About

WXDU 88.7 FM is the non-commercial student-run radio station of Duke University and Durham, founded in 1983 when former station WDUK-1600AM switched to a FM signal. WXDU, as a member of the Duke University Union, exists to inform, educate, and entertain both the students of Duke University and the surrounding community of Durham through quality progressive alternative radio programming. WXDU seeks to give its staff the freedom to pursue their personal aesthetic within the framework of a cohesive format. WXDU aims to provide the listener with an alternative viewpoint untainted by commercial interests. WXDU resolves to maintain good relations with the music industry without compromising its integrity and nationally recognized commitment to quality programming. WXDU resolves to remain a laboratory where all members are free to make and learn from their mistakes.

Student radio at Duke began with WDBS (Duke Broadcasting System), which signed on the air in 1950 on AM frequency 560. In October of 1983, with the song "Station to Station" by David Bowie, WXDU 88.7FM signed on the air, and a new era of Duke radio had began. During Hurricane Fran in 1996, the WXDU Tower collapsed and we spent the next 2 years virtually off the air with a very limited signal. Through a series of benefits and through the generosity of the Duke Union, we were able to raise a new tower.

In January of 2018, WXDU moved to its current location inside the Rubenstein ArtsCenter. The new station has allowed us to expand our Production Room to a full room, purchase and implement state-of-the-art equipment, and utilize the adjacent lounge for meetings and performances.

In its 75 years of operation, what is now WXDU has gone through many transmutations. In the years since we signed on to 88.7FM, the station has continued to flourish and we've maintained a local and national reputation for great music and programming.

FCC public information for WXDU radio

Staff

The station is staffed by approximately 150 Duke students and community members who perform both on-air DJ shifts and administrative functions. Click here for our current DJ schedule.

WXDU trains new DJs each fall and spring semester. Refer to our social media for more information about becoming a WXDU DJ.

Structure

WXDU is run by volunteers and operates by consensus.

The station’s day-to-day operations are handled by a general manager and directors of different teams that are elected by WXDU members each year in the spring. The general manager is required to be a current Duke student; although other director positions do not have the same requirement, the general manager is almost always a student.

The general manager can select a group to serve as the management staff, though many positions are also elected within the station. Currently, the management staff consists of a team of eight to ten individuals, including students and alumni. The management staff and general manager oversee the station’s daily operations, including hiring, training, scheduling, promotions, record-keeping, and a variety of other operations as the station needs change through time.

The music department consists of the music director(s) and the staff that join. This group is responsible for reviewing new music and choosing which releases are placed in the playlist.

For current managers and contact information, see the contact page.

Funding

WXDU receives funding from the student activity fee through the Duke University Union (DUU). We do not accept any advertising or underwriting.