Oregon State UniversitySpecial Collections & Archives Research Center
Music, Markets, and Milestones: 75 Years of KOAC Radio
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1922 On December 7th, OAC received broadcast license for 50-watt station KFDJ.

1923 First broadcast from the new station was a concert by the Corvallis High School band on January 23rd.

1925 In May, the College Radio Committee recommended that OAC have a broadcasting station with technical operation under the Department of Physics and the Extension Service responsible for programming.

During the summer, Physics Professor Jacob Jordan, built a 500-watt transmitter, located in Apperson Hall.

On October 16, a dedicatory program was presented to the radio audience.

On December 11, the call letters were changed from KFDJ to KOAC -- the radio station of (OAC) Oregon Agricultural College.

1928 A new 1000-watt transmitter was installed in the new Physics Building Covell Hall) with studios immediately across the hall.

1929 KOAC began twice daily broadcasting of current market quotations on farm commodities.

1931 The station increased operation to 12 hours per day.

1932 Administration of KOAC was transferred to the General Extension Division of the newly established Oregon State System of Higher Education.

1936 On May 20th, the first nationwide broadcast from KOAC studios (via the NBC network) featured the ROTC cadet band, a message from President Peavy, a discussion of Oregon resources, and the OSC alma mater to conclude the program.

1938 A permanent remote studio was established in Eugene, in the ensemble room of the music building on the University of Oregon campus.

1941 Transmitter building constructed and two 325-foot towers erected at Granger.

1942 On October 16th, KOAC's new 5000-watt transmission system was dedicated and the station celebrated its 20th anniversary.

1943 KOAC received the George Foster Peabody Radio award for outstanding public service for a 10-part series on venereal diseases.

1950 KOAC had studios in five locations: Corvallis, Eugene, Monmouth, Salem, and Portland.

1957 KOAC-TV was established.

1971 Oregon's network of public radio and television stations was named the Oregon Educational and Public Broadcasting Service (OEPBS).

1972 KOAC celebrated its 50th anniversary.

1979 KOAC became a member of the National Public Radio (NPR) network.

1981 The Oregon State System of Higher Education divested its radio and television stations (including KOAC) and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) was formed.