WRUB was never a “real” radio station in that it never had an FCC-approved frequency on either the AM or FM bands. It was created at the time that UB’s official radio station, WBFO 88.7FM, began its evolution from a student-run operation in the early ’60s to an NPR-affiliated station with a paid staff. I’m not sure if WRUB was carrier current at its founding. I do believe dorm rooms connected to cable were able to receive WRUB in the ‘90s. Of course, the Internet eventually allowed WRUB to stream its programming before the station was defunded in 2019.
I think it’s just awful that SUNY’s flagship in Buffalo has such a sorry recent history when it comes to radio. The real crime was UB’s decision to sell WBFO in 2012. UB’s leadership team — a certain communications VP in particular— can rightfully be criticized for failing to realize the value of holding the license of an NPR station that reached an audience approaching 100,000 listeners a week. The university’s investment was minimal — rent-free space, utilities and a handful of salaries. Most of the station’s costs were funded by listener support, corporate underwriting and federal/state grants. The late Bill Greiner loved WBFO, but things began to go downhill after he retired as UB president. That said, Buffalo-Toronto Public Media, whose business is broadcasting, is a wonderful steward of WBFO, so perhaps the sale was a positive for all concerned. But many of us remain nostalgic for WBFO‘s years at UB.
And now it looks like the student government at UB is as shortsighted as the administration was a decade ago by denying interested students a chance to resurrect WRUB. I’m not sure what became of the old WBFO studios in Allen Hall. I haven’t been back since walking out for the last time on March 1, 2012. But from what I’ve read, not much is happening inside Allen Hall. If the bones of the old studios are still in place, that would be a perfect home for WRUB.
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