WBAA: 100 Years as the Voice of Purdue

WBAA: 100 Years as the Voice of Purdue chronicles the history of Indiana's first radio station, founded in 1922, highlighting the staff, students, and volunteers who have made it a success. The station began as a lab experiment and later became a vital method for Purdue's Cooperative Extension Service to broadcast agricultural news. It aired Purdue basketball and football games and became a member station of National Public Radio in 1971. WBAA provided a voice to arts and community organizations and alumni include NBC sportscaster Chris Schenkel, comedian Durward Kirby, and actor George Peppard.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Purdue University Press

WBAA: 100 Years as the Voice of Purdue is a captivating journey through the history of Indiana's first radio station, founded at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on April 4, 1922. This richly illustrated book, featuring over 150 photographs, chronicles the station's evolution over the years, highlighting the significant contributions of staff, students, and volunteers who have played pivotal roles in WBAA's success.

WBAA's origins trace back to 1910 when it emerged as a lab experiment conducted by Purdue electrical engineering students. Over time, the station evolved into a vital tool for Purdue's Cooperative Extension Service, enabling the university to disseminate valuable knowledge, particularly in the field of agriculture, to the people of the state.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, WBAA became a renowned platform for broadcasting Purdue basketball and football games, with station manager John DeCamp affectionately known as the "Voice of the Boilermakers." In 1971, WBAA joined the ranks of National Public Radio (NPR), offering a wide range of popular programming, including All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

Listeners tuned into WBAA for a diverse range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and international music, as well as in-depth news reporting. The station also provided a platform for mayors and Purdue presidents to air weekly programs, while giving a voice to arts and community organizations.

The book delves into various aspects of WBAA's history, including the invention of the first all-electronic television by pioneering Purdue scientist Roscoe George. It also explores the long-running School of the Air educational program, which was considered the invisible textbook, and the Midwest Program on Airborne Television Instruction (MPATI), an airplane that transmitted videos to schools while flying over six Midwestern states in the 1960s.

Famous WBAA alumni include NBC sportscaster Chris Schenkel, comedian Durward Kirby, Today Show newscaster Lew Wood, Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker, actress Karen Black, and actor George Peppard, among many others.

WBAA's legacy continues to resonate, serving as a symbol of the power of radio to connect, inform, and inspire. This commemorative book pays tribute to the dedicated individuals who have contributed to WBAA's remarkable journey, ensuring that their contributions are preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 216 x 292 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612497693