4/newsroom/news/kent-state%E2%80%99s-wksu-fm-launches-may-4-1970-audio-archive |date=April 29, 2010 |publisher=Kent State University |location=Kent, Ohio |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503233929/https://www.kent.edu/may4/newsroom/news/kent-state%E2%80%99s-wksu-fm-launches-may-4-1970-audio-archive |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Joining NPR ===
{{Quote box
| quote = Our main objective is to please the majority of people on the campus. It's now up to them to pick out what they want to hear. Here's their chance.
| author = [[Carl Monday]]
| source = WKSU music director{{r|WKSUProgRock}}
| width = 250px
}}
As 1971 began, WKSU-FM instituted a request-driven [[progressive rock]] format; station music director [[Carl Monday]] likened the programming approach to a hybrid of existing progressive rock outlet [[WMMS]] and [[Top 40]] outlet [[CKLW]].<ref name="WKSUProgRock">{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1971 |title=WKSU adds new format |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710112-01.2.29&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174017/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710112-01.2.29&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |url-status=live }}</ref> One particular program, the late-night ''Fresh Air'' (unrelated to [[Fresh Air|the public radio program of the same name]]) debuted on April 11, 1971, over both WKSU-FM and "WKSU-AM",<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1971 |title='Fresh Air' on WKSU |page=6 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710416-01.2.26&srpos=36&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174022/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710416-01.2.26&srpos=36&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |url-status=live }}</ref> developing a [[cult following]] over the [[Freeform radio|freeform]] musical approach taken by the on-air hosts.<ref name="WKSUFreshAir81">{{Cite web |last=Bhatia |first=Kabir |date=December 30, 2021 |title=Remembering when WKSU put its stamp on "Fresh Air" |url=https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2021-12-30/remembering-when-wksu-puts-its-stamp-on-fresh-air |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=WKSU |language=en |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103195818/https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2021-12-30/remembering-when-wksu-puts-its-stamp-on-fresh-air |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Draus |first=Joanne |date=September 18, 1981 |title='Fresh Air' is an alternative |page=11 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19810918-01.2.37&srpos=64&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174025/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19810918-01.2.37&srpos=64&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> Still, WKSU-FM's existence remained relatively sparse. By 1973, according to former general manager John Perry, WKSU-FM had only 7,500 watts of power, and was not yet broadcasting in [[stereo]]. The station was only on the air for 85 hours a week, and programming was created by students, and scheduled around their class and vacation times.<ref name="AkronB19750922p 36">{{Cite news|last=Zitrin|first=Richard|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46259525/hustler-perry-hunts-funds-for-wksu-fm/|title=Hustler... Perry hunts funds for WKSU-FM|date=September 22, 1975|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=B16|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721225800/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46259525/hustler-perry-hunts-funds-for-wksu-fm/|url-status=live}}</ref> The entire operating budget was $42,000, resulting in the station having a full-time staff of three that reached an audience of about 1,200 listeners<ref>Zaidan, Abe.  "WKSU: 1950-2000, A Golden Celebration"  2000.</ref> but ''Fresh Air'' was the only program that actually had an audience.{{r|WKSUFreshAir81}} By contrast, "WKSU-AM" had expanded to 24-hour broadcasting in 1971 as an unlicensed station that could operate commercially, able to affiliate with [[Drake-Chenault]]'s ''Hit Parade''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Beverly |date=January 20, 1971 |title=WKSU to broadcast around the clock |page=10 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710120-01.2.39&srpos=4&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174038/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710120-01.2.39&srpos=4&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[ABC News Radio|American Contemporary Radio]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1971 |title=WKSU radio to air ABC national news |page=13 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710209-01.2.48&srpos=10&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174034/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710209-01.2.48&srpos=10&dliv=none&e=------197-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1971-- |url-status=live }}</ref> To avoid confusion with WKSU-FM, "WKSU-AM" renamed itself "WKSR" at the start of 1976.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1976 |title=WKSU-AM changes call letters |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19760107-01.2.33&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR------ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174022/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19760107-01.2.33&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR------ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:WKSU_NPR_1973_Salvador_Allende_ad.jpg|thumb|WKSU joined [[NPR]] in 1973; this ad promoted an interview with Chilean president [[Salvador Allende]].]]
WKSU-FM secured a ${{Val|25000|fmt=commas}} [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]] grant ({{Inflation|index=US|value=25000|start_year=1973|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}) in 1973,{{r|AkronB19750922p 36}}<ref name="DKS19730207p9">{{Cite news |last=Todd |first=Mark |date=February 7, 1973 |title=WKSU-FM expects grant; may go stereo |page=9 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19730207-01.2.31&srpos=20&dliv=none |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606194826/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19730207-01.2.31&srpos=20&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> and affiliated with [[National Public Radio]] (NPR) that same year, although an hour-long retrospective on the Kent State shootings was offered by WKSU to the network on May 3, 1971,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eames |first=Bill |date=April 30, 1971 |title='Kent State: A Compilation of Viewpoints': WKSU news to air May views |page=3 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710430-01.2.11&srpos=1&dliv=none |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606194826/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19710430-01.2.11&srpos=1&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> the same day NPR began regularly-scheduled programming.<ref name="WKSUandATC">{{Cite web |last=Bhatia |first=Kabir |date=May 3, 2021 |title=WKSU & All Things Considered: Five Decades and Counting |url=https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2021-05-03/wksu-all-things-considered-five-decades-and-counting |access-date=June 6, 2022 |website=WKSU |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102143115/https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2021-05-03/wksu-all-things-considered-five-decades-and-counting |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Program schedules for WKSU in the ''Akron Beacon Journal'' list "All Things Considered" airing on Wednesday evenings as early as March 1, 1972,<ref name="AkronB19720301p 62">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103274381/tonights-radio-schedule/|date=March 1, 1972|page=F4|title=Tonight's Radio Schedule|newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 6, 2022|archive-date=June 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606194827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103274381/tonights-radio-schedule/|url-status=live}}</ref> but it is difficult to determine if this was [[All Things Considered|the NPR program]] or an unrelated local program. WKSU did not have a full cable link to NPR established until after the CPB grant was offered.{{r|DKS19730207p9}} WKSU officially picked up ''All Things Considered'' to the lineup in 1974 and added ''[[Morning Edition]]'' upon its November 5, 1979, debut.<ref name="AkronB19791021p 186">{{Cite news|last=Cardwell|first=Jewell|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103279568/stronger-signal-will-boost-wksu/|date=October 21, 1979|page=2|title=Stronger signal will boost WKSU|newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] TV|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=June 7, 2022}}</ref>}} A separate grant from the [[United States Department of Health and Human Services|Department of Health, Education, and Welfare]] allowed WKSU to convert to stereo.{{r|DKS19730207p9}} By February 1974, WKSU-FM debuted ''Morning Show'', created by Cleveland broadcasting veteran [[Bill Randle|Dr. Bill Randle]] (then a professor of communications at Kent State) which featured sports reports from [[Paul Warfield]], who was continuing his graduate studies at the university.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46255197/wksu-fm-begins-morning-show/|title=WKSU-FM Begins 'Morning Show'|date=March 2, 1974|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=B11|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122135932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46255197/wksu-fm-begins-morning-show/|url-status=live}}</ref> WKSU-FM hosted their first fundraising drive over the weekend of April 19–21, 1974, offering in advance to give half of the money raised to relief efforts in [[Xenia, Ohio]], following the [[1974 Super Outbreak]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258400/marathon-to-aid-xenia-wksu/|title=Marathon To Aid Xenia, WKSU|date=April 13, 1974|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=B11|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182525/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258400/marathon-to-aid-xenia-wksu/|url-status=live}}</ref> WKSU-FM met their goal of $10,000, with the relief efforts receiving $5,000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258511/5000-raised-for-xenia-station/|title=$5,000 Raised For Xenia, Station|date=April 24, 1974|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=A6|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122124908/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258511/5000-raised-for-xenia-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> NPR's gavel-to-gavel coverage of the [[House Judiciary Committee]]'s [[Impeachment process against Richard Nixon|impeachment process against President Richard Nixon]] aired over WKSU-FM throughout the spring and early summer of 1974;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258866/ex-akron-newsman-named-to-public-radio/|title=Ex-Akron Newsman Named To Public Radio Post|date=May 18, 1974|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|page=B11|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46258866/ex-akron-newsman-named-to-public-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref> area representative [[John F. Seiberling]] was a member of the Judiciary Committee, further driving local interest.{{r|WKSUandATC}}{{Efn|''All Things Considered'' was incorporated into NPR's longform coverage of these hearings, enabling WKSU to add it to the schedule when they concluded.}} Even with these advancements, the university considered shutting down WKSU-FM in 1976.{{r|DKS19811009p5}} A fundraising drive in late April 1976 was titled "Backs to the Wall" to reflect the urgency; at the time, WKSU-FM had the least amount of financial backing among non-commercial educational stations by its host institution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1976 |title=WKSU funding drive underway this week |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19760428-01.2.32&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1976-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003701/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19760428-01.2.32&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU----1976-- |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = What I remember clearly is then-General Manager John Perry calling a meeting. And part of that was that this program called '[[All Things Considered]]' was potentially coming our way. And what did it mean for us? That was a really big step: it was a landmark for [[NPR]].
| author = Dick Russ
| source = former WKSU reporter{{r|WKSUandATC}}
| align = left
| width = 250px
}}
Following the closure of part-time Cleveland NPR member WBOE ({{Frequency|90.3|FM}}) by the [[Cleveland Board of Education]] on October 7, 1978,<ref name="AkronB19781006p 14">{{Cite news|last=Feagler|first=Dick|author-link=Dick Feagler|date=October 6, 1978|title=A fatality in the school crisis|page=C2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55792631/a-fatality-in-the-school-crisis/|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180822/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55792631/a-fatality-in-the-school-crisis/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Efn|See {{section link|WCLV|Financial calamity and suspension of operations}}.}} WKSU-FM effectively began doubling as the ''de facto'' NPR member in [[Greater Cleveland]] and [[Northeast Ohio]], with Cleveland earning the dubious distinction of being the largest metropolitan city in the United States without a dedicated NPR-aligned outlet.<ref name="NewsJo19840910p14">{{Cite news|date=September 10, 1984|title=New station at Cleveland|page=6-B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55790775/new-station-at-cleveland/|work=[[Mansfield News Journal]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=Mansfield, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55790775/new-station-at-cleveland/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1980, the station expanded its signal to reach over a million potential listeners in Northeast Ohio thanks to a grant from the [[National Telecommunications and Information Administration]] (NTIA) increasing its power to 12,000 watts.<ref name="AkronB19800720p 150">{{Cite news|last=Rosenberg|first=Donald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46292684/wksu-fm-now-a-super-station/|title=WKSU-FM now a super station|date=July 20, 1980|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] TV|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=March 7, 2020|page=3|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721051505/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/46292684/wksu-fm-now-a-super-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> An additional power upgrade for WKSU-FM was filed with the FCC in early 1982 and contested by the [[Cleveland Public Library]] system,<ref name="AkronB19820307p 19">{{Cite news|date=March 7, 1982|title=Stronger WKSU signal opposed|page=B7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55791535/stronger-wksu-signal-opposed/|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55791535/stronger-wksu-signal-opposed/|url-status=live}}</ref> which had attempted to acquire WBOE's license and was competing with Cleveland Public Radio, who sought out a replacement license for {{Frequency|90.3|FM}}.<ref name="AkronB19820910p 34">{{Cite news|last=Cook|first=Daniel|date=September 10, 1982|title=Cleveland may try public radio again|page=D5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55789658/cleveland-may-try-public-radio-again/|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180819/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55789658/cleveland-may-try-public-radio-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> Incidentally, the director for the Cleveland Public Library was not opposed to WKSU-FM's power increase request.{{r|AkronB19820307p 19}} A settlement between the Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland Public Radio and the Cleveland Board of Education by September 1982 cleared the way for WBOE's replacement, [[WCLV|WCPN]], to begin broadcasting on September 8, 1984,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dawidziak|first=Mark|date=September 8, 1984|title=Production group offers cause for networks' concern|page=B4|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55791382/production-group-offers-cause-for/|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180820/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55791382/production-group-offers-cause-for/|url-status=live}}</ref> ending WKSU-FM's status as the unofficial NPR member of record for the entire region;{{r|AkronB19820910p 34}} WKSU-FM and WCPN management expressed optimism that both stations could remain viable and help increase awareness of public radio.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dawidziak|first=Mark|date=July 13, 1984|title=Public radio in Cleveland: News and all that jazz|page=B10|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55792123/public-radio-in-cleveland-news-and-all/|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817210602/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55792123/public-radio-in-cleveland-news-and-all/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Growing pains in the 1980s ===
WKSU-FM linked up with the [[Westar 1]] satellite on January 22, 1980; this proved useful in the station convincing NPR management to transmit [[Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts|''The Texaco Metropolitan Opera Saturday Matinee'']] over the satellite instead of through dedicated phone lines,<ref>{{Cite news|last=The Editorial Board|date=March 8, 1980|title=Now high C from sky-high (editorial)|page=A4|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57134453/now-high-c-from-sky-high-editorial/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182544/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57134453/now-high-c-from-sky-high-editorial/|url-status=live}}</ref> that change took effect for the March 15, 1980 ''Metropolitan Opera Saturday Matinee'' broadcast.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=March 14, 1980|title=Precision puts bounce into Akron U farce|page=B4|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57134553/precision-puts-bounce-into-akron-u-farce/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182545/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57134553/precision-puts-bounce-into-akron-u-farce/|url-status=live}}</ref> The satellite linkup not only greatly improved the fidelity of NPR programs over WKSU-FM, but also allowed the station to begin broadcasting and recording live music programs,<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 2, 1980|title=Special music shows live on WKSU-FM|page=C4|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57135597/special-music-shows-live-on-wksu-fm/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182544/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57135597/special-music-shows-live-on-wksu-fm/|url-status=live}}</ref> including the ''Boston Globe Jazz Festival'' and the ''[[Salzburg Festival]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 7, 1980|title=Several live music shows on WKSU-FM|page=C9|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57135797/several-live-music-shows-on-wksu-fm/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182545/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57135797/several-live-music-shows-on-wksu-fm/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=July 25, 1980|title=WKSU-FM to carry satellite broadcasts|page=C5|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57137478/wksu-fm-to-carry-satellite-broadcasts/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57137478/wksu-fm-to-carry-satellite-broadcasts/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, a 1979 WKSU-FM production of ''[[A Christmas Carol]]'' presented by the Kent Acting and Touring Company—itself rebroadcast annually by the station—found national distribution on December 25, 1983, by [[American Public Radio]], having chosen WKSU-FM's production over other stations, owing to a "warm, authentic sound."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dawidziak|first=Mark|date=December 23, 1983|title=WKSU's 'Christmas Carol,' joy to ear, goes national|page=B10|work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]]|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57138887/wksus-christmas-carol-joy-to-ear/|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57138887/wksus-christmas-carol-joy-to-ear/|url-status=live}}</ref> The 1980 satellite linkup, combined with the power increases for the station, triggered a period of growth and technical advancements.<!-- Shortly after, the station bought a remote truck, enabling it to record more than 1,000 programs in Summit, Stark, Portage, Cuyahoga, Wayne and Trumbull counties. --> In the eight years since WKSU-FM became an NPR member in 1973, the station's audience had grown from 1,200 listeners per week to 58,000 per week{{r|DKS19811009p5}} and by 1979 was broadcasting around-the-clock.{{r|AkronB19791021p 186}}

