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WednesdayApril 2, 2025

A people’s history of WPLN

WPLN's first program log when the station went on the air on December 17, 1962.
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Today, we talk about our station’s history through your eyes — from that first day to where we are now, how long you have been listening and why.

WPLN’s first broadcast was on Dec. 17, 1962, and lasted for just 12 hours. Back then, programming consisted of classical music, local content and informational programs from sources all over the world. This year, the station celebrates its 63rd birthday, and we’ve come a long way from our first studio in the Richland Park library.

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests

  • Nina Cardona, morning host, WPLN
  • Jama Mohamed, listener and community member
  • Tia Sillers, Grammy award-winning songwriter, listener

Further Reading and Listening

  • You can find some archived WPLN broadcasts from 1995-2007 online at the American Archive of Public Broadcast.
  • In 2012, Nina Cardona wrote about WPLN’s 50th anniversary.
  • Listen to This is Nashville celebrate 60 years of WPLN in December 2022.

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WPLN News, Nashville Public Radio
630 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37228

Phone: (615) 760-2903
©2025 Nashville Public Radio

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