Eastern Washington University Jazz 89.5 KEWU-FM Spokane WA has received a stay of execution.

Originally set to sign-off on December 31, the University has announced that while no new date for sign-off has been established, it will extend operations through the rest of the academic year in May. The new date “will allow Eastern more time to deal with the many complexities surrounding licensing and equipment. It will also minimize disruptions to EWU and students.” Starting on January 1, students will host 10 hours per week during weekday mornings, while they station will run automated Jazz the rest the time.

Original Report 8/31: Eastern Washington University will cease operating Jazz 89.5 KEWU-FM Spokane WA at the end of the year.

Operated by a combination of professionals and students, KEWU-FM traces its history to a carrier-current AM launched in 1950. The station has featured Jazz programming since its upgrade from 100 watts to 10kW in 1986. In making the announcement, EWU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jonathan Anderson stated, “With how dynamically the media landscape is changing there will be new opportunities for the university to explore.” The university states it will “look into other broadcasting options, such as involving students with podcasting, or other creative forms of communication”.

Until the station ceases programming at the end of the year, KEWU-FM will run jockless. It will sign-off with a grand finale celebration featuring jazz musicians from the university.

The university has not clarified whether it plans to sell the license of the station or surrender it to the FCC.

Eastern Washington University has made the difficult decision to discontinue its on-campus, non-commercial jazz radio station, 89.5 KEWU-FM, effective at the end of this year.

A phase-out plan will culminate with a grand finale celebration featuring EWU jazz musicians. The radio station has been managed and operated by a mixture of Eastern faculty, students and broadcast communications professionals.

This decision did not come about lightly, as KEWU has been a part of Eastern’s culture since 1950. The move has the support of program faculty and university administrators, who recommend Eastern will be best served by looking at new broadcasting opportunities in the future.

“KEWU has provided quality entertainment as well as classic and contemporary jazz to the Inland Northwest for nearly 74 years, and we are proud of that accomplishment,” says EWU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jonathan Anderson. “With how dynamically the media landscape is changing there will be new opportunities for the university to explore.”

Anderson notes the university will look into other broadcasting options, such as involving students with podcasting, or other creative forms of communication.

During the transition over the next four months, KEWU will maintain programming with pre-loaded jazz music each day. The station will also promote a pre-recorded jazz finale featuring a performance by the celebrated EWU Jazz Ensemble.

KEWU’s illustrious history began on April 7, 1950, when KEWC (as it was originally named) first hit the airwaves. It operated as a free-form student station until 1986, when the station increased its transmitter output from 100 watts to 10,000 watts and the format was changed to straight ahead jazz ̶ such as big band, swing and bop – as well as the modern and smooth contemporary jazz. Over the years KEWU hosted local artists in the studio to showcase their music.

Elizabeth Farriss, who joined the station as program director in 2004, was twice named Best Small Market Jazz Programmer by Jazz Week Magazine. The same publication named KEWU the best small market station two different times.

“Elizabeth Farriss’ expertise and dedication over the years established KEWU as a leader in jazz programming and a well-respected ambassador of the university,” says Pete Porter, an EWU professor of Film, the program which currently houses KEWU. “Eastern was fortunate to have someone of her caliber at the helm of its flagship radio station for so many years.”