KCOU is a noncommercial college radio station run entirely by University of Missouri students. We feature weekly shows hosted by student DJs in a variety of different categories, including music, Mizzou sports and campus and community news. KCOU is devoted to broadcasting different forms of music otherwise ignored by most commercial radio stations in the Midwest and serving as the voice of students at the University of Missouri.

Any current Mizzou student can apply to join the staff, and after completion of our training program, one has the opportunity to begin broadcasting almost immediately. We are a radio station made for students by students, independent of race, sex, lifestyle or culture.

KCOU was formed in 1963 when several small dormitory radio stations came together to broadcast for MU students and the Columbia community. KCOU became the first radio station in history to be licensed to a student group within a university rather than the university administration. Over time, KCOU continued to grow in resources and audience. During the 1970s, the station was known for embracing the era of progressive rock, and during the 1980s, punk and new wave became popular. During the early 2000s, KCOU’s funding was at risk, and the station began to decline. However, in 2009, the station was rebranded and the staff numbers recovered. Today, KCOU continues to serve the MU student community and push the musical barriers of the past.