Earlier this fall, Eastern Washington University revealed that it would conclude broadcasts on its Class C1 noncommercial Jazz station serving the Spokane market on December 31. Now, the institution says it is extending that deadline. But, a death date for KEWU is certain.
A “phase-out” plan associated with the FM at 89.5 MHz that has been on the air since November 1963 was informally shared in August 2023. At the time, a year-end goodbye was expected for the station.
Now, EWU shares that extending that deadline into 2024 will allow it more time “to deal with the many complexities surrounding licensing and equipment.” It will also minimize disruptions to EWU and students, the school says.
During the transition period, KEWU will continue to maintain programming with an automated jazz music presentation. This means that as of January 1 student air personalities will work about two hours each weekday morning.
EWU administrators have said that with the national media landscape changing dramatically, the university must look to explore other media opportunities and involving students with other creative forms of communication. The radio station has been managed and operated by a mixture of Eastern faculty, students and broadcast communications professionals.
