A Brief History of Impact 89fm:

The following text is taken word for word from the MSU Campus Radio historical preservation site.

It took nearly two decades of quiet persistance. The challenge of keeping the idea of a third radio station (MSU already had WKAR AM and FM) alive finally fell to Gary Reid. Gary’s artistry was music and he had a gift for pulling disparate parts into an elegant whole through the technical magic of MSU’s multi-track studio. But he also had the heart of a broadcaster, and as carrier current AM became an anachronism, Gary continued to push for an over the air outlet for student creativity.

The dream became real in the late winter of 1989, when WDBM “Impact 89 FM” took to the air. From it’s original studios in the old WKAR haunts at the auditorium, Gary was soon designing a state-of-the-art home in the lower level of Holden Hall. His vision extended beyond technical excellence, to the creation of a student centered sound that mixed cutting edge music with hyper-local public affairs programming.

The idea was an instant success and WDBM soon became one of the most popular stations in the market. It’s eclectic approach resonated well beyond the campus and the Impact influence could be felt in every corner of the large community.

The consistent excellence of the student staff has been recognized in an unprecidented string of Michigan Association of Broadcasters Station-of-the-Year awards, and Gary Reid’s patient approach to nurturing talent has attracted a staff as diverse as the University itself.

Impact 89 FM remains cutting edge, with a robust new-media initiative that includes two web streams, a podcast, an internet site and a new IBOC high definition digital transmitter. And yet, the fraternity that dates back to the 1950s is reflected in the wide ranging attendance at the yearly student radio reunions held each year during Homecoming weekend. We cherish these celebrations of the new media age and the four decade heritage of excellence that made it all possible.