KQAL

KQAL
Frequency89.5 MHz (HD Radio)
Programming
FormatVariety
AffiliationsNBC News Radio, AMPERS
Ownership
OwnerWinona State University
History
First air date
December 12, 1975
Technical information
Licensing authority
FCC
72955
ClassC3
ERP2,500 watts
HAAT210.3 meters
Transmitter coordinates
44°1′52.00″N 91°38′31.00″W / 44.0311111°N 91.6419444°W / 44.0311111; -91.6419444
Links
Public license information
Websitekqal.org

KQAL (89.5 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a Variety format. Licensed to Winona, Minnesota, United States. The station is currently owned by Winona State University and features local programming, plus programs from other educational and community-based radio stations. The station's tagline is 'The Winona Music Experience.' The station has multiple shifts; the Wake Up Winona, the Morning Mix, the Drive By, Prime Time, and the Late Shift.

History

KQAL-FM at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota went on the air on December 12, 1975 as a ten watt station. An alternative independent radio station from the beginning, broadcasting began from the roof of the Performing Arts Center. It initially aired for only four hours a day. KQAL has been staffed primarily by students from its inception.

In 1980 KQAL, Winona's alternative music radio, was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly created Mass Communication Department at WSU. KQAL increased its power output to 1,100 watts in 1981 and it became a member of the Associated Press.[citation needed] In 1985, the station began sports coverage.

In 1989, the power output was increased to 1,800 watts and the transmitter moved from the roof of the Performing Arts Center to a 400-foot tower leased from KWNO (AM) on Garvin Heights. Also in '89 two satellite receiving dishes were installed at the Performing Arts Center.

The entire studio complex was remodeled in 1991 with new equipment and computers.

In 1993, the university proposed cutting the station's budget and air time. The plan was met with near universal disapproval and was abandoned.

In 1995, the station's website went online and computer based digital audio editing equipment was installed. KQAL continued the transition to the digital era in 1998 when computer based, hard drive audio storage and automation was introduced, virtually eliminating the use of tape at the station. The original system was replaced in 2002 with a new, more robust and reliable system.

In 2009 KQAL began a move from the Performing Arts Center to Phelps Hall which was extensively remodeled and new radio and TV studios were constructed. KQAL began broadcasting from these new studios in 2010.[citation needed]

During his tenure, president Scott Olson would sometimes be a guest DJ. The station began HD transmission in 2021, funded by a budget surplus caused by student workers leaving due to COVID-19. In 2025, KQAL celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live outdoor concert.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KQAL". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ↑ "KQAL Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. ↑ "KQAL 89.5FM Winona, MN". Retrieved October 29, 2026.
  4. ↑ Brechtl, Susan (February 21, 2007). "KQAL: A New Frequency". Retrieved October 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ Radde, Bill; Hinrichs, Don; Diamond, Megan (March 21, 2001). "Broadcast rights might be sold". The Winonan.
  6. ↑ Johnson, Stuart (February 24, 1993). "WSU proposes KQAL cuts". The Winonan.
  7. ↑ Jackson, Kassidy (November 7, 2018). "President Olson DJs for KQAL". Winona Post.
  8. ↑ Hathaway, Gabriel (February 3, 2021). "Student radio station goes HD". The Winonan.
  9. ↑ Herrick, Elly (September 17, 2025). "Photo Story: KQAL Celebrates 50th Anniversary". The Winonan.