The idea for College Radio Day began with Dr. Rob Quicke (General Manager, WPSC FM, William Paterson University, NYC market) in 2010. He worked with Peter Kreten (General Manager WXAV FM, Saint Xavier University, Chicago market) to further develop the idea, and in December 2010, Dr. Quicke founded College Radio Day.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed World College Radio Day in 2022 to be observed annually on the first Friday in October.