{{Quote box
| quote = People were trained at WKSR and only the good made it over to WKSU. Now it's not the case at all. After (the student-run progressive rock show) ''Fresh Air'' went off the air, WKSU made a conscious decision that they wouldn't hire students anymore.
| author = Doug Pieper
| source = [[Black Squirrel Radio|WKSR]] program director{{r|WKSUWKSRConflicts}}
| align = left
| width = 275px
}}

WKSU's increased visibility and NPR carriage resulted in the station slowly streamlining their [[block programming]] format, as well as lessening the need for volunteers and student assistance.{{r|WKSUWKSRConflicts}} The summer of 1981 saw a schedule revamp with a reduction in folk music on weekend mornings and a later start time for ''Fresh Air'', resulting in a debate during a Kent State [[Student Senate]] meeting over who was directly responsible for WKSU's programming policies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steller |first=Wendy |date=June 30, 1981 |title=WKSU plans personnel, format change |page=1 |work=The Summer Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks19810630-01.2.5&srpos=60&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174024/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks19810630-01.2.5&srpos=60&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Fresh Air'' was cancelled on December 30, 1981, with jazz programming taking its place; the move was controversial among the student body as a memo issued forbidding any "lobbying" over the show's future was read on-air during the final program.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Draus |first=Joanne |date=January 15, 1982 |title=No room to breathe: 'Fresh Air' termination angers progressive fans |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19820115-01.2.26&srpos=86&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--81-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 19, 2002 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174019/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19820115-01.2.26&srpos=86&dliv=none&e=------198-en-20--81-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> A WKSU spokesperson attributed the cancellation to the program losing money and audience, becoming "something different, other than what it had been."{{r|WKSUWKSRConflicts}} John Perry later said of the show's ending, "...it had a little bit of an audience, just not a supportive one."{{r|WKSUFreshAir81}} WKSU-FM stopped hiring students and WKSR staffers at this time, with WKSR program director Doug Piper calling it "a conscious decision" after years of past practices of WKSU-FM hiring "only the good" from WKSR, which operated primarily as a training ground.{{r|WKSUWKSRConflicts}} Jazz and [[blues]] fare were fully removed from the schedule on June 27, 1990, along with a late-night [[new-age music]] program, as WKSU opted to focus entirely on classical fare and folk music; the station's blues music library was subsequently donated to WCPN.<ref name="AkronB19900726p 34">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=July 26, 1990 |title=WKSU bidding goodbye to the blues |page=C4 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99036775/wksu-bidding-goodbye-to-the-blues/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404043325/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99036775/wksu-bidding-goodbye-to-the-blues/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:WKSU studios.jpg|285x285px|thumb|WKSU's former studios on Loop Road in Kent, built exclusively for the station and housing it from 1992 until merging with [[Ideastream]]]]WKSU-FM's administrative offices moved to Wright Hall,{{r|AkronB19800720p 150}} which was originally built as a [[dormitory]], in 1977<ref name="AkronB19770328p 19">{{Cite news |last=Murphey |first=Fran |date=March 28, 1977 |title=Good Afternoon: Fund drive on the air |page=B3 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132269/good-afternoon-fund-drive-on-the-air/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132269/good-afternoon-fund-drive-on-the-air/ |url-status=live }}</ref> after six floors of the building were turned into office space.<ref name="AkronB19870531p 38">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=May 31, 1987 |title=Five stations in area are making their moves |page=D2 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132330/five-stations-in-area-are-making-their/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132330/five-stations-in-area-are-making-their/ |url-status=live }}</ref> General manager John Perry had made known intentions for WKSU-FM's operations to be consolidated into one facility, saying, "we want to take the assets of the area and have them represented nationally".{{r|AkronB19800720p 150}} As Kent State's student population began to grow in the mid-1980s, Wright Hall was reconverted back into dormitories,{{r|AkronB19870531p 38}} forcing the station's offices into leased space at a former restaurant east of the campus in 1987.<ref name="AkronB19871124p 21">{{Cite news |last=Zaidan |first=Abe |date=November 24, 1987 |title=WKSU manager all smiles despite cramped quarters |page=C1 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132905/wksu-manager-all-smiles-despite-cramped/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132905/wksu-manager-all-smiles-despite-cramped/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The station's studios remained at the Music and Speech Building but were under pressure to move by 1990 as the university needed additional classroom space,<ref name="AkronB19870628p 46">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 28, 1987 |title=Love docs give tips to a blushing bridegroom |page=E2 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132958/love-docs-give-tips-to-a-blushing/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174020/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102132958/love-docs-give-tips-to-a-blushing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while WKSU and WKSR encountered space issues at said building as early as 1983.{{r|WKSUWKSRConflicts}}

