KTXT-FM

KTXT-FM (88.1 MHz, "88.1 The Raider") is a non-commercial educational college radio station. It is licensed to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, in the United States. The station broadcasts with a power of 35,000 watts, reaching Lubbock and the surrounding South Plains area of West Texas. It provides students and the local community with a variety of programming, including music, news, and sports.

History

Early support for a college radio station at Texas Tech began in 1949 in the campus newspaper. The idea was seen as important for teaching students about broadcasting and to keep up with other schools. Clubs for students interested in radio were formed in 1948 and 1949.

Texas Tech’s first radio station was not a regular broadcast station but a special type called a carrier current station. This used low-power signals sent through a building’s electricity wires. The signal could only be heard in that building or nearby buildings with special wiring. These stations are not officially licensed but have rules they must follow. In 1950, students built such a station in a dormitory, broadcasting music from records. Over time, the station grew and changed frequencies to avoid interfering with other local stations.

In the 1980s, the station began playing many different kinds of music, introducing new artists to the area. In 1999, it became the first station in Lubbock to broadcast online. The station has had many changes in equipment and management over the years, staying an important part of Texas Tech University.

Cessation and return

KTXT-FM stopped broadcasting suddenly on December 10, 2008, because of budget issues. The station's studios were kept for office use, and most of the equipment went to another station, KOHM.

In January 2009, control of KTXT-FM was passed to KOHM-FM, now known as KTTZ-FM. After moving the microwave studio/transmitter links to KOHM's studios in May 2009, test broadcasts began. KTXT-FM came back on the air later that month, mainly playing programs from a satellite. KOHM management said the lack of proper studios caused KTXT-FM to automated/unattended operation. They hoped to eventually let students run the station again.

By July 1, 2012, KTXT-FM was back playing alternative and college music, and students were once again running the station. New studios, equipment, and offices were being set up in the Mass Communications Building, which used to be the Business Administration Building.

Ownership

KTXT-FM is owned by Texas Tech University. Since March 1, 2013, it has been run by students and is managed by the College of Media and Communication. Before that, it was operated by different groups within the university. In January 2012, the station’s call letters were changed, but KTXT-FM kept its original name. In August 2012, KTXT-FM moved to a new building along with the College of Media and Communication. The college is now called the Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication.

Format

KTXT-FM was one of the most powerful college radio stations in the United States, broadcasting with 35,000 watts of power. It played a wide range of music genres, including alternative music, dance, modern rock, R&B/hip hop, and Texas country music.

One popular program was called "Shockwaves," which played exciting types of music. It started in 1988 and ran until 1993. Other shows included "Megahertz," a heavy metal program, and "Power Lunch," where listeners could request their favorite songs. In recent years, KTXT-FM returned to being run by students from Texas Tech University, playing alternative and college-style music again.