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Spring 2024

Communication, Academic

Radio equipment at Washington State College in 1923
Fall 2022

Wonders of wireless

Twenty years before Washington State University established its first radio station, the school—then Washington State College—began experimenting with the new technology of wireless telegraphy.

Here’s a short timeline of events leading up to the establishment and first broadcast of the school’s radio station in 1922.

1901—Hubert V. Carpenter introduces wireless telegraphy to the WSC campus. He builds a wireless installation in the basement of the Administration building, now Thompson Hall. Due to a noisy and distracting spark plug, the device is later moved to a wooden shack where the CUB now stands. A student named Ed Keyes (1909 Elec. Eng,) assists with the set up.

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Fall 2022

Radio Days

Hear from alumni who worked at KWSC or, after its call letters changed, KWSU, the flagship station of Northwest Public Broadcasting’s National Public Radio News network.

The non-commercial radio station is licensed to Washington State University in Pullman. While the frequencies, reach, call letters, and approach to programming have all changed since its inception in 1922, WSU’s radio station has been broadcasting for 100 years this year.

 

‘What a fun time’

In 1995 to 1996, I—along with Brian T. Perkins (’98 Comm.), Jeff Kirsch (’98 Comm.), Randy Goode (’97 Comm.), Michelle Memmel (’95 Busi. Admin, Comm.), Darren Fessenden (’99 Comm.), Jason … » More …

Cara Williams Fry
Fall 2022

Meet Cara Williams Fry

The new general manager of Northwest Public Broadcasting shares her thoughts on the legacy of Edward R. Murrow, the importance of community engagement, 100 years of broadcasting at Washington State University, and more.

 

What attracted you to NWPB and WSU Pullman? Was the reputation of Edward R. Murrow and the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication part of the draw? Absolutely. One hundred percent. I respect Edward R. Murrow. When I looked at this position and saw that it was part of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, it made me all that much more interested. The … » More …

Sueann Ramella smiles next to vintage microphone
Fall 2022

Voices of Northwest Public Broadcasting

In celebration of 100 years of broadcasting at Washington State University, Northwest Public Broadcasting staffers discuss their work, its impact, and more.

 

Becoming a fully forged broadcaster

By Sueann Ramella ’00 Comm.

Program director

Reflecting back, the most defining moments of my education came from my time at Northwest Public Radio, now Northwest Public Broadcasting.

In the late 1990s, radio was live 24/7. New recruits were asked to staff the overnight shifts. I’d leave my Bookie Café job at 7:45 pm to start my overnight at NWPB. The Morning Edition host would relieve me at 4 am. Then, as now, students … » More …