In November of 1932, Curry College created the first radio broadcasting major in the country.
Throughout its 90-year tenure, the program has prepared thousands of alumni for entry into the competitive field, carrying a longstanding tradition of success. As we celebrate 90 years of accomplishments, we look back to where we started, where we are, and where we're headed.
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's
From 1932-1933, the radio studios were first established inside the original School of Expression building on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Over the years, radio was a key driver of growth at the School of Expression.
As broadcasting blossomed, the college put together a carrier current radio station called WVAC (the Voice At Curry,) which could be heard on the AM dial through wiring on campus.
1970's, 80's, 90's
In 1973, WVAC began broadcasting in a new studio on campus, which is the current WMLN building. That same year, the station completed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) application for an FM license.
On April 1, 1975, Curry radio reached a major turning point when WMLN 91.5 FM was granted a license from the FCC.
Alan Frank was hired as the Director of Radio in 1977, and prepared hundreds of students for careers in the field while making a tremendous impact on our community. After 42 years of dedicated service, Frank retired from the College in 2019, leaving a monumental imprint on those that knew him.
Watch the video tribute for Alan Frank below from students and alumni.
In 1988, WMLN was recognized by the Associated Press (AP), and a few years later in 1992, won the AP College Radio Station of the Year award. Since then, the award-winning station has received over 20 accolades from the organization.
The 2000's
The 2000's served as a time of more growth, including the addition of the Hirsh Communication Center in 2001 and technology and facility enhancements in 2003. Hirsh became the home of CC8TV, the cable station serving the Curry community.
In 2006, WMLN began simulcasting its broadcasts over the Internet, a huge milestone for the station and the College.
Today
A strong foundation, dedicated faculty, hard-working students, and the continued support of our cherished radio alumni and friends have made broadcasting at Curry something truly special.
Today, we continue to provide Curry students with a hands-on learning experience with concentrated coursework and industry-standard equipment. Most recently, our students are learning the in's and out's of podcasting inside the new state-of-the-art podcast studio.
On November 9, WMLN dedicated its evening show to the 90th celebration, where students, alumni, and faculty looked back on the tremendous journey and success. Watch a wrap-up of the show at the link below.
“Our anniversary show highlighted 90 years of Curry radio broadcasting success,” said Communication professor, Jerry Gibbs, and the “defacto” historian for radio broadcasting at Curry. “Our alums shine bright throughout the industry—literally coast to coast, and we have a new crop of passionate radio students who will follow this impressive path.”
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this important anniversary. As a member of the Curry College Class of 1980, I was able to apply the skills I learned at Curry to my career in broadcasting, and I'm honored to help train the industry's next generation."
"As we celebrate 90 years of Curry's Radio/Audio program, we're also busy innovating for the future. We're training students in our new Podcast Studio; we have expanded our announcing classes to include voice-over and audiobook training; we are broadcasting more live Curry College sports than ever before, and we are streaming live on LiveOn915.com. WMLN and the Curry College Radio/Audio program are preparing students for today's job market while making sure they are well-positioned for the future."