WKSU-FM began a long-term $1.5 million fundraising drive in November 1987, initially to purchase the leased building and move all operations there{{r|AkronB19871124p 21}}<ref name="AkronB19871110p 28">{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1987 |title=WKSU-FM to begin drive to buy building for its offices, studios |page=C8 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102147783/wksu-fm-to-begin-drive-to-buy-building/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102147783/wksu-fm-to-begin-drive-to-buy-building/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but opted to construct a new facility on the campus proper by the end of 1990.<ref name="AkronB19901222p 18">{{Cite news |date=December 22, 1990 |title=New building planned for WKSU |page=B6 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102148166/new-building-planned-for-wksu/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174100/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102148166/new-building-planned-for-wksu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Groundbreaking for the new $2.1 million building at the northeast corner of Loop Road and Summit Street took place in September 1991.<ref name="AkronB19910918p 12">{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1991 |title=Builders picked for radio station |page=B4 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102150204/builders-picked-for-radio-station/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174028/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102150204/builders-picked-for-radio-station/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Matching grants]] awarded to WKSU by [[the Kresge Foundation]] and the GAR Foundation totaled $200,000<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winkelvoss |first=Beth L. |date=October 27, 1992 |title=WKSU building built using private funds |page=4 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19921027-01.2.22&srpos=146&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174022/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19921027-01.2.22&srpos=146&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> but were contingent on the station raising the same amount by June 30, 1992, which it did via multiple fundraisers, an art auction, a golf outing and selling engraved bricks at the entrance<ref name="AkronB19920628p 34">{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=June 28, 1992 |title=Can TV capture the spectacle of fireworks? WUAB to try |page=D2 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99714183/can-tv-capture-the-spectacle-of/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99714183/can-tv-capture-the-spectacle-of/ |url-status=live }}</ref> one of which was used for a [[marriage proposal]].<ref name="AkronB19921212p 29">{{Cite news |last=Umrigar |first=Thrity |date=December 12, 1992 |title=Cornerstone of true love: Forget your everyday proposal—tell her with a brick |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102149979/cornerstone-of-true-love-forget-your/ C3] |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102149960/cornerstone-of-true-love-forget-your/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102149960/cornerstone-of-true-love-forget-your/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU-FM completed the move to the new building on December 3, 1992, with a dedication event held that evening; capital campaign chairman Howard Flood noted during the dedication that no other college-owned radio station had ever successfully completed such a fundraising effort consisting entirely from private sources.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winklevoss |first=Beth L. |date=December 4, 1992 |title=Station takes to the airwaves at new studio |pages=1, 8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19921204-01.2.10&srpos=152&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174030/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19921204-01.2.10&srpos=152&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> Recognized as a [[student organization]] earlier in 1992,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Werbeck |first=Nicole |date=April 14, 1992 |title=WKSR becomes official organization |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19920414-01.2.8&srpos=56&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR------ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003701/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19920414-01.2.8&srpos=56&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR------ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSR remained at the Music and Speech Building and abandoned carrier current AM by 1999{{r|BS Radio History}} in favor of [[internet radio]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Rekha |date=November 18, 1999 |title=WKSR uses Internet broadcasting to pass competition |page=6 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19991118-01.2.26&srpos=24&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR----1999-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003704/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19991118-01.2.26&srpos=24&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR----1999-- |url-status=live }}</ref> rebranding as [[Black Squirrel Radio]] in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peris |first=Kenny |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Black squirrels take over the radio |page=6 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20050913-01.2.35&srpos=62&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR----2005-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521003710/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20050913-01.2.35&srpos=62&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSR----2005-- |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Establishing a network ===
[[File:WKSU-WEAO-WRLM-WZIP_Copley,_Ohio_transmitter_mast.jpg|thumb|233x233px|WKSU's transmitter mast located in [[Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio|Copley Township, Ohio]]]]
WKSU-FM's most ambitious move was the creation of a [[repeater]] network, aided by both the [[U.S. Department of Commerce]] and Ohio Educational Broadcasting Network providing funding to stations wishing to expand their reach to areas not served by public radio.<ref name="DKS19930303p7">{{Cite news |last=Marino |first=Jacqueline |date=March 3, 1993 |title=Expansion plan underway for WKSU-FM |page=7 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19930303-01.2.33&srpos=157&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174050/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19930303-01.2.33&srpos=157&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AkronB19910829p 54">{{Cite news |date=August 29, 1991 |title=WKSU gets grant to build repeater stations |page=E2 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102148363/wksu-gets-grant-to-build-repeater/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519174025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102148363/wksu-gets-grant-to-build-repeater/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first repeater, WKRW in [[Wooster, Ohio|Wooster]], was activated on March 29, 1993, after a study of listener donations saw the Wooster area contributing more money [[per capita]] to the station than any other city in the region.<ref name="AkronB19930330p 16">{{Cite news |last=Cook |first=Sallie |date=March 30, 1993 |title=KSU boosts signal to Wayne, Holmes |page=C4 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99704775/ksu-boosts-signal-to-wayne-holmes/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |id=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99704972/corrections-wkrw-frequency/ Correction] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044354/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99704775/ksu-boosts-signal-to-wayne-holmes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKRJ in [[New Philadelphia, Ohio|New Philadelphia]] followed as the university had an existing [[satellite campus]] in [[Tuscarawas County]]; a "groundbreaking ceremony" consisting of a cake cutting took place on October 18, 1991,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunkes |first=Tom |date=October 19, 1991 |title=New station |page=A5 |work=[[The Times-Reporter]] |location=New Philadelphia, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-oct-19-1991-3160434/ |access-date=April 13, 2022 |via=NewspaperArchive |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044352/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-oct-19-1991-3160434/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but delays and a change to the proposed transmitter site<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=John E. |date=September 19, 1992 |title=Reader's viewpoint: Kent State repeater station delayed |page=A4 |work=[[The Times-Reporter]] |location=New Philadelphia, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-sep-19-1992-3160442/ |access-date=April 13, 2022 |via=NewspaperArchive |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-sep-19-1992-3160442/ |url-status=live }}</ref> resulted in the station signing on in the summer of 1993.{{r|DKS19930303p7}} WKSU's existing Kent transmitter was replaced with a new {{Convert|909|ft|m|adj=on}} tower in [[Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio|Copley Township]] in 1994, again funded by NTIA<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gitto |first=Maria |date=July 18, 1990 |title=WKSU's requests might extend range |page=3 |work=Summer Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks19900718-01.2.20&srpos=18&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516022500/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks19900718-01.2.20&srpos=18&dliv=none&e=------199-en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> but was controversial as it risked encroaching on WCPN, whose management asserted was "the region's (National Public Radio) station".{{r|DKS19930303p7}} The move was well received by students as the previous {{Convert|430|ft|m|adj=on}} on-campus transmitter had to operate at {{val|50000|fmt=commas|u=watts}},<ref name="DKS19960416p8a">{{Cite news |last=Werbeck |first=Darrin |date=April 16, 1996 |title=New service plan will expand station's horizons: WKSU antenna move will benefit its listeners and those on campus |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960416-01.2.35&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU+fillings------ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521200828/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960416-01.2.35&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU+fillings------ |url-status=live }}</ref> creating interference that affected dorm telephones and tape players;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shook |first=Samantha |date=March 17, 1987 |title=Listeners can't escape WKSU: Signal blankets other airwaves |pages=1, 9 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19870317-01.2.2&srpos=130&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--121--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521200829/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19870317-01.2.2&srpos=130&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--121--txt-txIN-WKSU------ |url-status=live }}</ref> several students even claimed to receive WKSU's signal in their mouth through [[Dental restoration|tooth fillings]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Werbeck |first=Darrin |date=April 16, 1996 |title=Antenna relocation is a blessing to many residence hall students |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960416-01.2.36&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU+fillings------ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521200828/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960416-01.2.36&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1-byDA.rev-txt-txIN-WKSU+fillings------ |url-status=live }}</ref> Student-run WKSR helped to arrange and finance a frequency move for second-adjacent [[WAPS (FM)|WAPS ({{Frequency|89.3|FM}})]] to {{Frequency|91.3|FM}}.{{r|DKS19960416p8a}}{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = WKSUlogo.png
| image2            = WKSU-FM logo (radio waves).png
| align             = left
| width             = 200px
| caption2          = Logo used prior to merger with Ideastream.
| caption1          = Station logo from the 2000s
| alt1              = Three lines of text, all in serif font. The first line, colored red, reads "89.7 WKSU". The second line, colored blue, reads "NPR. Classical. Other smart stuff." The third line, in italics, reads, "A Service of Kent State University"
| alt2              = Two lines of black text, the top line reads "wksu" in a boldened sans serif typeface with three blue half-circles placed on top of the "u" to represent radio waves; the bottom line reads "89.7" in a serif font.
}}WKSV in [[Thompson Township, Geauga County, Ohio|Thompson Township]] was added in 1997<ref name="AkronB19970622p 132">{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1997 |title=WKSU Covers Northeast Ohio (advertisement) |page=H14 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99708679/wksu-covers-northeast-ohio/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044354/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99708679/wksu-covers-northeast-ohio/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and WNRK in [[Norwalk, Ohio|Norwalk]] in 2004; WNRK became the first dedicated public radio outlet in the "[[Vacationland (Ohio)|Vacationland]]" region serving approximately 66,000 residents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004 |title=PTFP Public Radio Coverage 2004: Ohio |url=https://www.ntia.doc.gov/legacy/otiahome/ptfp/coverage/oh.htm |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=www.ntia.doc.gov |publisher=[[National Telecommunications and Information Administration]] |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926164604/http://www.ntia.doc.gov/legacy/otiahome/ptfp/coverage/oh.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Low-power [[Broadcast relay station|translator]] W239AZ ({{Frequency|95.7|FM}}), based in [[Ashland, Ohio|Ashland]], was established in 2006 to help address interference between WKSU and [[WOSU-FM]] in [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], both of which broadcast on the same frequency.<ref name="NewsJo20170211pA3">{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Emily |date=February 11, 2017 |title=Radio station backs off {{as written|i|t's [sic]}} fight for 94.7 |page=A3 |newspaper=[[Mansfield News Journal]] |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99706029/radio-station-backs-off-its-fight-for/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99706029/radio-station-backs-off-its-fight-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A second translator, W298BA ({{Frequency|107.5|FM}}) in [[Boardman Township, Mahoning County, Ohio|Boardman]] and serving the [[Mahoning Valley]], also came online in 2006<ref name="Crains20060119">{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=John |date=January 19, 2006 |title=WKSU tunes up with new transmitters, local program |url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20060123/SUB/60120003/wksu-tunes-up-with-new-transmitters-local-program |access-date=May 30, 2022 |website=Crain's Cleveland Business |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193728/https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20060123/SUB/60120003/wksu-tunes-up-with-new-transmitters-local-program |url-status=live }}</ref> but fell silent at the end of November 2011<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2011 |title=Notification of Suspension of Operations/Request for Silent STA: BLSTA - 20111206AAU |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101478443&formid=910&fac_num=148788 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=licensing.fcc.gov |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193730/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101478443&formid=910&fac_num=148788 |url-status=live }}</ref> with the license subsequently surrendered.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2012 |title=Re: Surrender of FM Translator Station License: Station W298BA, Boardman, OH (Facility ID 148788) |url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=33159 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2022 |website=licensing.fcc.gov |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193728/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=33159 }}</ref> W234CX ({{Frequency|94.7|FM}}) in [[Mansfield, Ohio|Mansfield]] started operating on December 27, 2016, owing to W239AZ's limited reach outside of Ashland.<ref name="NewsJo20170113pA3">{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Emily |date=January 13, 2017 |title=WKSU adds public radio transmitter in Mansfield |page=A3 |newspaper=[[Mansfield News Journal]] |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99702184/wksu-adds-public-radio-transmitter-in/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99702184/wksu-adds-public-radio-transmitter-in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Columbus–licensed [[WSNY]], which operates on the same frequency as W234CX, began appealing to affected WSNY listeners in Mansfield but withdrew a planned challenge to the FCC after less than five listener complaints were received.{{r|NewsJo20170211pA3}} Initial estimates by the station's repeater proposals predicted that WKSU's repeater network would be able to reach over one-third of Ohio's population when fully activated.{{r|DKS19930303p7}} The additional signals enabled WKSU to originate more local programming, including a nightly newsmagazine hosted by Renita Jablonski and a weekly program with ''[[Plain Dealer]]'' columnist [[Regina Brett]];<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2010 |title=Regina Brett to host new call-in show on WKSU radio |url=https://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/2010/08/regina_brett_to_host_new_call-.html |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=cleveland.com |publisher=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193730/https://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/2010/08/regina_brett_to_host_new_call-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> both Jablonski and Brett,<ref name="CPDReginaBrettNPR">{{Cite web |last=Brett |first=Regina |author-link=Regina Brett |date=March 13, 2011 |title=Why support National Public Radio? Regina Brett offers her reasons |url=https://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/2011/03/why_support_national_public_ra.html |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=cleveland.com |publisher=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531193730/https://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/2011/03/why_support_national_public_ra.html |url-status=live }}</ref> along with news director Dave Pignanelli, joined WKSU after prior work at WCPN.{{r|Crains20060119}}

