KTSW’s 30th Birthday: The History of KTSW

By Paige Greene
Web Content Manager

Today, April 15 2022, is KTSW’s 30^th birthday. 

KTSW is a completely student-run and noncommercial radio station from Texas State University. Over the past 30 years, KTSW has grown to house many different departments for students to choose from, including music, programming, web content, sports, social media and more.  

The students of KTSW come from many different majors, but most of the students are in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 

KTSW operates 24/7 and spins new, upcoming artists and local music. When you tune in, you’ll hear psych-rock, college-rock, indie synth-pop and everything you won’t hear on other stations. KTSW also serves the local community and serves as the official station for Bobcat Athletics and covers Rattler Athletics.

The History

KTSW-FM signed for the first time on the air, April 15, 1992. KTSW was located on the 1^st and 3^rd floor of Old Main and Bob Shrader was the faculty advisor. 

Shrader told Station Manager Samantha Pennell that the idea for KTSW was to “provide a learning laboratory for students that had an interest in broadcast journalism primarily.”

In 1996, KTSW went digital. The station began streaming online, allowing those outside the broadcast signal to listen wherever there is an internet connection. Shortly after in 2001, Texas State hired Dan Schumacher to be General Manager and Faculty Advisor at KTSW, and he’s been at KTSW ever since. 

In 2002, KTSW celebrated 10 years on the air and hosted the Southwest Music Festival in Sewell Park with SACA. Seven years later, Texas State purchased broadcast tower property for KTSW. The tower is located just south of New Braunfels. 

KTSW decided to expand its presence and create the KTSW Blog in 2012. The blog houses content from many departments including sports, music, web content and news. It also extends the shelf life for on-air content such as interviews, podcasts and segments. 

In 2014 – 2016, KTSW upgraded the tower in south New Braunfels and boosted the KTSW signal to 16,000 watts ERP.   

After the boosted signal at the KTSW Tower, the station also moved out of Old Main and into the Trinity building, which is shared with the University Star, Texas State’s official newspaper.  

The KTSW airwaves now stretch from north San Antonio to south Austin. 

For 30 years, KTSW has provided opportunities to many students and streamed new local music to the residents of San Marcos. Tune into FM 89.9 or stream right here on the KTSW Blog. 

Click here to read interviews from KTSW alumni for the 30^th birthday. 

Featured Image by KTSW Multimedia