On weekend evenings, several music shows are heard, including American Routes from the Public Radio Exchange, as well as two shows produced by KUNR: The Risky Biscuit Hayseed Hoot with Dondo Harue and Jimbo's Juke Joint and Roadhouse Cafe with Jim Burke. Both shows play Americana, Folk, Bluegrass music and other genres with a touch of humor.
History
KUNR signed on the air on October 7, 1963; 61 years ago (October 7, 1963).[5] It originally broadcast on 88.1 MHz and was powered at only 10 watts, a fraction of its current output. The station could only be heard on campus and adjacent neighborhoods. It was a college radio station, with students hosting most of the shows. Dr. Donald G. Potter, the director of the university's audio-video center, headed the radio station.
It later moved up the dial to 88.7 MHz, increasing its power and relocating its tower to a high peak between Reno and Carson City. With the increase in coverage area, the university decided to change the station's direction. It became a public radio station, airing news, information and classical music. It joined NPR in 1981, adding the network's news shows to its schedule.
In 1992, KNCC signed on the air. It began simulcasting KUNR's programming in the Elko area of Nevada. A network of translators was also added around Nevada and Northern California so KUNR could be heard in those small communities.
In 2016, the university acquired a non-commercial FM station at 89.5 MHz. That station became KNCJ, where the classical music and jazz programming moved.[6] That allowed KUNR to go all news, talk and information, except for a few weekend shows.