The station's website was launched in 1994, and began offering on-demand streaming starting in May 1995 with the ''Akron Roundtable'' program.<ref name="AkronB19950519p 5">{{Cite news |date=May 19, 1995 |title=The table widens |page=5 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710092/the-table-widens/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710092/the-table-widens/ |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> WKSU-FM additionally launched three distinct programming streams over their website in August 2005—WKSU's on-air feed, "The News Channel" and "The Classical Channel"—along with a stream on the station's separate website for ''Folk Alley''.<ref name="CPD20050822pD1">{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=August 22, 2005 |title=Internet increases WKSU's public interaction |page=D1 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]] |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10C2A8B9712E7828 |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 13, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044357/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/10C2A8B9712E7828&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> These internet-only streams were created as prototypes for potential [[digital subchannel]]s using the [[HD Radio]] [[in-band on-channel]] standard and eventually were launched as such,{{r|AkronB20130722p B001}} while also appealing to listeners that had a preference for either all-classical or all-information programming.{{r|CPD20050822pD1}} By 2010, WKSU was the only radio station in the state to offer three distinct HD subchannels, while general manager Al Bartholet also noted that internet radio could be the future of the medium should a workable [[business model]] be found.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Allison |date=January 17, 2010 |title=Evolution of radio at Kent State and beyond |page=B3 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20100121-01.2.44&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2010-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521023807/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20100121-01.2.44&srpos=2&dliv=none&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2010-- |url-status=live }}</ref><!--Mobile apps for WKSU-FM and Folk Alley were developed in 2010.--> In 2011, WKSU employed a staff of 35 people and boasted an audience of 180,000 listeners while WCPN employed 150 people{{efn|This includes staff from co-owned [[PBS]] member station [[WVIZ]].}} and served 300,000 listeners.{{r|CPDReginaBrettNPR}}

=== Kent State Folk Festival ===
[[File:Dolceolaplayer.jpg|thumb|A [[dolceola]] concert during the 2006 WKSU ''Folk Alley 'Round Town'']]
The ''Kent State Folk Festival'' was started in 1967 by a group of Kent State students. WKSU began actively broadcasting the festival's concerts live in the early 1990s,<ref name="DKS19920225p1">{{Cite news |last=Myers |first=Kurt |date=February 25, 1992 |title=Folk Festival's a definite blast: Festival sold out as artists show their inspiration |pages=1, 10 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19920225-01.2.7&srpos=5&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190634/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19920225-01.2.7&srpos=5&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blaze |first=Ken |date=February 18, 1994 |title=Annual folk festival can be heard on radio |page=4 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19940218-01.2.28&srpos=7&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190635/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19940218-01.2.28&srpos=7&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> with the festival rearranging start times in 1996 to accommodate WKSU's existing program commitments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1996 |title=Briefly... WKSU to broadcast Folk Festival live |page=1 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960209-01.2.3&srpos=9&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190635/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks19960209-01.2.3&srpos=9&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> It was produced by student groups until the Kent State Student Senate voted to defund the activity in 2000;<ref name="AkronB20001208p 12">{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2000 |title=Strummin' a new tune: Kent State Folk Festival goes on anyway, for 34th time (editorial) |page=A12 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746943/strummin-a-new-tune-kent-state-folk/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213041/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746943/strummin-a-new-tune-kent-state-folk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a coalition of businesses and organizations assumed control of the event, with WKSU-FM as the lead presenter.<ref name="AkronB20001207p 84">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2000 |title=Folk Festival time at Kent State |pages=E14–E15 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746718/folk-festival-time-at-kent-state/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213041/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746718/folk-festival-time-at-kent-state/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While the make up of festival programming changed from local musicians and groups representing ethnic heritage{{r|DKS19920225p1}} to national touring acts, the theme was consistently tied to folk and roots music; the festival also included workshops on folk music and dance along with concert performances.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Neiden |first=Cassie |date=June 20, 2012 |title=Kent Stage puts focus on younger music |page=2 |work=The Summer Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks20120620-01.2.5&srpos=3&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190646/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=sks20120620-01.2.5&srpos=3&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''Kent State Folk Festival'' typically featured several performances by both legendary and up-and-coming folk artists. Later line-ups included [[Bob Dylan]], [[Donovan]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2012 |title=Remembering Donovan's Wild Kent State Folk Festival Appearance |url=http://patch.com/ohio/kent/remembering-donovan-s-wild-kent-state-folk-festival-appearance |access-date=February 22, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173220/http://patch.com/ohio/kent/remembering-donovan-s-wild-kent-state-folk-festival-appearance |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Avett Brothers]], [[Doc Watson]], [[Carolina Chocolate Drops]], [[Dawes (band)|Dawes]], [[Judy Collins]] and [[Arlo Guthrie]].

