WRUW has its earliest roots in "WFSM", started in 1946 by the Flora Stone Mather Radio Club at what was then Western Reserve University which presented programming via a public address system. This was followed by the AMcarrier current station WRAR in 1955. Finally, on February 26, 1967, the FCC granted a license under the call sign WRUW-FM.[2][3] Western Reserve merged with Case Institute of Technology five months later.
WRUW began as a 10-watt monoaural station, gained stereo capability in 1974 and saw a power increase to 1000 watts in 1980. WRUW's power was boosted to its current level of 15,000 watts on March 5, 2002.[3]
Over the years, WRUW has worked to maintain ties to the community, co-sponsoring events with Case Western Reserve University and other University Circle institutions, maintaining a relationship with the Hessler Street Fair, and providing a voice for community members not otherwise associated with Case Western Reserve University.[3]
Current programming
WRUW is open to both students and members of the Cleveland community. Completion of a semester long training course is required. Summer events include Studio-A-Rama (mainly Indie rock and pop acts), usually held the Saturday after Labor Day.