Amping Up Radio 1190 at CU Boulder

Radio 1190 KVCU, CU Boulder’s volunteer-based student radio station, has been broadcasting on campus since November 1998. Recently, it’s been gaining attention on a national scale. 

In less than two years, Jack Armstrong (StComm’25), news director for Radio 1190, has grown the student radio team from three people to 40 active volunteers, amping up the broadcast from weekly to daily. The station now features daily news programming, in addition to shows, music and podcasts. 

“I had a drive to make something much larger than what we currently had at the station,” said Armstrong, who will be a senior in the fall. 

In March, the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System honored the radio station with two national awards: Best Public Affairs Program and the 2024 Best News Director. 

“It was validating that the program I put together worked,” Armstrong said. “I want working for Radio 1190 to be a coveted learning experience for students — and one that employers will see and value.”

When he graduates, Armstrong plans to continue in a new capacity with the station, which is located in the University Memorial Center on campus. 

“I will consult with the second news director to make sure they’re beginning on the right path,” he said. “After that, I’m choosing to promote myself to the role of listener.” 

Listen to the station at 1190 AM or at 1190.radio. 

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Photo by Patrick Campbell