With WKSU-FM's involvement in the ''Kent State Folk Festival'', a day of free concerts throughout the city of Kent was created. ''<nowiki/>'Round Town'' (later ''Folk Alley 'Round Town'') drew thousands of people to downtown Kent each year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2012 |title=Folk Alley 'Round Town Schedule Features 39 Venues |url=http://patch.com/ohio/kent/folk-alley-round-town-schedule-features-39-venues |access-date=February 22, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303164232/http://patch.com/ohio/kent/folk-alley-round-town-schedule-features-39-venues |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, the entire festival was renamed the ''<nowiki/>'Round Town Music Festival'' to expand the programming scope.<ref name="AkronB20130919p F012">{{Cite news |last=Abram |first=Malcolm X |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Kent music festival is boasting new name and broader focus |page=F12 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746045/kent-music-festival-is-boasting-new/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746045/kent-music-festival-is-boasting-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU ended its involvement with the festival the following year.<ref name="AkronB20140918p E004">{{Cite news |date=September 18, 2014 |title=The Abram Five |page=E4 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746458/the-abram-five/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213043/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99746458/the-abram-five/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== ''Folk Alley'' ===
WKSU-FM launched FolkAlley.com as a standalone website in September 2003, centered around the station's folk, roots, and Americana music libraries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carlomagno |first=Rachael |date=September 24, 2003 |title=Folk Alley offers music around the clock |page=8 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20030924-01.2.36&srpos=1&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190714/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20030924-01.2.36&srpos=1&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> The website was headed by Jim Blum, a folk announcer at WKSU since 1980 and once regarded by Judy Collins as "a national treasure".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plassard |first=Ben |date=April 12, 2006 |title=Keep playing the music: Folk DJ spinning after 25 years |pages=1, 7 |work=The Daily Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20060412-01.2.4&dliv=none |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190714/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=dks20060412-01.2.4&dliv=none |url-status=live }}</ref> Within FolkAlley.com's first five years, [[web traffic]] data showed the site had been accessed in 130 different countries, resulting in a subscription base of 89,000 people and becoming the first public radio-produced internet stream to generate a profit; WKSU general manager Al Bartholet regarded the website as "like an international operation" successfully autonomous of WKSU-FM.<ref name="AkronB20080804p C009">{{Cite news |last=Schleis |first=Paula |date=August 4, 2008 |title=Web sets up link to customers |pages=C9–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99747291/web-sets-up-link-to-customers-p2/ C10] |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99747237/web-sets-up-link-to-customers/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99747237/web-sets-up-link-to-customers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By the time of his retirement in late 2012, Bartholet called his experience programming FolkAlley.com to be "a lot of fun."<ref name="AkronB20120914p B001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=September 14, 2012 |title=Manager at WKSU to depart |page=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99749848/manager-at-wksu-to-depart-p2/ B2] |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99749817/manager-at-wksu-to-depart/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99749817/manager-at-wksu-to-depart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An extension of the website, ''The Folk Alley Radio Show'' with Elena See was launched as a weekly two-hour program syndicated via [[Public Radio Exchange|PRX]], with 40 stations worldwide carrying the program in 2015.<ref name="AkronB20151212p B005">{{Cite news |date=December 12, 2015 |title=More WKSU programming sought for NPR |page=B005 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99751393/more-wksu-programming-sought-for-npr/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99751393/more-wksu-programming-sought-for-npr/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[University of Pennsylvania]] radio station [[WXPN]] began streaming the Folk Alley feed on their website in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WXPN and Folk Alley Announce Partnership |url=http://xpn.org/pr-2007/wxpn-and-folk-alley-announce-partnership |access-date=May 15, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033143/http://xpn.org/pr-2007/wxpn-and-folk-alley-announce-partnership |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- The stream is also on the [[NPR Music]] page; ''Folk Alley'' has often collaborated with NPR, offering original content for the web and producing audio from the [[Newport Folk Festival]]. -->

Kent State University and WKSU donated FolkAlley.com and the radio show to the FreshGrass Foundation—publishers of [[No Depression (magazine)|''No Depression'']]—on March 7, 2019, having successfully operated as a fully self-sustaining entity throughout Kent State and WKSU's stewardship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2019 |title=Folk Alley Joins the FreshGrass Foundation |url=https://old.folkalley.com/news/2019/folk-alley-joins-the-freshgrass-foundation |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Folk Alley |language=en |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213045/https://old.folkalley.com/news/2019/folk-alley-joins-the-freshgrass-foundation |url-status=live }}</ref> The donation ensured a reliable access to resources for the show and the website, with WKSU no longer responsible for operational costs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sasala |first=Lauren |date=March 7, 2019 |title=WKSU's Folk Alley to operate under music nonprofit |page=5 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks20190307-01.2.7&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------201-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2019-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521023807/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks20190307-01.2.7&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------201-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2019-- |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU's HD2 subchannel simulcast of FolkAlley.com remained in place.{{r|WKSUHostLineup}}

=== Shift to news programming ===
[[File:WKSU Newsroom.jpg|thumbnail|Afternoon host Amanda Rabinowitz working in the WKSU newsroom|275x275px]]After heading WKSU-FM for 11 years and being involved with the station in some capacity since 1980, general manager Al Bartholet retired at the end of 2012.{{r|AkronB20120914p B001}} Dan Skinner, former president of [[Texas Public Radio]], took over as Bartholet's replacement<ref name="AkronB20121205p D003">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=December 5, 2012 |title=The Heldenfiles |page=D3 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99750701/the-heldenfiles/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414213046/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99750701/the-heldenfiles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> after a nationwide search conducted by the university.{{r|AkronB20120914p B001}} Skinner oversaw WKSU-FM's shift to a more news-related schedule on August 5, 2013, remarking that, "this combination of news and music is the sound of Northeast Ohio's future."<ref name="AkronB20130722p B001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=July 22, 2013 |title=WKSU shakes up on-air lineup |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710286/wksu-shakes-up-on-air-lineup-p2/ B3] |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710236/wksu-shakes-up-on-air-lineup/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710236/wksu-shakes-up-on-air-lineup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU had already been carrying the first hour of [[Here and Now (Boston)|''Here and Now'']] in between locally hosted classical programming; the format shift coincided with NPR expanding ''Here and Now'' as part of a larger initiative to revamp the network's image.<ref name="AkronB20130330p E001">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=March 30, 2013 |title=It's iconic how much we overuse some words |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710896/its-iconic-how-much-we-overuse-some/ E1]–E2 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710925/its-iconic-how-much-we-overuse-some/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99710925/its-iconic-how-much-we-overuse-some/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Most notably, classical music was limited to evenings and overnights and folk music programming on the primary channel was relegated solely to ''Folk Alley'', with the daytime lineup starting to heavily mirror that of WCPN.{{r|AkronB20130722p B001}} Two of WKSU's three remaining local classical announcers, Sylvia Docking and Mark Pennell,{{r|AkronB20130722p B001}} left the station in 2014<ref>{{Cite web |last=Segall |first=Grant |date=November 7, 2014 |title=WKSU's Sylvia Docking gives up Kent for Miles Heights: My Cleveland |url=https://www.cleveland.com/mycleveland/2014/11/wksus_sylvia_docking_picks_mil.html |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=[[cleveland.com]] |publisher=[[The Plain Dealer]] |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190716/https://www.cleveland.com/mycleveland/2014/11/wksus_sylvia_docking_picks_mil.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Andrew |date=June 26, 2020 |title=As WKSU's Mark Pennell Retires, He Considers His Perspective on History from Behind the Mic |url=https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2020-06-26/as-wksus-mark-pennell-retires-he-considers-his-perspective-on-history-from-behind-the-mic |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=WKSU |language=en |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615034038/https://www.wksu.org/arts-culture/2020-06-26/as-wksus-mark-pennell-retires-he-considers-his-perspective-on-history-from-behind-the-mic |url-status=live }}</ref> respectively.<!-- The change added many new programs to the daily schedule and prompted introduction of a new logo and the major renovation of the newsroom in the Kent broadcast facility. -->

WKSU-FM launched multiple regular news segments including weekly interviews with ''Plain Dealer'' sports writer [[Terry Pluto]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2016 |title=WKSU-FM radio in Kent a finalist for seven AP awards |url=https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2016/03/06/wksu-fm-radio-in-kent/19827184007/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=[[Record-Courier (Ohio)|Record-Courier]] |location=Kent, Ohio |language=en-US |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190716/https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2016/03/06/wksu-fm-radio-in-kent/19827184007/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cleveland Plain Dealer sports writer Terry Pluto is a commentator on NPR radio stations and his segment "The View from Pluto" |access-date=May 22, 2022 |date=March 21, 2017 |publisher=Ashland University News Center |url=https://news.ashland.edu/cleveland-plain-dealer-sports-writer-terry-pluto-commentator-npr-radio-stations-and-his-segment-view |location=Ashland, Ohio |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213121642/http://news.ashland.edu/cleveland-plain-dealer-sports-writer-terry-pluto-commentator-npr-radio-stations-and-his-segment-view |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Quick Bites'' stories on food and eating<ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Conner |date=March 30, 2015 |title=WKSU "Quick Bites" host Vivian Goodman in finals for James Beard Award |url=https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2015/03/30/wksu-quick-bites-host-vivian/19827182007/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=[[Record-Courier (Ohio)|Record-Courier]] |location=Kent, Ohio |language=en-US |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190716/https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2015/03/30/wksu-quick-bites-host-vivian/19827182007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Exploradio'' reports on research and innovation.<ref name="AkronB20121027p D001">{{Cite news |date=October 27, 2012 |title=Companies & Consumers |page=D1 |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102331000/companies-consumers/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102331000/companies-consumers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Amy Reynolds, dean of the university's College of Communications and Information, began hosting ''Elevations'', a five-minute interview program on Saturday mornings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Palattella |first=Henry |date=January 30, 2017 |title=CCI dean elevates local radio to new heights |page=5 |work=The Kent Stater |location=Kent, Ohio |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks20170130-01.2.19&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------201-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2017-- |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521023807/https://dks.library.kent.edu/?a=d&d=tks20170130-01.2.19&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=------201-en-20--1--txt-txIN-WKSU----2017-- |url-status=live }}</ref> During a Kent State University Board of Trustees meeting in late 2015, chairman [[Dennis E. Eckart|Dennis Eckert]] advocated for WKSU-FM to offer more locally based programming to national distributors like NPR to help boost the university's name awareness; WKSU-FM continued to produce ''Folk Alley'' for syndication and the station's news department frequently filed reports for NPR's news programs.{{r|AkronB20151212p B005}}

