Texas Public Radio celebrates a milestone this month. On November 7, 1982, KPAC signed on for the first time, broadcasting classical music 24 hours a day to San Antonio. Thanks to the vision and determination of Wilford Stapp, J.C. Stromberger, B.J. McClain and countless other heroes of classical music, the groundwork was laid for Texas Public Radio as it exists today, broadcasting NPR News and classical music programming to San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.
Along with KPAC’s anniversary, we also congratulate KPAC Music Director and morning host Randy Anderson for 30 years of service. Randy has been with the radio station since its inception. “It was Wilford Stapp (the first president of the San Antonio Classical Broadcasting Society) who insisted that KPAC start and continue as a 24-hour station,” Randy reflected on the station’s beginnings. “I'm glad he did since my first shift was the overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.!” He also noted some changes over the years: “Our music library has gone from LPs to CDs and now the librarian rips music and saves it to a hard drive. This started in February and now about sixteen percent of our library is on hard drive.”
KPAC 88.3 FM continues to thrive with the support of loyal listeners and supporters near and far. We look forward to sharing our love of classical music with you for many years to come, both on-air and online. Visit tprclassical.org this month for special articles celebrating the 30th anniversary of your Classical Oasis.