WRFL continues alternative legacy
By Danielle Dove
Senior Staff Writer
Music often separates an individual from the masses. It's the defining factor of a person's own uniqueness.
When people's particular choice of music is absent from a certain radio station, their ears turn elsewhere. The obvious choice for that elsewhere is UK's own WRFL-FM (88.1 FM).For those of you new to campus, or those that have been in some desolate hole for a few years, WRFL is the student run radio station at our very own university. Located in the Student Center, WRFL is operated by about 70 students who volunteer their time as production managers, DJs, alternates, and office staff.
WRFL was born out of the minds of a few eager students in 1986, but the station did not take to the air until 1988.
For two years many students and staff focused their efforts on raising money for the radio station.
Aided by fund raisers, donations from the public and help from students, WRFL came into existence.
Radio Free Lexington is the official name of the station - a name that symbolizes its efforts to include no commercialism and to focus on the music, not the DJs.
"We have different types of shows including general and block formats," said Kevin Minch, WRFL's music director.
"General format is basically what the DJ feels like playing, between every five songs there is a variety of music and the block shows are dedicated to one genre of music."
WRFL General Manager Tracey Linblad said the station highlights the staffs individuality.
"We are one of few organizations that is a group, but we are all individuals and the stations promotes this individuality," Linblad said.
Not only is working for WRFL a fun time, but students also get some important hands-on experience, she said.
"Being a part of WRFL is a great opportunity to learn about other types of music," Linblad said. "It's a great involvement in college."
Though air time is full right now, the station is always looking for dedicated individuals who will take time to learn the ropes and have the drive to volunteer hours as a DJ.
Radio Free Lexington offers UK students the opportunity to listen to their individual music preferences and explore a variety of other sounds.
Photo: PUMP UP THE VOLUME To request a song to be played over the air, or find out more about WRFL (88.1 FM), call 257-WRFL. STEPHANIE CORDLE Kernel staff
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