K-State Radio Towers: Celebrating 100 Years of Broadcasting Legacy

Photo of the original radio towers from the K-State archives.

The K-State Radio Centennial - Full Audio StoryEmma Baldwin

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MANHATTAN, KS – A century of sound and service was celebrated at Kansas State University as the iconic K-State radio towers marked their 100th anniversary. The event, held on Friday, September 13, brought together alumni, state representatives, local officials, and community members to honor the historic legacy of the first educational broadcasting station in Kansas.

Wildcat 91.9 radio hosts interviewing alumni next to the 100 year old radio towers.

The radio towers, constructed in 1924, have stood as a symbol of technological advancement and educational innovation for decades. Although no longer in use, they remain a historical landmark—the only remaining towers of their kind in Kansas and among the few left in the United States. Steve Smethers, former Chief Operator of Wildcat 91.9 KSDB-FM and former director of the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communications, reflected on the significance of the towers.

“That legacy being able to be shared with local audiences, state representatives, county officials, local business people—just people who wanted to come out of curiosity—represents so much.”

A Day of Celebration and Reflection

The centennial event featured lively gatherings where attendees reconnected and shared memories. Alumni from various walks of life reunited to reminisce about their time at K-State and its radio station. Tables were set up for discussions about the current station operations, live broadcasts on Wildcat 91.9 FM, and refreshments for guests. The excitement grew as a band prepared to kick off the festivities.

Photo of Channel 8 News Director Andrew Smith dressed as a patient of John R. Brinkley.

The main performance of the event featured a play written by Emmett Spaw and directed by McKinnon Mellon that humorously chronicled the origins of K-State Radio. The story centered on John R. Brinkley—a controversial figure known as the "Goat Gland Doctor"who played an unexpected role in the station’s beginnings. Brinkley’s Milford-based radio station, KFKB, became popular in the 1920s for its quirky programming, including his "Medical Question Box" show. When K-State approached Brinkley about featuring educational content on his station, it marked the start of K-State Radio’s journey.

Photo of Emma Baldwin reporting for 91.9 & interviewing Dr. Smethers next to the radio towers.

The play drew laughter from the audience as it recounted Brinkley’s unusual history while celebrating how far K-State Radio has come. Smethers praised the performance saying "This really did develop from very humble beginnings—from a very weird background—but it became one of the most respected public radio voices in the United States."

The Centennial celebration also featured speeches from notable figures such as Dr. Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at K-State; Sam Brownback, former U.S. senator and Kansas governor; Curtis LeGeyt, president of the National Association of Broadcasters; and Bill Buzenberg, former executive director of the Center for Public Integrity.

Each speaker highlighted the importance of preserving this unique piece of history and its impact on broadcasting. Dr. Smethers added that many attendees were surprised to learn about the towers’ existence and significance.

"You’d be surprised to know how many people didn’t even know these towers were on campus… Now people know what these towers are, and they understand the legacy that goes with them."

The centennial celebration not only commemorated a milestone but also educated attendees about K-State’s rich broadcasting history. The event underscored how these towers helped train generations of broadcasters and established K-State as "the college of the air." As alumni reunited and shared stories, it was clear that this landmark continues to inspire pride and connection within the community.