The first radio antenna on campus.

The University’s relationship with radio began in 1922, when a shortwave receiver was installed in the old Science Building, with an antenna on the smokestack of the Physical Plant. Amplifiers and a loudspeaker were also purchased, but it was decided that broadcasting equipment was too expensive.  Two years later, additional receivers were installed in Thomas Hall and Millhiser Gymnasium.  Students would gather in these spaces to listen to nightly broadcast concerts.

The Spider Band, the Westhampton Glee Club, and a few student soloists all performed on radio station WRVA in the spring semester of 1926.  This began a long tradition of University ensembles appearing on local radio.  Drama students were also heard on WRVA, as the Spider Radio Guild performed plays live on the air starting in the mid-1930s.

It took a bit longer for the University of Richmond to get its own broadcast radio station.  First, in 1937 a shortwave transmitter with the call letters W3BZE was installed in the Physics Building.  In its first months it contacted stations in 42 countries.  About a year later, a broadcast studio was installed in Cannon Memorial Chapel, and its first transmission, through the local station WRNL, was heard on February 3, 1939.  Initial programming included the Radio Guild’s “Friday at Four” drama series, faculty talks, live musical performances, student government events, and convocations.

Radio Guild seems to have had a regular Monday night show in 1936, and music groups sometimes appeared on it.  Feb 1937: Radio Guild Chorus

WCRC: 1973, at least