98.1 Classical KING FM

SEATTLE, Washington, 98109-4509 United States

Mission Statement

Classical KING FM is the only 24/7 public radio station dedicated to classical music in the Puget Sound. Founded in 1948 by Dorothy Stimson Bullitt, it became listener-supported in 2011 and has thrived under this new model, delivering commercial-free music to its 300,000 listeners and by streaming products online showcasing the Northwest arts community to the world. Internet channels target specific genres - relaxing classical favorites, opera, symphonic, next generation “Rethink Classical” and Arts Channel.

About This Cause

98.1 CLASSICAL KING FM PROGRAMS Live and Local Broadcast Concerts Peter Newman presents more than 90 broadcasts a year, featuring such diverse performing ensembles as the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Seattle Youth Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Seattle Chamber Music Festival. NW Focus and NW Focus LIVE From the large to the small, NW Focus, hosted by Sean MacLean previews concerts in the Pacific Northwest every weeknight at 7pm.NW Focus LIVE is the only live and local weekly classical music broadcast in the Northwest, providing listeners superb live performances in an intimate setting. It features top Northwest artists and ensembles performing in the KING FM studios. This year our audience heard pianist Craig Sheppard, Byron Shenkman & Friends, and the Seattle Marimba Quartet among many other established and up and coming regional musicians. Exploring Music Produced by host Lisa Bergman, Exploring music is a fun, two-minute introductory journey into the world of classical music. Heard every night at 6pm, this music education program is geared for youth and anyone new to classical music. Musical Chairs Prominent local, national, and international musical figures share their favorite classical music and discuss their upcoming projects with Michael Brooks every Friday evening at 7pm. In 2013 guests included violinist James Ehnes, Pacific Northwest Ballet conductor Emil de Cou, and our KING FM Young Artist Award Winners Sarah Hall and Olivia Marckx. RECENT SUCCESSES AND CURRENT CHALLENGES Now in its third year as a nonprofit organization, classical KING FM has been able to grow its membership to 15,000 supporters, who account for 70% of the station’s budget. This uptick in membership affirms that our listeners like what they hear and are willing to financially support it. Beyond financial sustainability, KING FM has focused on broadcasting a wide variety of quality classical music, promoting the local arts, developing initiatives to support music education, and expanding its presence in the community. In 2013, KING FM provided support to nearly 50 regional arts organizations, a 45% increase over 2012, with on-air and online coverage. From the 5th Avenue Theatre to Bellevue Arts Museum, King County Libraries or UW school of music, KING FM provided much-needed visibility to the arts, helping to fill their performance halls and share news about their programs, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the region. In 2014, KING FM will continue to build its internal structures to support the non-profit business model and maintain quality classical music programming, while staying on track financially. Support from the community remains essential to guarantee the future of the station. Additionally, KING FM will be exploring new ways to engage the younger audience in classical music, through a renewed website, mobile apps, and the launching of an online streaming channel, called Second Inversion, dedicated to rethinking classical music for a new generation of listeners.

98.1 Classical KING FM
363 Mercer St Suite 200
SEATTLE, Washington 98109-4509
United States
Phone 2066912981
Website www.king.org
Twitter @KingFM
Unique Identifier 273067797