WBAA History

April 4, 1922 ~ WBAA AM is licensed by the U. S. Department of Commerce under Herbert Hoover.

Ninety years later, the station is still going strong, along with companion stations 101.3 FM HD 1 and 2.

Read a new history of WBAA written by Jeanne Norberg, Voices of Purdue: Marking 90 Years of WBAA on Air, in the January/February 2012 issue of the Purdue Alumnus.

The Purdue Exponent - Tuesday, September 7, 1920

Much Equipment Added to Station

Radio Course to Be Opened Soon

Experiments to Obtain Ideal Aerial for Radio Station Improve Results

Much experimental work was carried on during the summer in an effort to secure the best possible type of aerial for the Purdue radio station. Because of the peculiar situation of the station, surrounded by tall buildings and trees, the problem which confronted Prof. R. V. Achatz, who is in charge of the station was a most difficult one. The temporary aerial which has now been erected has given some excellent results.

Good Results Obtained

WBAA received its license to operate on this date, April 4, 1922, however there was no notice in the news until later in the month.

The Purdue Exponent - Tuesday, April 4, 1922

Conference Radio News Service to Suspend Operations Next Week

The Purdue Exponent - Saturday, September 23, 1922

W.B.A.A. Broadcasts First Regular Program of Year - Modlin Chief Operator.

The first regular scheduled broadcasting from the Purdue radio station was done last night at 8 o'clock. The station was in charge of W. G. Modlin '23, chief operator of W. B. A. A. for the coming year. The program consisted of the reading of two-papers that are published at short intervals for broadcasting by radio. The papers are issued by the department of agriculture and are called Agrigrams. Both before the regular program and after it several of the latest phonograph selections were played.

The Purdue Exponent - Sunday, February 17, 1924

Purdue Union Will Broadcast Weekly Musical Programs

Beginning About May 1, Campus Musical Organizations Will Be Invited to Furnish Programs.

To Use Station WBAA.

Room of New Union Building to Be Set Aside Permanently for Use as Broadcasting Station.