The Journalism Department originated in 1951 as a minor within the English Department of
the Wisconsin State College, Milwaukee. By 1954, it was a separate department headed by
Professor Harold N. Ahlgren. In 1963, the department began the WUWM public radio station to
provide students with laboratory experience. The Journalism Department changed its name in
1970 to the Mass Communication Department. In 1975, the Mass Communication Department hired
professionals to staff the full-time positions at WUWM.
The emphasis of the Mass Communication Department throughout its existence was to provide
students with the education for careers in mass communication while offering opportunities
for students to work in privately and publicly owned radio stations and newspapers. The Mass
Communication Department maintained close ties with WUWM and students still continue to work
part-time for the station.
As of 2016, WUWM is operated by UWM's College of Letters and Science, and the
Director/General Manager of the station reports directly to the Dean of the College.
