Media: May 2025 • Triton College Radio Celebrates 50 Years
50 years ago, college radio was thriving. Every major college or university had a college radio station, and most universities had a radio/TV department. Those college radio stations were the breeding ground for the hugely popular radio industry, spawning radio stars, up-and-coming musical artists, and a whole generation of hitmakers. Sadly, across the country, college radio is beginning to fade. Many colleges and universities are either ending or transforming their broadcasting department, and some are even shuttering their college radio stations.
Chicago-area universities and colleges seem to be the exception. If you still want to hear something a little different, wander toward the beginning of the FM radio dial. Columbia College’s WCRX is at 88.1 FM. Northeastern University’s WZRD is at 88.3 FM, and so is Northwest Suburban Harper College’s WHCM (depending on where you are, you can tune into one of them). University of Chicago’s WHBK is 88.5 FM. Loyola’s WLUW can be found at 88.7 FM. Northwestern University’s WNUR broadcasts at 89.3 FM. The College of DuPage has a thriving jazz format at WDCB (90.9). At the other end of the radio dial, Radio DePaul (105.9FM) was named Best College Radio Station in the Nation as recently as 2020, and the University of Illinois’ WPGU (107FM) has spawned hundreds of radio careers (including mine).
And don’t forget about Triton College.
Last week, Triton’s WRRG (88.9FM) celebrated its 50th anniversary, and it is still going strong. The celebration featured station tours, opportunities to meet current DJs and staff, and a look back at the station’s evolution over the years.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting and community connection,” says Kelli Lynch, WRRG’s operations manager for nearly 25 years. “Whether you’re looking to go into radio as a profession or hobby, WRRG has long been a launching pad for students and others across our communities who are interested in developing their voices and sharing their passion for music.”
Today, WRRG has a team of 23 DJs, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and volunteers from surrounding communities. Why has Triton’s station found this niche?
“Chicago is a radio town,” Lynch says. “It still is, and we are certainly part of that. It’s a larger market, and we are lucky enough to have a dedicated staff and DJs who are committed to college radio, and they’re passionate about the music they play. The Intro to Radio course is a 10-week class, and while they’re taking that class, they train in the studio for WRRG. They’re taught about the board, all the equipment, and they get used to being on the mic. They get used to being on the board.”
The teacher of the Intro to Radio Broadcasting course is WBEZ & WGN veteran Dave Miska. “I started with them, and it launched a career for me,” Miska says. “With all the other college stations fading, they’re still going strong as a place to learn, and an indie rock stalwart.”
“WRRG plays music that’s not typically heard on commercial radio stations,” says Lynch. “New Indie rock, plus also music from the 1980s and 1990s. On the weekends, we have shows that feature jazz, R&B, Reggae, ska, and House music. There is something for everybody.”
The idea for WRRG began in 1969 with a Triton radio club. Michael Gallagher (The head of multi-media) and John Cone (who became General Manager) filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). After securing the 88.9 FM dial position, the club requested the construction of a broadcast tower with antenna, a studio, and accompanying equipment. Sol Polk, president of Polk Brothers Furniture, provided seed money to get the station started.
WRRG began broadcasting on April 28, 1975, a momentous day on River Grove College’s campus. “The opening ceremony of WRRG featured former Illinois Governor Dan Walker,” says Lynch. “He was preaching about how great community colleges are. They were just starting to come into being. So he was very, very proud of that.”
Some of Chicago’s popular radio personalities have since gotten their start at WRRG. WGN (and former Loop/WCKG/Q-101) host Wendy Snyder launched her multi-decade radio career in the hallways of WRRG. NewsRadio WBBM Traffic anchor Neil Fiorito also got his start there. Milwaukee television personality Michelle Fiore (A 2025 Wall of Fame inductee) is another Triton alum. Former WLS/WLUP jock/production talent Scott Dirks is as well.
“In the 80s, (National Radio Hall of Famer and WLS/WCFL great) Larry Lujack came out to the station, and Scott Dirks had him record a liner for us. After Larry left, Scott tried to play it. Nothing recorded, so he had to run out to the parking lot and beg Larry to re-record it. Larry had a reputation for being a curmudgeon, but he was happy to come back in and redo it that day. We still play that liner.”
Beyond music, WRRG plays a key role in keeping the campus community informed, delivering college news, updates on Triton College events, and important student announcements.
“WRRG is really the musical hub of the campus,” Lynch says. “We’re still excited to have this resource, and we take pride in educating a whole new generation of people interested in radio.”
Despite the doom and gloom in certain quarters of the radio industry, Lynch remains optimistic.
“There is a future for radio,” she insists.
Visit triton.edu/wrrg for more information.
– Rick Kaempfer
