Frequency 91.3 (MHz) Format Public Radio/Variety | Branding WMLU 91.3 FM First air date 1981 | |
Slogan "The Music of Longwood University" | ||
WMLU (91.3 FM) is an American non-commercial educational radio station licensed to serve the community of Farmville, Virginia. The station is owned and operated by Longwood University.
Contents
History
WMLU began in 1980 as WUTA, a test broadcast station and had a low level college license. The initial transmitter power was 10 watts, with plans to expand the wattage as early as 1981. The first studio was located in the upper area of Longwood University's Jarman Auditorium, with weekly meetings taking place downstairs in the auditorium proper. Some time between September 1982 and February 1983, WUTA received and installed new equipment, and the in-house record collection was expanded. During these early years WUTA experienced a myriad of technical problems, ranging from a four week transformer malfunction to interference with fellow Farmville radio station WFLO-FM as well as the WWBT television station out of Richmond.
Programming
WMLU broadcasts a public radio/variety format to Farmville and the surrounding area. During nights, weekends, and when classes aren't in session, it acts as a repeater of WMRA, the NPR outlet for Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley.
Awards and honors
WMLU received the first place award for Outstanding Sports Coverage for a non-commercial/public radio station from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in 2009. It repeated the accomplishment in 2010 accompanied by a runner up award for best promotion for a sponsored event. In 2011 WMLU won first place awards for Outstanding Sports Coverage and Best Promo for a Sponsored Event. The station continued their legacy in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with their third, fourth and fifth straight VAB awards for Outstanding Sports Coverage.