About WFIT 89.5 FM
A voice of the community for more than 40 years, WFIT is your source for listener-supported and independent music, news and information. WFIT's mission is to provide quality programming that enriches and enhances the cultural and educational environment of east central Florida. Our station forms a unique partnership between the educational resources of Florida Institute of Technology and the informational needs of our listeners.
From local bands to artists across the globe, WFIT's diverse musical programming offers music from genres including indie rock and pop, jazz, folk, alternative, blues, classical, world and more. We feature live music sessions with local and touring artists recorded and streamed from our production studios.
WFIT works to promote the arts and cultural sector through event sponsorships, public service announcements and radio segments including Coastal Connection, Linking the Arts, and WFIT's Music and Arts Calendar.
As an NPR affiliate station, we also strive to encourage lifelong learning for our listeners through thought-provoking news and programs. From local segments such as the Psychology Science Minute, Inside Florida Tech, Florida Tech Faculty and Staff Profiles, and Florida Tech International Student Spotlights, to syndicated NPR news and Democracy Now!, WFIT provides distinct perspectives and top-notch journalism.
Whether at home, work or in the car, WFIT is your station for great music and informational programming with a local spin.
History
WFIT 89.5 FM is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to the Trustees of the Florida Institute of Technology. In April of 1975, Florida Institute of Technology began its non-commercial educational radio station as WFIT, a student-run college radio station. In the late 1980’s, WFIT was regarded as one of the top alternative music college radio stations in the country.
Secret History: Radio Free Melbourne
WFIT was interconnected with the public radio satellite system in 1993, and shortly thereafter became an affiliate of National Public Radio. In response to changing demographics, WFIT changed its format to jazz and began broadcasting public radio news as well as a variety of other culturally diverse music and educational programs.
An FCC approved power increase to 8,000 kilowatts in 1998 extended the station’s signal to include more Brevard County listeners, reaching north to Cocoa and Cocoa Beach, and south to Vero Beach in Indian River County. Automated equipment has enabled the station to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, maximizing the range of audiences served. WFIT upgraded its transmitter in 2004 and became the first radio station in Brevard County to broadcast in HD radio technology.
In January of 2006, WFIT changed its daytime programming from smooth jazz to “Triple A” (Adult Album Alternative) radio. A spinoff from the album-oriented rock format, Triple A’s musical selection tends toward the fringe of mainstream pop and rock as well as many other music genres such as indie rock, alternative rock, jazz, electronic, folk, blues, world and roots music. A diverse group of 23 local volunteer show hosts contribute to this mix. Additionally, WFIT proudly broadcasts two local, venerable classical music shows: Jay Lamy's Mozart's Attic and Bill Carrigan’s Classics for a Sunday Evening. Cultural diversity in our programming is evidenced by our C’est La Vie, Roots Rock Reggae and Latin Rhythms shows.
WFIT moved into its brand new 5,000 square foot facility located in the heart of campus in December of 2012. Our new building has 6 recording studios, a performance studio and a conference studio to facilitate the broadcast of round table discussions. In addition WFIT now has the capability to broadcast live performances for the Gleason Center for Performing Arts.
Since its inception in 1975, WFIT has also sponsored hundreds of concerts and cultural events. WFIT looks forward to many more decades of growth and service to the community.
WFIT supports the Public Media Code of Integrity.