KEWU-FM

Broadcast areaSpokane metropolitan areaFrequency89.5 MHzBrandingJazz 89.5ProgrammingFormatJazzOwnershipOwnerEastern Washington UniversityHistoryApril 7, 1950; 74 years ago (1950-04-07) (on low power AM signal)
November 11, 1963 (on 89.5 FM)KEWCEastern Washington UniversityTechnical informationFacility ID18391ClassC1ERP10,000 wattsHAAT429 meters (1,407 ft)LinksWebcastListen LiveWebsiteOfficial Site

KEWU-FM (89.5 MHz Jazz 89.5) is a non-profit radio station, licensed to Cheney, Washington, and serving the Spokane metropolitan area. The station is owned by Eastern Washington University and broadcasts a jazz radio format.

KEWU-FM has an effective radiated power of 10,000 watts. The transmitter is on South Krell Ridge Lane in Spokane Valley, Washington, amid the towers for other Spokane area FM and TV stations.^[1]

History

The station went on the air on April 7, 1950; 74 years ago (1950-04-07). It was called KEWC, as a 10 watt AM station. On November 11, 1963, it moved to the FM Band as KEWU-FM.

KEWU was named the 2005 & 2015 Best Small Market Jazz station 80+ by Jazz Week magazine and Program Director Elizabeth Farriss was named Best Small Market Jazz Programmer for 2005, 2009 and 2015.

KEWU offers over 150 hours of classic and contemporary jazz every week. That station has expanded its programming over the years to include Big Band, Latin Jazz. Other specialty programs broadcast on KEWU are The Friday Night Blues and Nightfall.

It was announced August 29, 2023 that at the end of the year Eastern Washington University will cease operating KEWU and shut operations down.

On December 14th, it was announced that the university would extend KEWU's deadline for shutdown in to 2024 to deal with the many complexities surrounding licensing and equipment. It will also minimize disruptions to EWU and students. Starting January 1st, 2024, the station will have student DJs working 10 hours a week, and the rest of time will be automated.^[2]

See also

• List of jazz radio stations in the United States

References

External links

• KEWU official website

• KEWU in the FCC FM station database
• KEWU in Nielsen Audio's FM station database

47°34′41″N 117°17′53″W / 47.578°N 117.298°W / 47.578; -117.298