Triton College’s Radio Station WRRG Celebrates 50 Years on the Air

RIVER GROVE, Ill.—Triton College’s radio station, WRRG 88.9FM, is celebrating 50 years on the air. On April 28, exactly five decades after the station first went live, the campus will host an anniversary celebration at 3 p.m., with tours of the station available from 2-5:30 p.m. Known for bringing the latest in Indie music, along with an expanded line up of Jazz, Blues, Hard Rock and more, the station has been a musical staple of the college for half a century.

“WRRG plays music that’s not typically heard on commercial radio stations,” said Kelli Lynch, who has stewarded WRRG’s operations for nearly 25 years. She noted that some of Chicago’s popular radio personalities got their start at WRRG.

The 50-year anniversary celebration will feature station tours, opportunities to meet current DJs and staff, and a look back at the station’s evolution over the years. The program welcomes longtime and new listeners, as well as anyone looking to reconnect with the station’s rich history. Celebratory activities will take place in the studio, located in the A Building (Room 113) on the Triton College campus.

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. It also serves as a dynamic learning space for students interested in broadcasting. Through Triton College Continuing Education’s Introduction to Radio Broadcasting course, students gain hands-on training to become on-air DJs, developing their voices and sharing their passion for music and communication.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting and community connection,” said Lynch. “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 interested in developing their voices and sharing their passion for music.”

Today, WRRG has a team of 20 DJs, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and volunteers from surrounding communities.

The idea for WRRG began in 1969 with a Triton radio club, according to Lynch. With aspirations of starting a radio station, the head of multi-media, Michael Gallagher, and General Manager John Cone, filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). After securing the 88.9 FM dial, the club requested the construction of a broadcast tower with antenna, a studio, and accompanying equipment.

Sol Polk, president of the Polk Brothers, provided seed money to get the station started, according to Lynch. WRRG officially began broadcasting on April 28, 1975, with just 10 watts of power. The station expanded to 100 watts in 1986, following WRRG’s 10th anniversary. By mid- 1990s, the station transitioned to 100-watt stereo, which remains its current output.

“The opening ceremony of WRRG featured former Illinois Governor Dan Walker, who spoke highly of Triton College and its mission,” said Lynch.

Looking ahead, Lynch sees a bright future for WRRG, as a growing number of students express interest in broadcasting.

“Chicago is a radio city,” she said. “There is a future for radio.”

Visit triton.edu/wrrg for more information.

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Media Contacts:

Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692

Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.