Broadcasting on 90.7 FM from the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University, WFUV has been introducing people to new music and promoting a diverse musical heritage for over 75 years. WFUV is a recognized national hub for music discovery, sports, and news programming. In addition, it is a genuine learning platform for students who want to develop skills in radio and television journalism, music production, and related fields. In this article, bronx-future.com will tell you about the long and vibrant history of this radio station and its role for Fordham students and New York City residents.
A 77-Year History
A significant event took place in November 2023 when WFUV celebrated its 75th anniversary. Many distinguished guests gathered at the Lincoln Center campus. Fordham University Provost Dennis Jacobs eloquently opened the evening:
“1947 was really a banner year. Jackie Robinson joined the Dodgers, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier, the transistor was invented. And at Rose Hill, New York City’s first non-commercial educational FM station signed on. And WFUV was born.”
The station is not only a source of pride for the university but also reaches hundreds of thousands of listeners nationwide. WFUV continues to train students in journalism and media while also serving as a platform for a wide audience.
Over the years, the station has transformed significantly. In the 1980s, it became part of NPR (National Public Radio) while still allowing for student participation. One of those students, Darren DeVivo, now hosts programs on WFUV and recalls how, at the time, almost all management was in the hands of students.
In 1985, Dr. Ralph Jennings took over the station’s management, aiming to improve content quality and attract a stable audience. His successor, Chuck Singleton, who started as news director, maintained a balance between professional standards and student involvement. He emphasizes that the WFUV model is unique: it is a professional public station where students are a key part of the team.
Changes in the industry in the late 1980s forced WFUV to clearly define its niche. The team found its audience in fans of acoustic music and singer-songwriters. Later, thanks to streaming and other technologies, the station significantly expanded its reach—from 30,000-50,000 listeners in the 1980s to over 300,000 weekly today.
WFUV is not standing still—the radio station actively uses TikTok, podcasts, and other digital platforms, and has updated studios on the Rose Hill campus. However, its main goal remains constant: to discover new music, train the media professionals of the future, and serve the community.
A Talent Factory
Throughout its history, WFUV has broadcast many genres—from opera and jazz in its early days to rock in the ’60s and ’70s. But the station found its true uniqueness in the 2000s when commercial stations became less open to experimentation, and the creative space for DJs disappeared. Legends of FM radio like Dennis Elsas found a home at WFUV. After decades on commercial radio, Elsas came to WFUV in 2000, seeing it as an opportunity to delve into lesser-known but valuable music.
In his opinion, WFUV’s slogan—“Music discovery starts here”—accurately reflects the station’s essence. Here, you can not only find new artists but also re-evaluate music you’ve long loved. Elsas enjoyed working with students and expanding his own musical taste.
Darren DeVivo also loved discovering new talents. He remembers hearing singer Freedy Johnston’s album and wondering why such artists weren’t being played on commercial radio.
Rita Houston, a DJ, music director, and later program director, had a huge impact on WFUV’s musical direction. She popularized many artists, including Nora Jones, Brandi Carlile, and Mumford & Sons. She was not only respected in the industry for her taste but also loved for her humanity. Rita Houston passed away in 2020 after a six-year battle with cancer. As a prominent figure in the New York music scene, Houston had a significant influence on the station’s music policy, helping it transition from traditional folk to modern music with a global sound.
The Magic of Live Music
Every year, WFUV organizes about 200 studio sessions and 20-30 concerts throughout New York City.
“Live music really gives a good insight into who the artist is,” said Jim O’Hara, Live Music Technical Director. “You really get a lot out of hearing artists do their songs live. It gives a deeper connection to the artist. I think that’s a great thing that we offer our listeners.”
One of the most impressive moments was a studio session with the band Gorillaz in 2017. Despite all the logistical challenges—from transporting equipment to hooking up the tech—they managed to hold a full-fledged concert on the Fordham campus. According to O’Hara, it was a busy and unforgettable day, and the fact that WFUV was chosen for this performance confirmed its authority in the music industry.
Students also actively participate in such events: they help with sound, filming, and organization. Allen Van, a business school student, recalls working at a Phoebe Bridgers concert, which became a valuable hands-on experience for her. Kaitria Demeroto, a student at Fordham College, talked about filming a session with the Australian band Gang of Youths.
“And it’s a different sound than the record for sure. And it’s so cool to see them, just like, without any editing, how they interact in their creative process—to actually capture that on camera is really cool.”
A Powerful Start for Young People
At WFUV, students learn not only in theory but also through real work: they create stories, work with equipment, and have the opportunity to make mistakes and experiment.
For example, student Liam Dalborn initiated the development of the station’s digital channels, including social media and TikTok. Since then, he has managed them, applying his acquired skills to his future career.
Senior Noah Osborne thanks WFUV not only for his internship at BronxNet but also for his confidence in his abilities as a host, reporter, and podcaster. He emphasizes that the experience the station provides is a true professional environment that is hard to find at other universities.
In the sports department, WFUV has deep roots: its graduates include broadcasting stars such as Vin Scully, Mike Breen, Michael Kay, and others. The legendary commentator Marty Glickman and producer Bob Ahrens played an important role in the formation of the sports department. Today, this tradition is continued by sports director Bobby Ciafardini, who is expanding the program through video and streaming content.
Students gain experience in various formats—from live broadcasts to editing. The station’s management is also working to make the environment more inclusive: the sports department has a new women’s podcast, All In, and the number of women on the team has increased overall. Basketball commentator, Mike Breen, emphasized:
“Every Fordham student who chooses to get involved at this amazing radio station feels a responsibility to live up to the standard that all the students who came before them set. They didn’t just live up to it—they elevated it. And I say bravo.”
WFUV: A Wave of Support and Unity
The value of connection with listeners became especially apparent during the pandemic. Tao Matlock of the WFUV Advisory Board recalls how the station helped many people get through the hard times—with good music and calm, balanced news. Listener feedback was emotional: one nurse wrote that it was the first time in a long time she was able to relax and dance in her kitchen, and another listener admitted that the radio became her company in her loneliness.
Mike Breen, who was a DJ at WFUV in his student days, recalls the night John Lennon was killed, when listeners called in en masse to share personal stories. One man said that a Lennon song had stopped him from committing suicide. For Breen, it was a moment of realizing music’s deep impact on people.
WFUV General Manager Chuck Singleton also emphasizes this community role—especially during the tragedy of September 11. The station was there, informing and supporting people, and many listeners wrote thank you notes, saying they couldn’t imagine how they would have gotten through that day without WFUV.
Since 1998, WFUV has won more than 380 awards in news and sports, and student content is regularly broadcast on national NPR programs. Each year, the station honors its outstanding students and industry leaders at its “On the Record” event, where prestigious awards are also presented in honor of famous alumni—Charles Osgood and Vin Scully.
WFUV is constantly changing but remains true to its roots. It is this ability to reinvent itself that has helped it stay relevant for over 75 years.