On Feb. 6, 1966, WGLT-FM hit the airwaves. WGLT-AM had been broadcasting on campus since 1962 via a closed-circuit radio service to students in the Illinois State University dormitories. Four years later, WGLT got an upgrade to a whopping 10 watts which extended to a 15-mile radius from campus.
A lot has changed in the last 60 years, but themes of the original WGLT purpose and policy statements still ring true today. WGLT exists as a training ground for students and as a medium of communication between the university, student body, and community. WGLT strives to serve the public and meet the information and entertainment needs of all listeners with a noncommercial educational format.
The eclectic 1966 programming schedule included dinner music and songs for “long-hairs.” Cultural events were covered in the Calendar program – the earliest edition of what is now known at Datebook. WGLT signed on each day at 5 a.m. and signed off between 1 and 2 a.m. after Night Flight.
Read more about WGLT in the 1966 Program Guide archived by Milner Library.
Today, WGLT-FM operates at 25,000 watts covering a total population of more than 400,000 Central Illinois residents. Thanks to the internet, WGLT.org reaches an even larger audience of streaming audio listeners, digital readers, and WGLT Shorts viewers approaching 500,000 users each month.
We’ve come a long way in 60 years, but our public media mission remains the same.
We will be looking back at our 60-year history throughout 2026. Special events honoring this milestone will be announced.
WGLT celebrates 60 years in 2026. Read more station history and get details on special events at WGLT.org/60.
