About WNSB

WNSB is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to the Board of Visitors of Norfolk State University, and is experienced primarily by students in the Mass Communications & Journalism Department. On February 22, 1980, WNSB, a one thousand watt noncommercial educational radio station, signed on the air. The initial broadcast days were five hours long and consisted primarily of instructional programming. On Friday, April 25, 1980, WNSB radio expanded its hours of operation to twelve hours per day. This expansion included a change in program format to “FM Jazz 91”, making WNSB Tidewater’s only full-time jazz radio station. In 1982 WNSB became the first educational station in the region to acquire an earth station receiving satellite dish. On March 1, 1983, WNSB began broadcasting in stereo and expanded its daily operation to eighteen hours. In March of 2000, WNSB adopted an urban contemporary format with overnight satellite jazz programming with Bob Parlocha of WMFT.

WNSB was the result of efforts by Dr. Melvin O. Smith, who authored federal grants in the early 1970’s and provided funds for the purchase of the initial radio equipment. Efforts by Dr. Smith, Dr. Georgia A. Ryder and Dr. Wilbert D. Edgerton in following grants enabled the station to acquire staff and additional equipment, including monies from the Kellogg Foundation which funded the construction of a production studio and allowed for expansion of services. Efforts by Joel Looper, Earl Willey, Edward D. Turner, Howard Jernigan, Quay Austin and Dr. Stanley Tickton were crucial in establishing and maintaining a successful broadcasting operation. As a result of support by University President Harrison B. Wilson, WNSB was initially established as a one thousand watt radio station rather than the 10 – 100 watts station commonly assigned to college-related stations, using the call letters WNSB ( Norfolk State Broadcasting ), consistent with growth plans for the college.

Since its inception, WNSB has actively associated with local, regional and national professional organizations, including Tidewater Area Radio Broadcasters ( TARB ), Virginia Association of Broadcasters ( VAB ), Broadcast Education Association, National Association of Broadcasters ( NAB ) and the National Broadcasting Society ( Alpha Epsilon Rho ). WNSB has actively supported community events and public service organizations within the Tidewater area, earning and maintaining respect throughout its service area and within the local broadcast industry.