KUAT-FM is a radio station in Tucson, Arizona, United States. One of two radio services operated by the University of Arizona (UA) through its Arizona Public Media arm, it broadcasts a classical format throughout Southern Arizona. Studios are in the Modern Languages Building on the UA campus.

KUAT-FM
Broadcast areaTucson metropolitan area, Southern Arizona
Frequency90.5 MHz (HD Radio)
BrandingClassical 90.5
Programming
FormatClassical music
Ownership
Owner
KUAZ (AM), KUAZ-FM, KUAT-TV
History
First air date
May 19, 1975 (1975-05-19)
Call sign meaning
From KUAT-TV, "University of Arizona Television"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID2732
ClassC
ERP12,000 watts
HAAT1,113 meters (3,652 ft)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Websiteradio.azpm.org/classical/

History

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The UA applied at the start of 1974 to build an FM radio station that would primarily broadcast classical music; at the time, KUAT (1550 AM) primarily broadcast classical and jazz music.[2][3] Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval came at year's end, delayed by issues with a treaty between the United States and Mexico,[4] and when KUAT-FM began on May 19, 1975, the classical and news/jazz services split.[5]

Programming

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The broadcast schedule consists of playlists announced by local hosts, as well as nationally syndicated broadcasts, including those from the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera during their seasons, the Exploring Music program with host Bill McGlaughlin, and the Radio Netherlands Live! at the Concertgebouw series. On Sundays, the NPR program From the Top, showcasing young classical musicians, is heard on KUAT, as well as Community Concerts, a program of classical music from the University of Arizona School of Music (as well as other groups performing at local venues throughout southern Arizona). KUAT is also the broadcast home of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.[6]

During the overnight hours, the Classical 24 service is heard.

Translators

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KUAT-FM has translators throughout southeastern Arizona, as well as one on Tumamoc Hill in Tucson which serves areas shaded from the main Mount Bigelow transmitter by terrain.

Broadcast translators for KUAT-FM
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) Class FCC info
K208BT 89.5 FM Safford, Arizona 3384 51 D LMS
K209AF 89.7 FM Tucson, Arizona (Tumamoc Hill) 2726 36 D LMS
K209AG 89.7 FM Sierra Vista, Arizona 2730 38 D LMS
K216GI 91.1 FM Nogales, Arizona 3392 50 D LMS

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KUAT-FM". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Cheek, Lawrence W. (June 14, 1973). "KUAT criticized, claims it's pleasing to most: Static detected in city's classical radio". Tucson Daily Citizen. Tucson, Arizona. p. 19, 25. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "UA radio applies for FM stations". Tucson Daily Citizen. Tucson, Arizona. January 4, 1974. p. 19. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "UA Gets Approval From FCC To Begin FM Radio Operation". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. January 1, 1975. p. 7D. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Wolfe, Paul (May 17, 1975). "University FM Station To Alter AM Program". Arizona Daily Star. Tucson, Arizona. p. 11D. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Burch, Cathalena E. (January 4, 2018). "TSO teams up with KUAT to revive radio broadcasts". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
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32°24′54″N 110°42′54″W / 32.415°N 110.715°W / 32.415; -110.715