
WSLX first took to the airwaves at 91.9 FM in 1975, as a Non-Commercial, Educational radio station. This was a major upgrade from the original St. Luke’s AM station, WNCR, The Nifty 850. The all-new 1975 WSLX studio was constructed by Peter Bush Swanberg ‘73, who had also built WNCR in 1973, as part of his college studies. Peter went on to have a long and successful broadcasting career at several radio stations, including WEBE 108, 95.9 The Fox, and Musicradio 77 WABC.
Originally under the leadership of English Department Chairman Robert Blakely, WSLX was further expanded in 1975 by his successor, Faculty Advisor John Csenger, to include students in all grades. It was during this time that future SLS Media Director Dan Mecca ‘81 first took to the airwaves as a seventh-grade DJ.
WSLX has had many incarnations and upgrades over the years, streaming online in addition to broadcasting on 91.9 FM. Students, Faculty, and Alumni provide the live content, supplemented by automated programming that keeps WSLX on the air 24/7.
WSLX has continued to thrive thanks to the efforts of our past and present broadcasters, as well as the many Friends of WSLX who have been involved throughout the years. In addition to Peter Bush Swanberg and Dan Mecca, this list includes Engineer Ed Butler, who has been the backbone of our technical operations for over 20 years, Broadcast Consultant Pete Salant, who initally set up our automation systems ( he quite literally wrote the book on Simian software ), Engineer Paul Litwinovich, and our Faculty Advisors over the years; Past Advisors Jeff Kress, Troy Haynie, and Jon Shee, and current Advisor Bryan DeVissiere.
The most important element of our success is YOU, the WSLX listener! We have enjoyed a wide audience of listeners from both within the St. Luke's community, as well as many online listeners, near and far, who do not have a direct connection to St. Luke's beyond WSLX. We thank you all.
Please join us as we celebrate 50 Years of 91.9 FM, WSLX!