About WFIT 89.5 FM
A voice of the community since 1975, 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 East Central Florida's cultural and educational environment. Our station forms a unique partnership between the academic resources of the 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 promotes the arts and cultural sector through event sponsorships, public service announcements and radio segments including Coastal Connection, Keller Radio, 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, 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 Florida Institute of Technology Trustees. In April of 1975, the Florida Institute of Technology began its non-commercial educational radio station as WFIT, a student-run college radio station. In the late 1980s, WFIT was regarded as one of the country's top alternative music college radio stations.
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 and various 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 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 and many other 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. 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 2012. Our new building has six recording studios, a performance studio, and a conference studio to facilitate the broadcast of round table discussions. In addition, WFIT can now broadcast live performances for the Gleason Center for Performing Arts.
Since its inception in 1975, WFIT has sponsored hundreds of concerts and cultural events. WFIT looks forward to many more decades of growth and service to the community.