KRVS 88.7 FM, which broadcasts from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, turned 50 this year.
The Federal Communications Commission granted the station its FM license Aug. 8, 1963. The 10-watt station was a student-run operation. Its signal covered a radius of about six blocks.
KRVS is now a member station of National Public Radio, broadcasts at 100,000 watts and reaches 12 Louisiana parishes. Its website, which offers live streaming and archived podcasts, draws a global audience.
In addition to original programming that features performances and interviews with Louisiana musicians, the station produces annual live broadcasts of popular festivals, including Festival International de Louisiane and Festivals Acadiens et Creoles.