History
In the fall of 1968, two students enrolled in STCC’s Electronic Technology department began developing plans for a college radio station.
By May of 1969, WTCC officially went on the air via closed circuit. A studio was constructed in Building 16 (Garvey Hall) and speakers were installed in the building’s lounges. Throughout that year, additional speakers were added in that building.
In 1970, plans were formulated to make WTCC an FM station. The studios and offices were located on the fourth and fifth floors of Garvey Hall. On August 19, 1971, WTCC went on the air at 90.9 MHz with an output of 10 watts. The station also expanded its closed circuit operation on campus, adding speakers in the building 20 cafeteria, lounges, data processing lab, and Graphic Arts department.
In June of 1975, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare awarded the college a grant of $23,832 to increase the station’s power. A year later, on July 3, 1976, WTCC-FM started broadcasting at 4000 watts, at which it presently operates. The station’s first chief engineer was STCC professor Gary Mullett, professor of Electronics Technology.
An additional grant of $59,794 was received in April 1978 to relocate and modernize the station’s studios. In 1980, the studio and offices were relocated to the first floor of Garvey Hall, the station’s present location.
In 1985, due to a state fiscal crisis, STCC was no longer able to provide paid staff to oversee the station. The members of the station made a presentation to the STCC Board of Trustees, pledging to support the station financially. Since then, WTCC-FM has become essentially a community station, run by volunteer program hosts and board members from the community.
WTCC’s annual Radiothon fund drive, as well as underwriting from area businesses, provides the funding to purchase and repair equipment, as well as funding other needs, to keep the station on the air 24/7/365.