In 2002, KRTU adopted its primary music format - Jazz.

In 2002, KRTU adopted its primary music format - Jazz. At the time of the decision, a great deal of consideration had been given to the future format, with Classical music being a part of the conversation. With the help of committed faculty members, staff and community representatives willing to support Jazz and KRTU, the decision was made on October 7, 2002 to adopt a primarily all-jazz format. Since then, KRTU has earned international recognition as a first-rate cultural force in jazz radio. Around thirty-five specialty programs highlight the vast spectrum of jazz, from classic jazz artists and recordings to premier, modern-day pioneers and regional artists. One of only 60 FCC-licensed jazz stations nationwide (and one of three in Texas), KRTU keeps jazz relevant within a modern context while emphasizing its historical significance, contemporary value, and diversity.

KRTU maintains one of the largest in-studio collections of jazz recordings in the country. Vinyl records, the original format used at KRTU, continue to be played on a daily basis. In addition to a robust collection of vinyl and CDs, the station maintains a digital library of over 100,000 songs.

TEN YEARS OF JAZZ FORMAT

In 2012, KRTU celebrated ten years of the jazz format with a city-wide initiative promoting local jazz, community engagement, and the arts. The ‘Year of Jazz’ celebration was a collaborative effort between KRTU, The City of San Antonio, and more than 20 non-profit organizations. The initiative was produced then by Associate General Manager, (Mayor) Ron  Nirenberg and included the commission of the San Antonio Jazz Suite, composed by former KRTU Music Director, Dr. Aaron Prado. The suite is the history of San Antonio told in the language of jazz, celebrating the people, the culture, and the history of jazz in our beloved city. 

The yearlong series of concerts culminated into a free concert in Laurie Auditorium featuring a performance of the San Antonio Jazz Suite with an all-star cast of local jazz musicians.

Click here to read the full Proclamation

TWENTY YEARS OF JAZZ FORMAT

October 7, 2022 marks 20 years of the jazz format. This is an important celebration for KRTU, the City of San Antonio and the local, regional and international jazz community. Over the last two decades, KRTU has elevated jazz in San Antonio to new audiences with an abundance of specialty programs. Today, there are over 35 specialty jazz programs on KRTU hosted by committed local hosts. Programs like the South Texas Jazz Project, Jazz Break at Noon, Riffs, Woman in Jazz, and Jazz de Mexico celebrate jazz in all its styles and forms and continue the jazz education mission of the station.

Community concerts and educational initiatives, originally forged during the Year of Jazz, have had a lasting and positive impact on the local jazz community. Sunday Jazz at the Witte entertained audiences for over fifteen years! Today, Jazz at the Japanese Tea Garden continues the tradition by featuring seasonal concerts with local musicians. For the greater jazz music industry, KRTU is a Texas radio station playing classic and new jazz recordings continuing the important role of terrestrial radio as a beacon of  jazz promotion. With only 60 jazz radio stations across the entire US and  three in the state of Texas, KRTU remains committed to programming America’s original artform - Jazz.

Learn more about the history of KRTU

Click here to read the full Proclamation