# KVRX

KVRX (91.7 FM) is a student-run radio station owned by the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, with an effective radiated power of 3,000 watts. KVRX's studios are based in the Hearst Student Media Building on the university campus, while its transmitter is located in East Austin.
The university shares the license for 91.7 with KOOP, a community radio station based in Austin. Students broadcast on KVRX from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. KOOP, operated by Texas Educational Broadcasting Cooperative, covers the remainder of the weekly schedule with programs hosted by community volunteers. KVRX also broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, over the internet at kvrx.org and can be received via iTunes, TuneIn, and an iPhone app.

## History

In the Spring of 1986, students at the University of Texas at Austin formed a committee called the Student Radio Task Force with the intention of raising both institutional and student support for a campus radio station. Two years later, SRTF had secured the support of Texas Student Publications (now Texas Student Media, the University organization which houses all student media and publication outlets). Before receiving its broadcasting license, the fledgling station used the call sign KTSB, and began its first narrowcast via cable television in April 1988.
KTSB's call letters were changed to KVRX nearly six years later in January 1994, after the FCC approved a unique time-share agreement between KTSB and KOOP for the 91.7 FM frequency, the last remaining non-commercial frequency in Austin (the call letters "KTSB" were already in use by another station, necessitating the change). KVRX would go on to broadcast on the FM frequency in November 1994.

## Programming

KVRX's slogan is "None of the Hits, All of the Time," and more recently, "Your Texas Independent Music Authority." Both refer to the station's alternative programming. KVRX's format includes music, news, sports and community programming, including the popular "Local Live" segment that airs every Sunday 10-11 p.m. CST. "Local Live" features both local and nationally touring musical acts in live, in-studio broadcast performances and interviews. KVRX only plays music that is not featured on commercial media outlets, and the varied community programs cover local, national and worldwide issues that often do not get covered in mainstream print and broadcast outlets. Notable artists that have performed on "Local Live" to later gain greater recognition include The Black Keys, Spoon, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Death Cab For Cutie, Ratatat, Shearwater, Kinky Friedman, Acid Mothers Temple, Animal Collective, Explosions in the Sky, Mitski, and Daniel Johnston. Another program nearly as old as the station itself is "Lone Star Lullabies", which features a playlist of all-Texas music.
In addition to its radio programming, KVRX maintains an active presence in the Austin, Texas independent music scene by organizing live concerts and official shows, including during the South by Southwest music festival each Spring. The station's Music Directors produce a weekly "Topless 39" chart that tracks the 39 albums receiving the most plays that week. In 2010, the station launched its own dedicated YouTube channel. In 2019, the station hosted its very first music festival named KVRX Fest, the largest ever student-run music festival. It featured two days of live music split between Austin venues Cheer Up Charlies and Symphony Square. Notable artists include Frankie Cosmos, Fat Tony, Drab Majesty, and Video Age amongst others. KVRX has been described as a "nationally respected station and blueprint for many other college frequencies."
KVRX is part of Texas Student Media (officially Texas Student Publications), an auxiliary establishment of The University of Texas and the largest student media operation in the United States. KVRX is funded by underwriting, fundraising events, an annual pledge drive, listener contributions and sponsored public service announcements.

## Notable alumni

* Debbie Cerda, 1994-1997 (film critic and contributing photographer, Slackerwood.com, member of Austin Film Critics Association)
* Britt Daniel, 1992-1995 (Spoon)
* John Dial (software designer, porn music expert)
* Thomas Fawcett (contributing writer, Austin Chronicle and Living Blues)
* Doug Freeman (founder, www.austinsound.net; contributing writer, Austin Chronicle)
* Jett Garrison, 1997 - 2000 (film editor/director/producer, former commercial DJ)
* Rodney Gibbs (chief innovation officer for The Texas Tribune, board member of Austin Film Society, advisory board member of KLRU)
* Lotic (electronic musician)
* Rosa Madriz (talent buyer/ Transmission Events; owner, Green Potato Ventures)
* Aly Gomaa (talent buyer / festival producer; Resound Presents, Levitation, Austin Psych Fest)
* Austin Powell (staff writer, Austin Chronicle)
* Jonathan Toubin (professional DJ and founder of New York Night Train)
* Luke Winkie (contributing writer, Austin Chronicle)
* Erik Wofford (producer/engineer, Cacophony Recorders)