Celebrating 50 Years of Broadcasting Excellence on the Airwaves

January 23rd, 2026 marks 50 years since a group of Trinity students worked diligently to build a new radio station in San Antonio with the mission of producing "unusual" programming for the community. Despite having to navigate a saga of setbacks, the tenacity and ambitious vision of the young founders galvanized a community to fund, support and contribute to what has become KRTU 91.7 FM. Half a century later, KRTU remains a pillar of art, culture and experiential learning for people of all ages and backgrounds.

 
KRTU History Harvest

Have KRTU memorabilia to share?
Trinity is growing it’s archives of KRTU 91.7 FM.

Please fill out this form to share your slice of history.

Join in on the Celebration!

Join us throughout the year as we celebrate 50 years of KRTU with a vibrant lineup of concerts, community gatherings, and special programming. From intimate jazz sessions to community festivals, our events showcase the rich diversity of music and culture that defines KRTU and San Antonio.

View All Events

Promotional poster for Trinity University’s KRTU 50th Anniversary concert featuring jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, with event details for January 23, 2026 at the Carver Community Cultural Center.
a collage of images and records from across KRTU's 50-year history
Half a Century of Sound

Tracing the history and impact of KRTU, Trinity's student-led radio station

Read More

Promotional image for KRTU’s “Jazz Break at Noon” featuring a close-up of a vintage-style tie.
KRTU's founding story

Playback a special broadcast documenting KRTU's founding story featuring interviews with founders and former staff and students and decade-inspired playlists. 

Listen to the Archived Broadcast

Shelves in a radio station library filled with vinyl records on the left and CDs on the right, organized in labeled sections with shelf markers such as “6-2,” “6-3,” “7-4,” “7-5,” and “7-6.”
50 years of KRTU's sound

Listen to our mixtape to hear 50 years of KRTU's sound.

Enjoy the Playlist

Build your Legacy: Support KRTU’s 50th Anniversary

With your support, we’ll continue to invest in creative programming, inclusive storytelling, and the next generation of artists and listeners. Whether you give $50 or $5,000, your contribution is a statement that independent, community radio matters. 

Individual Giving

Every gift counts. Contributions at any amount help sustain KRTU’s mission to bring diverse music and community voices to the airwaves.

Give a one-time gift in support of KRTU’s 50th Anniversary

Sponsorship Opportunities 

$10,000+ | Presenting Sponsor
As a Presenting Sponsor, you will receive top billing and recognition across all event materials, media promotions, and stage mentions. This premier level of support demonstrates a deep commitment to community, culture, and public media. Your contribution helps ensure this landmark event remains free and accessible to all, while supporting institutions that uplift under-served voices and spaces.

$7,500 | Jazz Legend
The Jazz Legend level offers high visibility and special recognition before and during the event, including name recognition and VIP access. Your support invests in a future where music and community continue to thrive together.

$2,500 | Jazz Advocate
As a Jazz Advocate, your sponsorship reflects a strong belief in the power of the arts to inspire and unite. You’ll be recognized in select event materials and have VIP access.

$1,000 | Jazz Fan
This level celebrates the joy and community that music brings. Jazz Fans will be acknowledged in select event materials.

$500 | Community Supporter
At the Community Supporter level, every gift makes a difference. Your name will be listed on the website as a champion of culture, creativity, and community access. This level is perfect for individuals who want to be part of something big.
 

Become a sponsor and invest in voices that shape our community

Celebrate KRTU’s 50th Anniversary by Sponsoring a Jazz Break at Noon

Join us in marking 50 years of bringing jazz and community together. We’re offering 50 exclusive sponsorships for a week of Jazz Break at Noon in 2026. Each sponsorship supports a full week of the program and includes on-air recognition.

For a donation of $250, you can honor a loved one, spotlight your business, or simply show your support for curated music and local, educational radio. Spaces are limited, so reserve your Jazz Break week today and be part of this special celebration!

To reserve, please email @email or donate here and mention Jazz Break in the special instructions/feedback section. 

Become a sponsor of Jazz Break at Noon

KRTU would like to thank the following supporters of our 50th Anniversary 

Jazz Legacy

  • James Marion Blakemore '77 (KRTU Founder) and Mrs. Holly Blakemore
  • Charles and Anne Parrish

Jazz Legend

  • James Halloran and Dr. Luis Xavier Rangel-Ortiz
  • John C. McBryde ‘75 (KRTU Founder) and Marla Peterson McBryde ‘75

Jazz Advocate

  • Community First Health Plans
  • Dr. Pamela Ray & Dr. Michael Battista
  • H-E-B

Jazz Fan

  • Dr. Bradley B. Kayser and Dr. Gemma T. Kennedy
  • Joan Kearl
  • Stephen Scarlett
  • Ryan Weber ‘04 & Shelley Laabs Weber ‘01

Community Supporter

  • TU Professor Emeritus Dr. William Christ & Marsha Christ
  • Matthew Leyendecker
  • Sandra & Tim Moore
  • Rhonda Parramore
  • Aaron Vazquez
City of San Antonio Carver Community Cultural Center logo featuring a red quatrefoil emblem with a stylized theatrical mask above the organization name.
combined black and white logo for KLRN and PBS