Interview with Andrew James Oppmann, July 6, 2009

Interview Summary

Oppmann begins the interview by discussing his work in journalism. Subsequently, Oppmann talks of his first impressions of the University of Kentucky, and the start of his journalistic career at the student-run newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel. Next, the interviewee discusses Kathleen "Kakie" Urch, one of the founders of WRFL. Then, the administrative factors that led to the creation of WRFL are highlighted. An interesting story about the Student Activities Board during the late 1980s is also briefly mentioned. The interviewee also details Kakie's column in the Kentucky Kernel which helped start the campaign for a college radio station. The quality of the Kentucky Kernel is then discussed. Oppmann relays the story of how Otis Singletary (a former University of Kentucky president) helped save the Kentucky Kernel from bankruptcy in the mid-1980s. Following this, the interviewee describes a friend of his, Theo Monroe, who helped to create WRFL. President Singletary's role in getting WRFL on the air is illustrated as well. Oppmann concludes the interview with his thoughts on the first day that WRFL broadcasted to the public, and draws a comparison between the character of the students who worked on the Kentucky Kernel and those who worked for WRFL.

Interview Keyword

WRFL Kentucky Kernel (newspaper) Otis Singletary Kakie Urch

Interview LC Subject

Broadcasting--Kentucky--History Lexington (Ky.). Radio Radio broadcasters--Interviews College radio stations Journalism Newspapers University of Kentucky Radio--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.