Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR) is governed by the Board of Regents at Morehead State University (MSU) in Morehead, Kentucky. MSPR is operated by its flagship station, WMKY in Morehead with affiliates WOCS in Booneville and translator W202BH in Inez. Since 1965, WMKY has served the communities of eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio and western West Virginia. MSPR’s mission to the region is to provide programming that is educational, informative and entertaining. Through the work provided by a staff consisting of full-time directors, student interns, work studies and community volunteers, MSPR offers regional news, public affairs and documentary programming, as well as a variety of regional music programs consisting of classical, jazz and Americana (bluegrass, blues, folk and traditional/old-time).
MSPR produces regular daily newscasts and in-depth features on people, places and events in the region. MSPR regularly covers a variety of regional issues including (but not limited to) agriculture, arts and culture, economics, education, environment, government, health, housing, legal/courts, minorities, police/fire, transportation and weather. MSPR also provides extended election coverage from several counties in the broadcast region with live reports, interviews and election results during the primary and general elections. During MSPR’s locally-hosted music programs, regional events are promoted, with musicians and songwriters invited to the studios to perform and or discuss their music.
Operating as the flagship station for the MSPR network, WMKY serves as an important hands-on training opportunity for many Morehead State University students. The support Morehead State Public Radio receives from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) enables us to train, supervise and evaluate students for careers in broadcasting, purchase national programming while developing local programs of educational and entertaining importance. In addition, funding we receive allows our staff opportunities to attend professional development seminars and conferences.
- WMKY (90.3 FM) is licensed for 50,000 watts and serves more than 20 counties in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. The WMKY studios are in Breckinridge Hall on the campus of Morehead State University.
- WOCS (88.3 FM) is licensed for 1,000 watts and serves all or parts of about a dozen counties in Southeast and South Central Kentucky. The station went on the air at full power in November 2001 and is based at Owsley County High School in Booneville. WOCS offers original programming between 9:30 a.m. and 12 Noon.
- Our translator in Inez, (W202BH, 88.3 FM) is licensed for 32 watts to serve Martin County. The translator gives our flagship station a power boost in an area where WMKY's signal is weak and extends public radio service to a part of the Commonwealth that sorely needs it.
Important to serving the communities in our region is involving MSPR’s Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB consists of nine individuals from MSPR’s service region. The CAB reviews MSPR’s mission, goals and programming, assists in developing and building the listening audience and expanding the operational base of support. CAB members volunteer their time on the board, with each serving a three year term and meeting with MSPR staff on a quarterly basis.
MSPR’s facilities are open to the general public and we regularly provide guided tours of our facilities to grade schools, clubs and other civic groups and community organizations. MSPR’s staff is actively involved with the community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Morehead Tomorrow, Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Morehead Recycling Center and Rowan County Christmas.
MSPR will continue to focus on providing quality news, informational and entertainment programming which best serves our region. MSPR will enhance regional news programs by offering in-depth stories and features on people, places, issues and events. MSPR’s local music programs will highlight regional performers by spotlighting them as in-studio guests. As a measurement of success, MSPR will submit entries for awards, scholarships and/or grants in regional, state and national competitions.
As resources are available, MSPR will support regional community outreach events such as concerts, festivals, workshops, symposiums, exhibits and/or lectures. These activities enable MSPR to foster and enhance partnerships with regional organizations and the communities they serve. Connecting with these communities is a vital part of MSPR’s mission to provide programming which is educational, informative and entertaining. The success of these projects will be measured by MSPR’s profile in the region, demonstrated by increased listeners and their financial support to MSPR.
MSPR's operations are assessed on a yearly basis through independent internal and external audits. In addition, MSPR conducts two internal assessments on an annual basis with findings shared with MSU administration and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The audits are also a part of this internal review. Fulfilling requirements set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), MSPR must file annual ownership and equal employment opportunity reports. MSPR also participates in the WEAVE assessment program at Morehead State University.
We acknowledge that our public service goes beyond serving as a flagship station in the Emergency Alert System. So as part of MSPR’s continued efforts to best serve our listeners, especially the rural sections of our broadcast region, it’s our commitment to our listeners to be proactive in providing public safety information regarding emergencies and natural disasters. MSPR has placed a link on our website directing them to Ready America, which provides information on preparing an emergency home kit for fresh water, food, clean air, warmth and overall protection during an emergency.
Governor's Awards in the Arts
MSPR Documentation
Affiliations
General Information
On June 15, 1965, WMKY debuted with a four-hour broadcast day at 10 watts and 91.1 megahertz. In April 1970 WMKY moved to 50 kW at 90.3 FM and increased to a 12-hour broadcast day. Over the years the power became 50,000 watts effective radiated power and the current 24 hours-per-day schedule was implemented. The award-winning staff of Morehead State Public Radio includes 8 full-time staff members and an average of 20-30 part-time and student staff members.
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Positioning Statement
(You're listening to)
"Morehead State Public Radio - From the Bluegrass to the Mountains"
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Historical Highlights
1965 - WMKY begins broadcasting as east Kentucky's first public radio station (June 15)
1966 - First remote broadcast (Cave Run Lake groundbreaking)
1970 - WMKY increases to 50,000 watts with a 12 hour broadcast day
1972 - First stereo broadcast
1977 - Excellence in Public Awareness Award from Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
1978 - Affiliate of Kentucky News Network
1980 - Affiliate of National Public Radio
1982 - Affiliate of American Public Radio (Public Radio International)
1983 - First Place Documentary Award from United Press International
1988 - Public Radio Community Service Award from the CPB
1992 - Associated Press news service received by computer
1996 - Auxiliary power established for WMKY's studio and transmitter
1999 - WMKY begins broadcasting 24 hours a day
1999 - Inez translator in Martin County carries WMKY programming (88.3FM)
2000 - Best Local Music/Entertainment Program Award (US 23 Talent Showcase) from NFCB
2001 - WMKY releases Best of Americana Crossroads Live, Vol. 1 CD
2001 - WOCS, Booneville in Owsley County carries WMKY programming (88.3FM)
2002 - Morehead State Public Radio is established
2002 - Best Newscast Award from Public Radio News Directors, Inc. (PRNDI)
2002 - Kentucky Public Radio (Frankfort news bureau) is established
2003 - WMKY building, transmitter and antenna damaged by ice storm (February 16)
2003 - WMKY returns to 100% power following ice storm repairs (October 31)
2003 - Best Public Affairs Program (Mountain Edition) from PRNDI
2003 - MSPR webstreams live audio programming at www.msuradio.com
2004 - Podcasts and audio archives added to website at www.msuradio.com
2005 - WMKY and WOCS convert to high definition, digital audio
2005 - Marti transmitter and antenna replaced by mobile cellcast
2006 - Two music channels (classical and jazz) added as webstreams
2007 - MSPR receives Kentucky Arts Council's Media Award through the Governor's Award in the Arts
2008 - YouTube videos and Flickr photos added to website
2009 - MSPR begins sending daily program news and updates through Facebook and Twitter
