It began in 1948 as “The Smallest Voice in Iowa Radio,” became “The KeRNeL of Corn Country,” and has for years broadcast as “The Foster Home of Rock ’n’ Roll.” At age 77, KRNL radio station has evolved dramatically, yet remains the voice of Cornell College students.
550: Original location on the AM dial in 1948
89.7: New location on the FM dial beginning in 1963
1985: Year KRNL began stereo broadcasts
10: Original wattage
0: Turntables and transmitters
1/10th: Approximate size, cost, and weight of the new digital console compared with the previous broadcasting console
6,000: CDs in the station’s collection
1951: Year Carl Sandburg refused to be recorded by KRNL, only to acquiesce after an English professor intervened
4: Percent of listeners in Canada
16: Students involved in the station
1: Worn sofa in the studios (a tradition)
24/365: Hours in a day and days in a year KRNL is streaming
19: Years Academic Technology Specialist Matt Zhorne has been KRNL advisor
In response to our request in the fall 2024 issue, three KRNL DJs sent recordings of their on-air memories.