In a cosmetic move, WKSU-FM's call sign changed to WKSU on June 23, 2016, removing the "-FM" suffix.<ref name="CallSign">[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=34045&Callsign=WKSU Call Sign History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522190717/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=34045&Callsign=WKSU |date=May 22, 2022 }}, fcc.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2022.</ref>

===Ideastream merger===
{{Quote box
| quote = It is a gem. It is a treasure in Northeast Ohio, and it covers a part of Ohio that Ideastream doesn’t cover. We have developed such a station that is revered, and now, it’s just going to be second to Ideastream. I know there are financial issues. But the university should be proud to have an NPR station on its campus, not try to get rid of it.
| author = Elizabeth Bartz
| source = WKSU Community Advisory Council member from 1981 to 2021, reacting to WKSU's combination into [[Ideastream]]{{r|Portager20210909}}
| align = left
| width = 300px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
''The Portager'' reported on September 9, 2021, that Kent State University's board of trustees were planning to vote at their forthcoming meeting on a "[[Local marketing agreement|public service operating agreement]]" proposal ''de facto'' merging WKSU into WCPN owner [[Ideastream]]; the meeting's advance agenda was largely withheld from the public but leaked to the ''Portager'' anonymously.<ref name="Portager20210909">{{Cite web|last1=Brennan|first1=Lyndsey|last2=Andrus|first2=Emma|date=September 9, 2021|title=Kent State trustees expected to vote on WKSU 'merger' with Ideastream next week|url=https://theportager.com/kent-state-trustees-expected-to-vote-on-wksu-merger-with-ideastream-next-week/|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=The Portager|language=en-US|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910202242/https://theportager.com/kent-state-trustees-expected-to-vote-on-wksu-merger-with-ideastream-next-week/}}</ref> The details of the agreement proposal had Ideastream assuming operations of WKSU on October 1, 2021, with all WKSU employees retained by Ideastream for at least one year, while the university would still contribute to their [[Pension|retirement pensions]].<ref name="RadioInsightWKSU">{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=September 15, 2021|title=Ideastream To Begin Operating WKSU; Swap Frequencies Of WCPN & WCLV Cleveland|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/212656/kent-state-university-to-vote-on-wksu-operating-agreement-with-ideastream/|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|via=RadioBB|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916200229/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/212656/kent-state-university-to-vote-on-wksu-operating-agreement-with-ideastream/}}</ref> This proposal had origins in a $100,000 CPB grant<ref name="ABJ20210914">{{Cite web |last=Marotta |first=Eric |date=September 14, 2021 |title=WKSU-Ideastream WCPN merger: Kent State board of trustees to vote on management agreement |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/09/14/wksu-ideastream-wcpn-merger-kent-state-university-trustees-considering-management-agreement/8326363002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204135526/https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/09/14/wksu-ideastream-wcpn-merger-kent-state-university-trustees-considering-management-agreement/8326363002/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |website=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |language=en-US}}</ref> jointly awarded to WKSU and Ideastream on September 1, 2020, to help expand public media service in Northeast Ohio and encourage collaboration between both entities.<ref name="ABJ20210909">{{Cite web |last=Marotta |first=Eric |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Are public radio stations WKSU and WCPN planning to merge? |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/09/09/public-radio-stations-wksu-and-wcpn-considering-merger-sources-say/5756322001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204142936/https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/09/09/public-radio-stations-wksu-and-wcpn-considering-merger-sources-say/5756322001/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |website=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |language=en-US}}</ref> The grant was prompted due to a decline in electronic and print journalism jobs in the region by 60% since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 1, 2020|title=ideastream and WKSU Awarded Corporation for Public Broadcasting Grant to Explore Potential for Growth of Service in Northeast Ohio|url=https://www.kent.edu/today/news/ideastream-and-wksu-awarded-corporation-public-broadcasting-grant-explore-potential|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=www.kent.edu|publisher=[[Kent State University]]|language=en|archive-date=March 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329182608/https://www.kent.edu/today/news/ideastream-and-wksu-awarded-corporation-public-broadcasting-grant-explore-potential}}</ref>

[[File:Playhouse Square Chandelier (27682174713).jpg|right|thumb|The ''Idea Center'' (right), WKSU's current studio facilities at [[Playhouse Square]] in [[Downtown Cleveland]]]]Elizabeth Bartz, a former member of WKSU's community advisory council, found out about the merger proposal just before her term expired in May 2021{{r|ABJ20210909}} and voiced her disappointment in the lack of communication with Kent State president [[Todd Diacon]].{{r|Portager20210909}} Diacon countered by stating privacy had to be maintained in the event that the proposal—directly involving WKSU employees—did not come to fruition.<ref name="RecordCourier20210915">{{Cite web|last=Gaetjens|first=Bob|date=September 15, 2021|title=WKSU expected to merge with Cleveland's Ideastream by Oct. 1 following Kent State trustees approval|url=https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/education/campus/2021/09/15/wksu-89-7-fm-merge-operation-ideastream-kent-state-university-90-3-fm-104-9-fm/8345698002/|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=[[Record-Courier (Ohio)|Record-Courier]]|location=Kent, Ohio|language=en-US|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917144806/https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/education/campus/2021/09/15/wksu-89-7-fm-merge-operation-ideastream-kent-state-university-90-3-fm-104-9-fm/8345698002/}}</ref> Former WKSU general manager John Perry interpreted the proposal as "a deep alignment" between the two entities that had a "potential upside" despite the likely changes, while Perry's successor Al Bartholet expressed concern about WKSU having their focus on Kent and Akron diminished in favor of Ideastream's Cleveland orientation.{{r|ABJ20210909}} Bartholet's concerns were echoed by Bartz, who felt that WKSU was a "treasure (that) is leaving Northeast Ohio" and would "be second to ideastream".{{r|Portager20210909}} Former radio executive [[John Gorman (radio executive)|John Gorman]] noted that WKSU's news department had for decades been a strong contributor to NPR, while WCPN had only recently established a fully-staffed newsroom with coverage that "pales in comparison".<ref name="CPD20210915a">{{Cite web|last=Morona|first=Joey|date=September 15, 2021|title=WKSU, WCPN deal approved by Kent State, combined NPR station to operate at 89.7 FM starting in 2022|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/09/wksu-wcpn-deal-approved-by-kent-state-combined-npr-station-to-operate-at-897-fm-starting-in-2022.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=cleveland.com|publisher=[[The Plain Dealer]]|language=en|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917172321/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/09/wksu-wcpn-deal-approved-by-kent-state-combined-npr-station-to-operate-at-897-fm-starting-in-2022.html}}</ref> A press release on Ideastream's web site concurrently stated that WKSU had been in operation for 71 years, "almost twice as long as WCPN".<ref name="IdeastreamFAQ">{{Cite web|date=September 14, 2021|title=Ideastream Public Media & WKSU: Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://www.ideastream.org/ideastream-public-media-wksu-frequently-asked-questions|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=Ideastream Public Media|publisher=[[ideastream]]|language=en|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217224830/https://www.ideastream.org/ideastream-public-media-wksu-frequently-asked-questions}}</ref>

The deal was approved by the board of trustees on September 15, 2021, with no money changing hands.<ref name="WKSUMergerAgreement">{{Cite web|last=Lieszkovszky|first=Ida|date=September 15, 2021|title=WKSU And Ideastream Public Media Enter Into Merger Agreement|url=https://www.ideastream.org/news/wksu-and-ideastream-public-media-enter-into-merger-agreement|url-status=live|access-date=September 19, 2021|website=Ideastream Public Media|publisher=[[ideastream]]|language=en|quote=Neither Ideastream Public Media or WKSU management were involved in the reporting or editing of this story, nor did they review it before publication. Ida Lieszkovszky is a freelance reporter working in Northeast Ohio. This story was reviewed by an editor outside both organizations.|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916120717/https://www.ideastream.org/news/wksu-and-ideastream-public-media-enter-into-merger-agreement}}</ref> WKSU general manager Wendy Turner hailed "the logic of this convergence (that) stares us right in the face", Diacon expressed confidence in enhanced journalism, reporting and public affairs{{r|CPD20210915a}} and WKSU news director Andrew Meyer felt the merger would help bolster manpower and resources for the station.{{r|WKSUMergerAgreement}} Under terms of the proposal, WKSU became Cleveland and Akron's lead NPR station under Ideastream management,{{r|ABJ20210914}} retained all local shows and inherited WCPN's local productions ''The Sound of Ideas'' and the [[City Club of Cleveland]]'s ''Friday Forum''.{{r|RadioInsightWKSU}} The second phase of the changeover on March 28, 2022, had WKSU drop all music programming while WCPN changed call letters to [[WCLV]] and format to classical music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Ideastream Sets Cleveland Public Radio Frequency Change Date |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220460/ideastream-sets-cleveland-public-radio-frequency-change-date/ |access-date=February 25, 2022 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225133046/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220460/ideastream-sets-cleveland-public-radio-frequency-change-date/ |url-status=live }}</ref> WCLV's prior {{Frequency|104.9|FM}} facility changed their calls to WCPN and became a WKSU repeater for [[Lorain County]] and the western portion of Greater Cleveland.{{r|RecordCourier20210915}}{{r|CPD20210915a}} WKSU applied for on-channel boosters to address reception issues in Cleveland proper, which it was eligible for on the condition that {{Frequency|90.3|FM}} drop all news-related programming.{{r|SceneWKSUSignal}} With the addition of {{frequency|104.9|FM}} to the repeater network, WKSU boasted a 22-county coverage area and potential audience of 3.6&nbsp;million people, the largest collective footprint for an FM radio station in Ohio.{{r|IdeastreamFAQ}}

