| City | Tucson, Arizona |
|---|---|
| Country | US |
| Area | Tucson metropolitan area, Southern Arizona |
| Branding | Classical 90.5 |
| Airdate | May 19, 1975 |
| Frequency | 90.5 MHz |
| Format | Classical music |
| Subchannels | HD2: KUAZ simulcast |
| Erp | 12,000 watts |
| Haat | 1,113 meters (3,652 ft) |
| Class | C |
| Facility id | 2732 |
| Callsign meaning | From KUAT-TV, "University of Arizona Television" |
| Licensing authority | FCC |
| Owner | University of Arizona (Arizona Public Media) |
| Licensee | Arizona Board of Regents for benefit of the University of Arizona |
| Sister stations | KUAZ (AM) · KUAZ-FM · KUAT-TV |
| Website | radio.azpm.org/classical |
KUAT-FM (90.5 MHz) is a radio station in Tucson, Arizona, United States. One of two radio services operated by the University of Arizona (UA) through its Arizona Public Media arm, it broadcasts a classical format throughout Southern Arizona. Studios are in the Modern Languages Building on the UA campus on East University Boulevard.
History
The UA applied at the start of 1974 to build an FM radio station that would primarily broadcast classical music; at the time, KUAT (1550 AM) primarily broadcast classical and jazz music.[1][2] Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval came at year's end, delayed by issues with a treaty between the United States and Mexico,[3] and when KUAT-FM began on May 19, 1975, the classical and news/jazz services split.[4]
Programming
The broadcast schedule consists of playlists announced by local hosts, as well as nationally syndicated broadcasts, including those from the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera during their seasons, the Exploring Music program with host Bill McGlaughlin, and the Radio Netherlands Live! at the Concertgebouw series. On Sundays, the NPR program From the Top, showcasing young classical musicians, is heard on KUAT, as well as Community Concerts, a program of classical music from the University of Arizona School of Music (as well as other groups performing at local venues throughout southern Arizona). KUAT is also the broadcast home of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.[5]
During the overnight hours, the Classical 24 service is heard.
Translators
KUAT-FM has translators throughout southeastern Arizona, as well as one on Tumamoc Hill in Tucson which serves areas shaded from the main Mount Bigelow transmitter by terrain.
References
- ^ Cheek, Lawrence W. (June 14, 1973). "KUAT criticized, claims it's pleasing to most: Static detected in city's classical radio". Tucson Daily Citizen. p. 19, 25. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 12, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "UA radio applies for FM stations". Tucson Daily Citizen. January 4, 1974. p. 19. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 12, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "UA Gets Approval From FCC To Begin FM Radio Operation". Arizona Daily Star. January 1, 1975. p. 7D. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 12, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Wolfe, Paul (May 17, 1975). "University FM Station To Alter AM Program". Arizona Daily Star. p. 11D. Archived July 12, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 12, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Burch, Cathalena E. (January 4, 2018). "TSO teams up with KUAT to revive radio broadcasts". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2021-01-08.