Radio K

KUOM, known as Radio K, is a college radio station operated by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The oldest station in the state and the oldest licensed non-commercial radio station in the country, Radio K broadcasts an eclectic mix of music from its transmitters—a variety that has been praised by radio critics. Prior to the transition to a music radio format in the 1990s, KUOM was known as University of Minnesota Public Radio (independent of Minnesota Public Radio) and broadcast public affairs, arts, classical music, and a variety of other programming. Because of this, the station is operated by the university's College of Continuing Education, but receives funding from a number of sources including donations from the public.

The station has broadcast on the AM band at 770 kHz since the 1920s, but is subject to clear channel restrictions on that frequency and shuts down at night, in order to protect New York City's WABC and KKOB in Albuquerque. Radio K now has three small FM transmitters set up as translators to carry the signal. Due to their limited range, the station largely relies on Internet radio to reach listeners at night. As a side effect, these netcasts have given Radio K a small but loyal international following. KUOM is a member of Minnesota's Independent Public Radio network (previously known as AMPERS).

Radio K gives airplay to a wide range of new and old independent and alternative music during variety shifts. It also features specialty programming dedicated to ambient and post-rock, metal, hip hop, EDM, R&B, electronic, ska and reggae, punk, and world music, as well as an award-winning show for local Minneapolis music. Both in 2011 and 2012, Radio K's local Minnesota and Minneapolis music show, Off the Record was named the Best Local Music Broadcast of the Twin Cities by City Pages. In 2010, Radio K was named the Best Radio Station of the Twin Cities by City Pages editors.