A college radio powerhouse turns 37 this week. How WRFL went from dream to reality

Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history - some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.

One of the best college radio stations in the country is right here in Lexington, and it got its start 37 years ago this week.

WRFL (Radio Free Lexington) is the college radio station for the University of Kentucky campus. Started on March 7, 1988, the station broadcasts on 88.1 FM with an all-volunteer crew of DJs made up of students and community members.

Listeners to WUKY may not know that both DeBraun Thomas and Joe Conkwright got their start at WRFL.

According to UK, the radio station has been the starting spot for everyone from film producers and regional on-air reporters, to artists and one assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

It’s the volunteers there that have made it what it is, Kakie Urch, associate professor in UK’s School of Journalism and Media, said in 2018. Urch helped establish the station.

“The station is without a doubt in the top 10 college radio stations in the U.S.,” she said.

Playing only alternative music, or material not heard on other radio stations or traditional commercial outlets, WRFL’s programming is left up to the DJs who put together their own shows with program titles like “Your Father’s Music Program,” “Humpday Bump,” and “Unhinged Reality Show.”

The alternative music is not only part of the station’s appeal, but part of its mission – its license with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission requires the station to be educational.

In 2007, the FCC granted the station an upgrade to 7,900 watts, growing its signal considerably. By 2010, the station had raised the money and built the new tower. The old 250-watt tower was dismantled, and the new one was installed on top of the Patterson Office Tower on June 1.

Now, the station reaches into Georgetown, Frankfort, Stamping Ground and Versailles.

And, of course, the station is streaming online at WRFL.FM. The station also produces its own online Zine RiFLe (from the station’s call letters). Started in 1987, the zine features articles, reviews, stories, poetry, comics art and more created by WRFL and its fans.

This year, like it has before, the station will celebrate its birthday with a bash at the Burl featuring Geese, TREG and Valus. The show sold out back in February. WRFLiens will be on hand to vibe on the time they spent working at the Only Alternative Left in Lexington.

One thing’s for sure, they won’t be listening to any of your mom’s music there.

Have a question or story idea related to Lexington’s 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com

This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 12:39 PM.