Chicago College radio stations have been the heart of dorm rooms for a long, long time. They provide unique music and free speech brought to life by music-obsessed and artsy peers.
People with hearts made of music love college radio stations for a very important reason – what emerges out of these stations is often way ahead of the “mainstream stuff.”
Unlike commercial stations, these college stations offer a voice to talented artists hungry to bring something new to this world. If you are a college musician looking for a specific sound or want to have your music heard, these are the top seven Chicago area college radio stations you should explore.
Why College Radio Rocks
We love college radio because it shines the spotlight on talent and good music, not advertisers. We’d even go so far as to say that these stations broadcast some of the best radio waves across the country!
Have you ever wondered how to get signed to a record label?
Many Chicago college radio stations and record labels are looking for talented artists. You can get some great inspiration by visiting some of the best record stores in Chicago. These stores feature independent artists, many of whom you can hear on the air with Chicago area college radio stations.
1. WNUR 89.3 FM – Chicago’s Eclectic College Radio Station
WNUR 89.3 FM has been pushing the standards of music knowledge and programming for over 70 years. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, it reaches the music-thirsty ears of nearly three million listeners in the Chicago area.
Even if you’re not a local, you can stream this station online, regardless of where you are.
In 2004, WNUR was ranked by the SPIN magazine as one of the top college radio stations in the U.S. As one of the top Chicago college radio stations, it explodes with an eclectic set of genres, including free jazz, Streetbeat, true alternative, and other forms of improvised music.
WNUR also offers an inclusive space for students and community members to bring underrepresented content to life.
2. WKKC 89.3 FM – The Musical Soul of Chicago Area College Radio Stations
You could call the WKKC station the “musical soul” of Kennedy-King College. Broadcasted on HD Radio, the station neatly splits into two subchannels: classic hip-hop and urban adult contemporary.
What makes WKKC one of the best college radio stations in Chicago? Let history answer this question.
WKKC has provided real-world radio broadcasting experiences since 1975 and contributed heavily to the rap world by being the first radio stay to play rap music in Chicago on a program called “Rap House.”
Although the station dances with mind-boggling rap beats, it has a policy not to play music with violent lyrics during the day. Music creators like DJ Rashad graced this station as DJs before they became world-famous.
3. WIIT 88.9 FM – Chicago’s Fresh Perspective on College Radio
Fueled by talent and operated by volunteers, WIIT is a non-commercial station overflowing with colorful music in the heart of Illinois Tech’s main campus.
When you tune into this station, you can sample great music. Why? Because the talented DJs here are given free rein to select and broadcast music and conversation topics.
This special creative element makes WIIT one of the most beloved Chicago area college radio stations. Unlike other closed-format stations, this station gives the world a fresh perspective on music.
4. WLUW 88.7 FM – Chicago’s Independent College Radio Station
Handled with lots of love and talent by Loyola University Chicago, WLUW is all about fantastic independent music. You won’t find those top 40 tunes here, but what you do find will renew your love for good music.
Did you know the WLUW talent bundle also frequents popular fests like Pitchfork, Riot Fest, Iceland Airwaves, and Pygmalion? Some of the notable alumni of this station include:
- Maureen Maher, news correspondent with CBS News’s 48 Hours
- Ernie Manouse, an Emmy-nominated television producer
- Tomas Martinez, vice president for Radio Charcoal 1260 AM, Miami.
5. WHPK 88.5 FM – Chicago’s Unique Music Blend College Radio Station
Brought to life in 1968, WHPK is one of the University of Chicago’s greatest gems. When you listen to WHPK, you experience jazz, folk, classical, international, rock, and rap music.
Members of the station get to elect their student station manager – making the experience more unique than most Chicago area college radio stations.
WHPK brought new waves to Chicago’s music scene by being the first station to broadcast hip-hop music. Over the years, it has supported aspiring rappers, including Kanye West and Common.
In the mid-90s, WHPK hosted an on-air rap battle between a young Kanye West and Common. The station also got some memorable airtime on Common’s 1994 album “Resurrection.”
6. WZRD 88.3 FM – “The Wizard” of Chicago Area College Radio Stations
Chicago’s WZRD 88.3 of Northeastern Illinois University has been broadcasting amazing music since 1974. You can access the station by tuning into 88.3 FM locally or streaming it live online. On WZRD, you’ll find artists of different types, including masters of indie rock, hip hop, touring bands, experimental, and more.
WZRD is the only freeform radio station in the area. So, every time you tune in, you’ll get to hear a wide variety of music along with other radio content.
You never know what you will come across when you tune in – but WZRD always has something new, exciting, and wild for your listening pleasure.
7. WXAV 88.3 FM – Chicago’s Alternative College Radio Station
WXAV has had an incredible journey, starting as a wired radio station that could only reach students of Saint Xavier’s cafeteria in 1977. Now, the station has transformed into one that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week – reaching thousands of listeners!
According to a poll by Paste Magazine, WXAV made the list of the top 40 low-power stations in the country. Although WXAV’s music format is officially labeled as “alternative,” the station hasn’t held back from exploring the realms of several genres.
The station’s DJs handpick quality music on air and take in listener requests from time to time. WXAV has been supporting local and unsigned bands by bringing their music to listeners since its formation.
FAQs About College Radios in Chicago
Does the University of Chicago have a Radio Station?
Yes, it does! Created in 1968, WHPK 88.5 FM by the University of Chicago is one of the oldest college stations in the city. It was the first college radio to broadcast hip-hop music.
Is College Radio Still a Thing?
Of course! College radio is where you’ll find a unique selection of music beyond just the top 40 list. Most stations also allow listeners to access their broadcast via the web from anywhere in the world.
How Do You Get Your Music Heard on College Radio Stations?
Many college radio students have their own communities where members get to contribute their skills and music. Some radios even encourage people to hand in their submissions.
Ready to Take Your Music Career to the Next Level?
If you have the talent (and a few great musical tricks up your sleeves), HardStop Records would love to hear from you! Send us your tracks, and if we dig you, it will be our responsibility to transform you into the next great artist heard on one of Chicago’s college radio stations.