WUKY continues legacy as Central Kentucky’s trusted source for news, music

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2025) — For 85 years, WUKY has informed, inspired and connected Central Kentuckians through award-winning journalism and musical discovery.

On Oct. 17, 1940, WUKY (formerly WBKY) officially hit the airways from Beattyville, Kentucky, through its 100-watt transmitter, making it the first university-owned, noncommercial education radio station in the nation. In 1945, WBKY relocated to Lexington, at which time it began broadcasting on the brand-new FM band.

It was not until 1989 that WBKY changed its call letters to WUKY to better reflect its connection to the University of Kentucky. The year 2007 marked another important step in increasing WUKY’s reach by becoming the first Lexington radio station to broadcast in HD — high-definition digital radio.

Today, as the oldest university-owned and licensed FM station in the nation, WUKY offers three distinct program services: HD, WUKY.org and a free phone app.

The main channel (HD-1) consists of the eclectic schedule of NPR and award-winning local news, as well as “Rock & Roots,” a playlist of new, up-and-coming singer/songwriters, as well as artists that have inspired generations of musicians. HD-2 (“The Break”) is where listeners hear the best collection of urban alternative music. HD-3 (WUKY programming) is dedicated to locally produced shows, ranging from music to informative podcasts.

‘Kentucky’s flagship NPR station’

One mainstay in WUKY’s programming is its dedication to local and national news coverage. Due to WUKY’s long history, it served as one of the initial advisors to National Public Radio and helped shape public media to what it is today. For example, WUKY was one of 90 stations that carried the inaugural broadcast of the show “All Thing Considered” when it debuted in 1971. WUKY continues to air many of NPR’s other anchor programs, like “Morning Edition,” while offering many more of their informative and entertainment programs.

While NPR is known for its national and international news coverage, WUKY has Central Kentucky’s most decorated public radio news department. Since 2009, WUKY’s news team has garnered nearly 100 Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcasters Association and other state journalism awards. WUKY’s team has also been honored with six Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Public Media Journalist Association for outstanding journalism. The news team remains dedicated to providing Central Kentucky with the latest news affecting Central Kentucky, legislative activity in Frankfort, as well as news from across the Commonwealth. For example, WUKY had reporters on the ground during the devastation caused by the tornadoes in Eastern and Western Kentucky, as well as the tragic flooding that hit many areas in Southeastern Kentucky. WUKY remains one of Central Kentucky’s most trusted sources for news, and listeners will often hear many WUKY-originated stories reported nationally on the NPR network. 

Bryan Lane, WUKY’s new general manager, says he is “extremely excited” about the trajectory of the station’s next chapter and its continued support of the community. 

“My philosophy on public radio is ‘of the public, by the public, for the public,’” Lane said. “So, get ready to hear more local interest programming from Central Kentucky’s Flagship NPR station.”

WUKY will host a special birthday bash for the station at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, coinciding with Annual Public Radio Music Day. The public is invited to come out to the station (2640 Spurr Road) and enjoy food, cake, new art in the station gallery and a performance by Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. Being two days before Halloween, the station is also encouraging people to come in costume — dressed in their favorite WUKY era.

More things to listen for in 2025 include:

• StoryCorps stories from their recent spring visit to Lexington
• WUKY’s Art Gallery with new rotating exhibits
• Increased station events
• More local partnerships
• More streaming options
• New local elements to WUKY programming