WCPN morning host Amy Eddings (who had joined that station in 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Annie |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Morning Star: Amy Eddings Returns To The Airwaves |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/morning-star-amy-eddings-returns-to-the-airwaves |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=[[Cleveland Magazine]] |language=en |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044357/https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/morning-star-amy-eddings-returns-to-the-airwaves |url-status=live }}</ref> was transferred to WKSU in the same capacity,<ref>{{Cite web |last=William |first=Logan |date=May 10, 2022 |title=WKSU's Amy Eddings, a Brunswick High School alum, is a lifetime learner |url=https://medina-gazette.com/news/301911/wksus-amy-eddings-a-brunswick-high-school-alum-is-a-lifetime-learner/ |access-date=July 3, 2022 |website=medina-gazette.com |publisher=Medina Gazette |location=Medina, Ohio |language=en}}</ref> while existing WKSU hosts Amanda Rabinowitz and Jeff St. Clair were retained for what Ideastream billed as "expanded news breaks" throughout the weekday.<ref name="SceneWKSUHosts">{{Cite web |last=Allard |first=Sam |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Here Are Your Daily Hosts for the Newly Merged WCPN and WKSU on 89.7 |url=https://www.clevescene.com/news/here-are-your-daily-hosts-for-the-newly-merged-wcpn-and-wksu-on-897-38565722 |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=[[Cleveland Scene]] |language=en |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414044356/https://www.clevescene.com/news/here-are-your-daily-hosts-for-the-newly-merged-wcpn-and-wksu-on-897-38565722 |url-status=live }}</ref> An [[internship]] program for Kent State journalism students has remained in place; Ideastream president/CEO Kevin Martin noted, "what’s important for not only Northeast Ohio but all of Ohio, with the decline in print journalism, is to really build up the next generation of journalists and to take on... that priority."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eddings |first=Amy |date=September 20, 2021 |title=Q&A: Ideastream President And CEO Kevin Martin On The Merger With WKSU |url=https://www.ideastream.org/news/qa-ideastream-president-and-ceo-kevin-martin-on-the-merger-with-wksu |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=Ideastream Public Media |language=en |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921073007/https://www.ideastream.org/news/qa-ideastream-president-and-ceo-kevin-martin-on-the-merger-with-wksu |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Programming ==
WKSU has a heavy emphasis on news and informational programming, most of it originating with NPR such as ''[[Morning Edition]]'', ''[[All Things Considered]]'', ''[[1A (radio program)|1A]]'', ''[[Here and Now (Boston)|Here and Now]]'' and ''[[Fresh Air]]''. It also carries ''[[The Daily (podcast)|The Daily]]'' and ''[[Marketplace]]'' from [[American Public Media]], ''[[The World (radio program)|The World]]'' from [[Public Radio Exchange]], ''[[Radiolab]]'', ''[[Science Friday]]'' and ''[[The New Yorker Radio Hour]]'' from [[WNYC Studios]], and simulcasts the audio of ''[[PBS NewsHour]]'' in early evenings.

WKSU's local programming includes ''The Sound of Ideas'', an hour-long current events talk show hosted by Rick Jackson and Michael McIntrye. Local inserts on ''Morning Edition'', ''Here and Now'' and ''All Things Considered'' are hosted by Amy Eddings, Jeff St. Clair and Amanda Rabinowitz, respectively. WKSU originates the live broadcast of the [[City Club of Cleveland]]'s ''Friday Forum'' during the noon hour. [[BBC World Service]] programming airs in overnights.<ref name="WKSUHostLineup">{{Cite web |title=New Host Line-up and Program Schedule |url=https://www.wksu.org/new-host-line-up-and-program-schedule |access-date=March 26, 2022 |website=WKSU |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325163642/https://www.wksu.org/new-host-line-up-and-program-schedule |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|SceneWKSUHosts}}

== Technical information ==
=== HD broadcasting ===
WKSU broadcasts over the following four [[digital subchannel]]s using the proprietary [[HD Radio]] standard:
*WKSU-HD1 is a [[simulcast]] of WKSU's analog feed.
*WKSU-HD2 airs [[folk music]] from FolkAlley.com.
*WKSU-HD3 is a simulcast of WCLV's analog feed.
*WKSU-HD4 carries an alternate schedule of news and talk programming from NPR and the [[BBC World Service]] branded "News and More". ''[[KERA (FM)#Think|Think]]'' and ''[[As It Happens]]'' air exclusively on this channel, along with ''Folk Alley'' and locally produced ethnic shows on Sunday nights.<ref name="HD Radio2">{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite web |title=How to Access Ideastream Public Media Broadcasts |url=https://www.ideastream.org/how-to-access-ideastream-public-media-broadcasts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213172908/https://www.ideastream.org/how-to-access-ideastream-public-media-broadcasts |archive-date=December 13, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Ideastream Public Media |place=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en}}|{{Cite web |title=HD Radio Stations in Wooster, OH |url=http://www.hdradio.com/stations/Ohio-OH/Wooster-486 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523215014/http://www.hdradio.com/stations/Ohio-OH/Wooster-486 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |website=HDRadio.com}}|{{Cite web |title=HD Radio Stations in New Philadelphia, OH |url=http://www.hdradio.com/stations/Ohio-OH/New+Philadelphia-485 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523173347/http://www.hdradio.com/stations/Ohio-OH/New+Philadelphia-485 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |website=HDRadio.com}}}}</ref>{{r|WKSUHostLineup}}

=== Repeaters and boosters ===
{{geogroup}}Although WKSU operates at relatively modest power for a full NPR member, its {{Convert|908|ft|m|sp=us|adj=on}} tower in [[Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio|Copley Township]] allows it to provide at least grade B coverage to most of Greater Cleveland to the north, with Cleveland itself getting a city-grade signal albeit with some weaknesses in places like [[Ohio City, Cleveland|Ohio City]], [[Cleveland Heights]]<ref name="SceneWKSUSignal">{{Cite web |last=Grzegorek |first=Vince |date=April 13, 2022 |title=The Signal for 89.7 FM, the New Home of NPR and Ideastream Public Media in Cleveland, Sucks Across Much of Cleveland |url=https://www.clevescene.com/news/the-signal-for-897-fm-the-new-home-of-npr-and-ideastream-public-media-in-cleveland-sucks-across-much-of-cleveland-38731254 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=[[Cleveland Scene]] |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508105402/https://www.clevescene.com/news/the-signal-for-897-fm-the-new-home-of-npr-and-ideastream-public-media-in-cleveland-sucks-across-much-of-cleveland-38731254 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Lake County, Ohio|Lake County]] due to the region's [[topography]].{{r|IdeastreamFAQ}}<ref name="FCCDataWKSU">{{Cite web |title=WKSU Kent OH: Full-Service FM Channel 209 (89.7 MHz) |url=https://fccdata.org/?lang=en&facid=34045 |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=FCCdata.org - powered by REC |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918163724/https://fccdata.org/?lang=en&facid=34045 |url-status=live }}</ref> WKSU extends its reach via the following full-power satellites and on-channel boosters, which rebroadcast WKSU's four HD Radio signals. With the exception of WCPN, which is fully owned by Ideastream Public Media, all are directly owned by Kent State University and operated by Ideastream:{{r|HD Radio2}}<ref name="FCCDataWKSU1">{{Cite web |title=WKSU Kent OH: FM Booster Channel 209 (89.7 MHz) (Cleveland, Ohio) |url=https://fccdata.org/?lang=en&facid=776368 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=FCCdata.org - powered by REC |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909180830/https://fccdata.org/?lang=en&facid=776368 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{RadioTranslators
| call1 = [[WCPN]]
| call2 = WKRJ
| call3 = WKRW
| call4 = WKSU-FM1
| call6 = WKSV
| call7 = WNRK
| freq1 = 104.9
| freq2 = 91.5
| freq3 = 89.3
| freq4 = 89.7
| freq6 = 89.1
| freq7 = 90.7
| city1 = Lorain, Ohio
| city2 = New Philadelphia, Ohio
| city3 = Wooster, Ohio
| cpxcity4 = [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
| cpxcity6 = [[Thompson Township, Geauga County, Ohio|Thompson, Ohio]]
| city7 = Norwalk, Ohio
| fid1 = 70109
| fid2 = 34042
| fid3 = 34046
| fid4 = 776368
| fid6 = 34040
| fid7 = 90728
| watts1 = 6,000
| watts2 = 2,000
| watts3 = 2,100
| watts4 = 1,000
| watts6 = 50,000
| watts7 = 4,000
| haat1 = 97.41
| haat2 = 75.83
| haat3 = 97.37
| haat4 = 117.36
| haat6 = 140.9
| haat7 = 121.98
| class1 = A
| class2 = A
| class3 = A
| class4 = D
| class6 = B
| class7 = A
| coord1 = {{Coord|41|28|32.2|N|81|59|23.5|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WCPN}}
| coord2 = {{Coord|40|33|50.2|N|81|31|4.4|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WKRJ}}
| coord3 = {{Coord|40|46|28.2|N|81|55|4.5|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WKRW}}
| coord4 = {{Coord|41|23|9.9|N|81|41|20.7|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WKSU-FM1}}
| coord6 = {{Coord|41|41|34.2|N|81|2|50.3|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WKSV}}
| coord7 = {{Coord|41|10|50.2|N|82|23|20.6|W|type:landmark_region:US-OH_source:FCC|name=WNRK}}
}}

