Since 1991, the KSER Foundation has provided the only local public radio service with news, information, music, and cultural programming dedicated to the needs and interests of Snohomish and Island County residents. Until now.

Starting in 2012, the Foundation will begin work on a second radio station - 89.9 KXIR - doubling the local public radio services available to listeners in Snohomish and Island county.

With this new frequency, combined with on-demand, mobile and internet channels, the Foundation will give North Sound residents the choice of the public radio format they want, when they want, wherever they want, in the medium of their choice.

As the Foundation begins its third decade, our community faces unprecedented challenges. Now more than ever, people in our region need the trustworthy, independent local voice that only public radio stations like KSER can provide. To meet those needs in the years ahead, the KSER Foundation has outlined a long-range plan to provide non-commercial, educational radio services that will inform, inspire and connect you to your community and the world.

To do so, the KSER Foundation has received permission from the FCC to begin construction of a second radio station to serve listeners in our region. At 89.9 FM, the new transmitter will be located in the city of Freeland on Whidbey Island and provide improved coverage to listeners in 5 counties – Snohomish, Island, Jefferson, South Skagit and North King County.

The Foundation will continue to operate 90.7 FM, but over time, we will divide the mix of music and news programming currently heard on KSER between the two single-format stations, giving listeners a choice between All-Music on 89.9 or weekdaynNews on 90.7 FM. Combined with on-demand internet streaming, podcasting, and mobile applications, the Foundation will provide programming that meets the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s media users.

Operational plan

Phase 1

• Build new transmitter, tower and antenna on Whidbey Island
• Launch 89.9 as a translator for KSER
• Same mix of music/news as current

Phase 2

• Build 2nd studio at KSER in Everett
• Hire additional music department staff
• Launch an all-music webstream on kxir.org and kser.org

Phase 3

• Pre-debut marketing of “All-Music Eighty Nine Nine”
• Launch All-Music schedule on KXIR
• Move Sunlit Room to KXIR
• Replace Sunlit Room on KSER with public affairs programming
• Evening and weekend programming on KSER stays the same

What will I hear?

• Talented DJs creating a brilliant 24/7 mix of music. From Billie Holliday to Bill Frisell, Jackson Brown to Jack Johnson, Doctor John to Doc Watson, you’ll hear the classics and you'll hear cutting edge indie and alternative rock, Americana, Blues, folk, jazz, R&B, local and World music.
• Exciting live performances, artist interviews, concert info, and local events promotion
• Trusted local voices, bringing you the highest quality music mix on the radio dial
• Knowledgeable, professional and volunteer hosts
• Local music, arts and culture, highlighting the best of the Snohomish and Island county arts scene
• Connection with local audience and community
• Excellence in production values
• NO commercials

What need does that fill?

• Listeners in the North Puget Sound want a radio station that connects them to the best in local music, arts, and culture. We learned this from numerous focus-groups, listener feedback, arts organizations, and local performing artists.
• Remember your friend who made all those great mix-tapes for you? Music lovers want more than just a computerized playlist - they want a real, talented music guide they can trust.
• There are NO local music arts, or news radio stations located in Snohomish County
• Population growth and the transportations issues will motivate Snohomish County and Island County to become self-sufficient in providing for their cultural, recreational, and community needs. KXIR will be instrumental in supporting those institutions.

What will make KXIR successful?

• We have a well-known brand and a track-record of financial success and audience growth
• Public radio is a highly valued, trusted institution across the country, and we share that reputation
• Comparable stations in similar markets are successful in generating sufficient audience and funding for sustained, quality service
• Market opportunity is large – there are only two English-language broadcasters licensed in Snohomish County - KONG TV and KRKO AM - and two broadcaster in Island County – KWDB AM and KWPA FM
• Seattle-based media has little interest in focusing on Snohomish or Island County. Big media also have little interest or ability to tap small markets
• Support for local arts and culture is growing in Snohomish and Island Counties

What will it cost?

• $500,000 to build
• For the first 1-2 years, $15,000 to operate annually as a translator
• $65,000 annually as an all-music station for the first 1-2 years

Why should I support it?

• If you love great music and hate commercials
• If you want arts, music, and culture to thrive in our community
• If you understand the benefits the Arts bring to the community, then…

KXIR is for you!