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Happy 50th anniversary, WWNO!

In 1972, WWNO 89.9 FM was launched by the University of New Orleans and leaders of the city’s cultural community. It was Louisiana’s only public radio station then, and one of the few in the South. It aimed to enliven this region’s civic, cultural and intellectual life with news and public-service information, along with wide-ranging music and cultural programs not heard on commercial radio. It has succeeded.

Today New Orleans Public Radio reaches an alert and committed audience in 13 southeast Louisiana parishes, broadcasting on 89.9 FM with a strong 24-hour schedule of news and cultural programs from our own growing staff, blended with the resources of National Public Radio, the BBC and other global sources. Classical music now has 24 hours all to itself on WWNO HD2 and an expanding regional network of FM stations. Mainstream jazz can be heard anytime on WWNO HD3. This entire schedule reaches outside our region via the internet at wwno.org, along with an array of lively and informative podcasts and online extensions.  

WWNO Advisory Board meeting 1978 (l-r) Charles Keller, III; Norris V. Fitzmorris; Adelaide Benjamin; Christopher Albright (general manager); Dr. L. P. O'Meallie; Susan Levy; George C. Branam; Phyllis Dennery; Garic K. Barranger; Jerome P. Dickhaus; Harby Kreeger, Sr; William R. Stocker
WWNO
WWNO Advisory Board meeting 1978 (l-r) Charles Keller, III; Norris V. Fitzmorris; Adelaide Benjamin; Christopher Albright (general manager); Dr. L. P. O'Meallie; Susan Levy; George C. Branam; Phyllis Dennery; Garic K. Barranger; Jerome P. Dickhaus; Harby Kreeger, Sr; William R. Stocker

To celebrate the station's birthday — and keep WWNO going another 50 years — you can become a sustaining member of New Orleans Public Radio.

This page will host all the upcoming stories and announcements for the station's 50th anniversary. Stay tuned!