Before dozens of HBCU radio stations served their communities, one station broke entirely new ground.
In 1968, WSHA 88.9 FM signed on from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming the first historically Black college or university to own and operate an FM radio station. For decades, WSHA was known throughout the Research Triangle for its unique blend of jazz, gospel, public affairs, educational programming, and community voices. It was not simply a campus station. It became a cultural institution.
WSHA introduced generations of listeners to legendary jazz artists while also providing students with vital, hands-on broadcasting experience. The station became a trusted source for local news, faith programming, and discussions that directly reflected the interests and concerns of the surrounding community.
A Legacy That Lives On
In 2018, Shaw University sold the station’s FM broadcast license after facing significant financial challenges. The 88.9 FM frequency transitioned into a different station under new ownership, ending the fifty-year run of WSHA on the FM dial. However, Shaw University announced that the historic WSHA name and its jazz tradition would continue online through internet streaming, preserving an important piece of HBCU broadcasting history.
While many longtime listeners still fondly remember tuning their dials to 88.9 FM, the influence of WSHA extends far beyond its former frequency. It demonstrated exactly how HBCU radio could educate, entertain, preserve culture, and prepare the next generation of broadcasters.
Programming That Defined WSHA
Throughout its history, listeners could consistently hear a rich mix of programming, including:
-
Jazz from classic legends to contemporary artists
-
Gospel music and inspirational programming
-
Community affairs and public service discussions
-
Educational features
-
Student-produced broadcasts
-
Special cultural programming celebrating African American history and achievement
Why WSHA Matters Today
At Web Radio Info, we believe radio is much more than mere entertainment. It connects communities, preserves history, and provides an accessible listening experience for people who enjoy screen-free media.
WSHA helped establish a model that many HBCU stations continue to follow today. Its unwavering commitment to music, education, and community service remains an inspiration for college broadcasters across the country.
This article is the first in our HBCU Radio Spotlight series, where we will explore the history, programming, and listening experience of historically Black college and university radio stations. Some are still thriving on the air, while others continue their legacy online. Regardless of the medium, they all have incredible stories worth hearing.
About the Author: Robert Lee is the Music and Radio Curator at Web Radio Info. An expert in navigating the global radio dial, Robert specializes in tracking down the best screen-free music, talk, and live broadcasts from around the world. He writes to help the visually impaired community easily discover and access high-quality audio entertainment across smart speakers, internet radio, and platforms like TuneIn and SiriusXM.