for the broadcast group, WRPI continued to function on AM channels, where it captured the majority of the campus listener audience at the time. Moving To FM Without a broadcast tower, or industry grade equipment, WRPI had a meager broadcast range. In many cases, signals could not reach to certain portions of the college campus. In 1956, the station proposed a move to FM broadcasting, in order to take advantage of its high fidelity capabilities. On December 4, 1957, the FCC approved WRPI to begin broadcasting on 91.5 FM, where it continues to broadcast today. This accompanied the construction of a tower, extending the range of the station to nearly all of Troy, Albany, and Schenectady. Growth And Evolution As opposed to contemporary FM radio stations at the time, WRPI found itself as the sole popular music broadcaster in the area. In 1967, the station switched to a progressive rock themed station, abandoning its former free form radio status. In addition, WTEN-TV donated a radio tower in North Greenbush, New York, which is still used by the station today. This move increased broadcast strength from 750 watts to 10,000 watts. WRPI thus abandoned use of AM signals and extended range to cover large swaths of New York as well as some areas in Vermont and Massachusetts. The Station Today During the mid 1970s, as other FM rock and roll radio stations began to form, WRPI made the decision to revert to their former free form radio format. In addition, the station established their studio in the basement of RPI's Darren Communications Center, where it has remained through the decades. The station continues to be completely student run, allowing virtually anyone to receive training, and potentially broadcast on a time slot. In addition to broadcasting on 91.5 FM, the station may also be listened to over the internet. References Schedule History of WRPI External links WRPI official website Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Website Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute RPI RPI Radio stations established in 1947 1947 establishments in New York (state)