Additionally, WKSU is simulcast over WCLV's HD3 subchannel and over [[WVIZ]]'s 25.7 subchannel in an audio-only format.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RabbitEars TV Query for WVIZ |url=https://rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WVIZ |access-date=March 25, 2022 |website=RabbitEars.Info |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314213325/http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=WVIZ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Translators ===
WKSU also rebroadcasts to the following low-power translators:{{r|NewsJo20170211pA3}}{{r|NewsJo20170113pA3}}
{{RadioTranslators
| call1 = W234CX
| freq1 = 94.7
| city1 = Mansfield, Ohio
| fid1 = 146397
| watts1 = 38
| haat1 = 45.22
| class1 = D
| coord1 = {{Coord|40|47|26.2|N|82|30|22.6|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC|name=W234CX}}
| call2 = W239AZ
| freq2 = 95.7
| city2 = Ashland, Ohio
| fid2 = 146601
| watts2 = 80
| haat2 = 26.18
| class2 = D
| coord2 = {{Coord|40|51|39.2|N|82|16|46.6|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC|name=W239AZ}}
| callsign = WKSU
}}

=== Network maps ===
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=600|frame-align=left|frame-height=450|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/WKSU}}|text={{ubl|Grade A (60 [[dBu]]) signal contours for the WKSU network. Click on each contour to reveal details.|{{legend-col |{{legend|#EA243C|Originating station and on-channel boosters}} |{{legend|#0F1E8C|Full-power satellite stations}} |{{legend|#7F1C50|Low-power translators}} }}}}}}
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=600|frame-align=left|frame-height=450|text={{ubl|Transmitter locations for the WKSU network. Click on each marker to reveal details.|{{legend-col |{{legend|#EA243C|Originating station and on-channel boosters}} |{{legend|#0F1E8C|Full-power satellite stations}} |{{legend|#7F1C50|Low-power translators}} }}}}|type=point|coord={{coord|41|4|58.2|N|81|38|1.4|W}}|title=WKSU|description=89.7 FM<br>Kent, Ohio|marker=communications-tower|marker-color=#EA243C|marker-size=large|type2=point|coord2={{coord|41|28|32.2|N|81|59|23.5|W}}|title2=[[WCPN]]|description2=104.9 FM<br>Lorain, Ohio|marker2=communications-tower|marker-color2=#0F1E8C|type3=point|coord3={{coord|40|33|50.2|N|81|31|4.4|W}}|title3=WKRJ|description3=91.5 FM<br>New Philadelphia, Ohio|marker3=communications-tower|marker-color3=#0F1E8C|type4=point|coord4={{coord|40|46|28.2|N|81|55|4.5|W}}|title4=WKRW|description4=89.3 FM<br>Wooster, Ohio|marker4=communications-tower|marker-color4=#0F1E8C|type5=point|coord5={{coord|41|23|9.9|N|81|41|20.7|W}}|title5=WKSU-FM1|description5=89.7 FM<br>Cleveland, Ohio|marker5=communications-tower|marker-color5=#EA243C|marker-size5=small|type6=point|coord6={{coord|41|26|46.3|N|81|30|39.4|W}}|title6=WKSU-FM2|description6=89.7 FM<br>Lyndhurst, Ohio|marker6=communications-tower|marker-color6=#EA243C|marker-size6=small|type7=point|coord7={{coord|41|41|34.2|N|81|2|50.3|W}}|title7=WKSV|description7=89.1 FM<br>Thompson, Ohio|marker7=communications-tower|marker-color7=#0F1E8C|type8=point|coord8={{coord|41|10|50.2|N|82|23|20.6|W}}|title8=WNRK|description8=90.7 FM<br>Norwalk, Ohio|marker8=communications-tower|marker-color8=#0F1E8C|type9=point|coord9={{coord|40|51|39.2|N|82|16|46.6|W}}|title9=W239AZ|description9=95.7 FM<br>Ashland, Ohio|marker9=communications-tower|marker-color9=#7F1C50|marker-size9=small|type10=point|coord10={{coord|40|47|26.2|N|82|30|22.6|W}}|title10=W234CX|description10=94.7 FM<br>Mansfield, Ohio|marker10=communications-tower|marker-color10=#7F1C50|marker-size10=small|zoom=8}}{{clear}}

== Facilities and bureaus ==
[[File:Akron-United Building (OHPTC) (19499991595) (cropped).jpg|thumb|WKSU's former Akron news bureau at the United Building, Akron, Ohio]]
In addition to current facilities at the Idea Center in [[Downtown Cleveland]],{{r|FybushIdeastream}} WKSU maintains news bureaus in Akron and [[Canton, Ohio|Canton]], the latter based at the [[Canton Museum of Art]].<ref name="WKSU2018Report">{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2018 |title=WKSU Radio Station (a public telecommunications entity operated by Kent State University) 2018 Financial Report |url=https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/wksu/files/wksu_radio_station_mda_june_30__2018_from_official_site_ohio_auditor_s_office_0.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=WKSU |publisher=Plante & Moran, PLLC |location=Toledo, Ohio |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602033418/https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/wksu/files/wksu_radio_station_mda_june_30__2018_from_official_site_ohio_auditor_s_office_0.pdf }}</ref> Additionally, Ideastream provides managerial support for Ohio Public Radio's Statehouse News Bureau in [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]] and is part of a consortium jointly operating [[The Ohio Channel]] (which offers a daily television simulcast of WKSU's ''The Sound of Ideas'').<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2016 |title=Stations and Services |url=https://ideastream.org/about/stations-and-services |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Ideastream Public Media |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216020121/https://www.ideastream.org/about/stations-and-services |url-status=live }}</ref>

WKSU previously established a news bureau at the United Building in downtown Akron, sharing space with PBS member stations [[WNEO|WNEO–WEAO]] (of which Kent State University is a part-owner) and Cleveland [[NBC]] affiliate [[WKYC]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wksu.org/about/press/article.php?release=96 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521235327/http://www.wksu.org/about/press/article.php?release=96 |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |title=WKSU Events: Hot Picks}}</ref> The arrangement was made in 2008 after WKYC ceased production of [[WVPX-TV#WKYC alliance and Pax 23 News|a daily Akron-oriented television newscast]] on local cable.<ref name="WVPX Final Hour">{{Cite news |last=Heldenfels |first=Rich |date=May 30, 2008 |title=Final hour for newscast |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436653/final-hour-for-newscast-p2/ A3] |work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436568/final-hour-for-newscast/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66436568/final-hour-for-newscast/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> After the United Building was slated for conversion into a [[boutique hotel]], WKSU relocated the Akron bureau to the ''[[Akron Beacon Journal]]'' newsroom.{{r|WKSU2018Report}} WKSU had also operated a separate bureau in downtown Cleveland prior to the Ideastream merger from WKYC's newsroom.<ref name="WKSU2011Report">{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2011 |title=WKSU Radio Station (a public telecommunications entity operated by Kent State University) 2011 Financial Report |url=https://ohioauditor.gov/AuditSearch/Reports/2012/Kent_State_University_WKSU_Radio_Station_11-Portage.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=OhioAuditor.gov |publisher=Plante & Moran, PLLC |location=Toledo, Ohio |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212080803/https://ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/Reports/2012/Kent_State_University_WKSU_Radio_Station_11-Portage.pdf }}</ref>
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=}}

== Further reading ==
*{{Cite web |date=November 1994 |editor-last=Birk |editor-first=Nancy |title=Special Collections and Archives: John C. Weiser papers |url=https://www.library.kent.edu/special-collections-and-archives/john-c-weiser-papers |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=Kent State University Libraries |publisher=Kent State University |location=Kent, Ohio}}
*{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2001 |editor-last=Watkins |editor-first=E. Merle |title=Special Collections and Archives: WKSU Audio Recordings Related to the Kent State Shootings |url=https://www.library.kent.edu/special-collections-and-archives/wksu-audio-recordings-related-kent-state-shootings |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=Kent State University Libraries |publisher=Kent State University |location=Kent, Ohio}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website|https://www.wksu.org/}}
{{FM station data|34045|WKSU}}
*{{Commons category-inline|WKSU-FM}}
*{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=70481 |title= History Cards for WKSU|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} ([[Wikipedia:WikiProject Radio Stations/History Cards|Guide to reading History Cards]])<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}-->
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|34040|WKSV}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|34046|WKRW}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|90728|WNRK}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|34042|WKRJ}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|146601|W239AZ}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|146397|W234CX}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Radio Stations
| list1 =
{{Akron Radio}}
{{Ashtabula Radio}}
{{Canton Radio}}
{{Cleveland Radio}}
{{Sandusky Radio}}
{{Mid-Ohio Radio}}
}}
{{NPR Ohio}}
{{Ohio college radio}}
{{Kent State University}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kent, Ohio]]
[[Category:HD Radio stations]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1950]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Akron, Ohio|KSU]]
[[Category:NPR member networks]]
[[Category:NPR member stations]]
[[Category:Kent State University]]
[[Category:College radio stations in Ohio|KSU]]
[[Category:Public radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Ideastream]]