Chicago might beat DeKalb when it comes to variety in radio stations, but there are some local stops on the dial to tune in to.

Currently, there are several local and syndicated radio stations in DeKalb.

“In general, radio [in DeKalb] has become less local with more syndication and satellite programming,” said B95 owner Tana Knetsch.

In 1947, the first student-based radio programming began broadcasting in DeKalb. At that time there were no broadcast facilities on campus so students used transmitting and broadcasting equipment at WLBK 1360 AM, which is the oldest station in DeKalb.

In 1952, the Swen Parson Library opened a broadcast room which was used by the radio club that had formed two years earlier.

In 1964, NIU began broadcasting from campus under the call letters WNIC-FM. Ten years later, the station boosted its power and changed its frequency to 89.1 FM, only to change again in 1968 to WNIU broadcasting at a frequency of 89.5 FM, according to the NIU archives.

The last student-run station WKDI, which was funded by the Student Association, saw its funds frozen and was shut down by the SA in 2002 because of funds mismanagement, according to an October 2002 Northern Star article.

WKDI was a low-power station that was only received in the dorms through cable. It was a training ground for students in broadcasting where supervision was relaxed and turned to chaos caused by people having too much fun, Knetsch said. Student radio at NIU does not exist today.

All NIU sports are broadcast on WLBK, a local AM station. Other stations then dial into it and rebroadcast NIU sports, said WLBK General Manager Larry Timpe.

WLBK offers local news, events and interviews, along with offering internship opportunities to NIU students.

In the past, they have had several NIU students who interned and found careers in radio, Timpe said.

Another DeKalb station, Northern Public Radio, is comprised of two stations, 89.5 and 90.5. They serve the local area as well as the surrounding farm land.

“The two stations that we have here have always been affiliated with news,” said Diane Drake, communications and events manager for Northern Public Radio. “Public Radio is meant to fill the niches that aren’t well served by other radio stations.”