Amarillo College’s FM90 Celebrates 50 Years on the Air in 2026

The year was 1976. The date was March 15.

On a bright spring day in the mid-1970s, precisely at noon, a brand-new voice came alive on the airwaves—one that would shape generations of music lovers, students, and community members across the Texas Panhandle.

That voice was KACV-FM, Amarillo College’s FM90—a 100,000-watt, non-commercial radio station broadcasting at 89.9 FM across the Texas Panhandle.

FM90 began as a bold experiment in campus radio and quickly grew into a cultural cornerstone. In its earliest days, the station featured progressive country during daytime hours and classical music in the evenings, giving first-time DJs a place to learn, explore, and find their voices.

As the 1970s gave way to the 1980s, FM90 evolved with the music. Alternative sounds joined the lineup alongside beloved programs such as Dead End Street, Body & Soul, and All That Jazz. By the mid-1980s, the station pushed boundaries even further, shifting from album rock to heavy metal and expanding its musical identity.

In January 1987, FM90 adopted the format it is known for today—alternative rock. That same year, U2 released The Joshua Tree, marking the start of a new era in music and solidifying FM90’s role as a tastemaker and champion of emerging artists.

Now, in 2026, Amarillo College’s FM90 celebrates 50 years of broadcasting—five decades of innovation, student leadership, and music that reflects the changing sounds and spirit of the community.

“FM90 has always been more than a radio station,” said Amy Presley, program director of FM90. “It’s a training ground for students, a platform for creative expression, and a trusted voice in the Panhandle.”

Anniversary Events Planned Throughout 2026

To mark its golden anniversary, FM90 will host a series of events and special programming throughout the year with special anniversary merchandise available for purchase.

Alumni Takeover: March 13–18

Former FM90 DJs and staff will return to the studio for special on-air shifts ranging from one to two hours. The FM90 DJs will reconnect with listeners, share memories, and celebrate the station’s legacy.

Vinylton: April 18, 2026

A celebration of vinyl culture and music history, bringing together collectors, fans, and the FM90 community.

FM90 50th Anniversary Celebration: July 2026

A signature summer event honoring five decades of FM90, featuring special programming and community festivities.

College Radio Day: October 2026

FM90 will join college radio stations across the nation in celebrating the impact and importance of student-run broadcasting.

A Legacy That Lives On

From progressive country and rock ’n’ roll in the 1970s to heavy metal and alternative rock in the 1980s—and everything since—FM90 has continuously evolved while staying true to its mission: amplifying new voices and new sounds.

Some FM90 personalities became so iconic that listeners still ask about them decades later, a testament to the station’s lasting influence and connection to its audience.

Amarillo College celebrates 50 years of FM90, the station looks ahead to its next chapter with the same spirit of creativity and discovery that launched it in 1976.

The station’s history was brought to life with the help of Evan Banner, FM90 DJ and Amarillo College graduate, who helped gather and document much of the archival material featured in this release.

“Thank you to all our listeners for supporting FM90 over the years,” Presley said. “Here’s to another 50 years of music, memories, and community—right here on Amarillo College’s FM90.”