Eastern Washington University has announced it has accepted a letter of intent to sell Jazz 89.5 KEWU-FM Spokane WA to the Oldies Preservation Society for $510,000 plus $300,000 in publicity and advertising credit.
The university had announced in the Summer of 2023 its intent to shut down at the end of that year. The sign-off date was then pushed back to May 2024 with most of the station’s programming hours becoming automated. It has continued to operate in that manner. EWU says the move “marks a strategic shift that enables EWU to invest in academic programming benefiting students in the Film and Digital Media program and the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.” It is being discussed as to whether to keep the current format alive as a webcaster.
The Oldies Preservation Society currently operates “Kool 107.1” KPKL Deer Park/Spokane via Time Brokerage Agreement. It’s 1950s through 70s based programming will relocate to the non-commercial signal at closing.
Oldies Preservation Society board member Bob Anthony Fogal said, “The KOOL Oldies format is like a museum of great music from the 50s to the 80s, including vintage commercials and the catchy theme songs of old TV shows. OPS plans to continue to serve the Inland Northwest from 89.5FM as KEWU has done now for nearly 75 years.”
Eastern Washington University President Shari McMahan commented, “KEWU has long been a source of pride and connection between Eastern Washington University and the station’s listeners. Our agreement with the Oldies Preservation Society ensures that the station’s legacy will live on through their dedication to classic music. This decision was made with careful consideration, and the sale of the license now opens exciting opportunities to foster student creativity and provide hands-on learning experiences in new and innovative ways.”
KEWU General Manager and theatre/film professor Pete Porter added, “I grew up listening to WLS out of Chicago, Detroit Tigers games, and KROQ in Los Angeles, so radio was a magic portal to the world. Radio still matters, which is why I am so happy to have found a home for KEWU. Our film and the fine arts programs will repurpose the KEWU studios to offer new opportunities for EWU students to engage emerging media and explore new pathways in sound in our fast-moving digital world.”
