FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — First on 88.9 FM and then on 91.3 FM, public radio station KUAF has broadcasted entertainment and education to the Ozarks for many years.
The station started in 1973 as a student radio station on the campus of the University of Arkansas.
Bret Schulte, U of A's School of Journalism and Strategic Media chair, said the station was once known as a "10-watt wonder," meaning he believed the station's signal only reached Dickson Street.
He said the station went through growth to feature programming like NPR and Ozarks at Large, which he credits large in part to one of its earliest leaders.
KUAF was once led by Rick Stockdale who started as faculty at the University of Arkansas.
Schultz described Rick as the "heart and soul of KUAF." While also working as a professor, Rick helped grow the station past campus and into the Ozarks.
"I think that KUAF has become a part of the identity of Northwest Arkansas, which is why we see so much enthusiasm for its support," Schultz said. "I think that's only going to continue to grow as we continue to find new ways to serve Northwest Arkansas."
With a long resume in the media industry, KUAF's new general manager, Clint Schaff, is ready to share stories in hopes of recreating the feeling he got as a young kid. His local newspaper, The Bismarck Tribune in North Dakota, published his robot drawing, giving the Mandan kid recognition.
"We would come to town, people say, 'Hey, I really like that robot.' And I really like that feeling," Schaff said. "So much of my career has been kind of chasing that feeling of having my robot seen. And in my media career, it's been about making sure that everyone has a chance to have their robot seen. Everyone has a chance to see themselves in the media that they enjoy and consume."
Schaff understands the challenges he faces in public radio, including funding. Schaff learned through his extensive media career to take those challenges as opportunities. From newspaper delivery boy to founder of LA Times Studios, he's faced the evolving issues in media throughout his career. In process, he has always adapted.
"I really think that the challenge that you laid out is also an opportunity because we may have more goodwill and direct relationships with the community we serve than other types of media," Schaff said of public radio's funding challenge.
Schaff said one way he's tackling the challenge is by going to the community to grow the way they serve.
"Nested within the University of Arkansas, with all the brilliant minds, both in leading the classroom and in the classrooms, and we're right next door to the Fayetteville Public Library. Can't think of a better library anywhere in the world or in the United States, and all the other great things that Northwest Arkansas offers," he said. "There's so many opportunities for collaboration, and I think KUAF can be the connective tissue in many ways for the collaboration to happen."
Schaff said he'd like to collaborate with other media like art and film. He's already planned to meet with filmmakers after his interview with 5NEWS. To listen or support KUAF, you can visit their website or tune your radio to 91.3 FM.
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