23 Facts About WFMT

WFMT is an FM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a format of fine arts, classical music programming, and shows exploring such genres as folk.

WFMT is the primary station of the WFMT Radio Network, and the Beethoven and Jazz Networks.

WFMT is an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union.

In 1952, WFMT began publishing a biweekly program guide, which later became Chicago magazine.

In 1956, WFMT aired a live recording of a folk concert with Pete Seeger and Big Bill Broonzy at Northwestern University.

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WFMT aired a discussion between Frank Lloyd Wright and Carl Sandburg, which was simulcast with WTTW, marking the first collaboration between WTTW and WFMT.

WFMT won another Alfred I DuPont Award in 1960, this time as the country's best broadcaster in the large-station category.

In 1962, WFMT began broadcasting a majority of its programming in stereo.

In 1976, WFMT created the Fine Arts Network for broadcast syndication of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera.

In 1979, WFMT became America's first radio superstation, delivered by satellite and cable systems across the United States and dozens of countries, including the Soviet Union and China.

In 1980, WFMT became the first US radio station to join the European Broadcasting Union.

In 1986, WFMT launched the Beethoven Satellite Network, a satellite delivered classical music programming service.

WFMT has won numerous first place Major Armstrong awards for excellence and originality in radio broadcasting and special awards for engineering and technical achievement.

WFMT retired from full-time presenting in July 2018 but still continues to contribute programming.

WFMT is still heard periodically on The Midnight Special in his classic "Chicago Language Tape" skit.

WFMT is noted for the longevity of various staff members.

WFMT later became the assistant of original owner Bernard Jacobs.

WFMT's produced the Critic's Choice series, regular broadcasts of reviews and commentary by artist Harry Bouras, theater critic Claudia Cassidy, and journalist and author Herman Kogan.

WFMT had worked in classical music radio since 1967, and retired in 2016.

Since going on the air in 1951, WFMT has garnered a strong reputation for technological innovation and sound quality.

In 1978, WFMT participated in the first stereo relay of a live performance via satellite, from the San Francisco Opera.

In 1979, WFMT was one of the first local FM stations to re-broadcast its programming via satellite.

In 1982, WFMT moved into the digital era, being chosen by Sony and Philips to be the first station in the world to broadcast music from the compact disc format, thanks to the station's reputation for high audio standards.