C89.5 / KNHC Public Radio Association

Mission

c89.5 is a nonprofit, listener-supported public radio station that celebrates diversity in our community with high-energy dance music and provides career-connected learning opportunities for students in our high school program.

Description

c89.5 is a self-supporting division of the Seattle Public School district, operated by professional adult staff and students in the electronic media program at Nathan Hale High School. The station is almost entirely self-funded: over 87% of operating revenue comes from listener donations and local businesses. 

Our students gain practical experience in digital media production, radio programming, and professional on-air presentation. Many of our alumni have gone on to careers in journalism, radio, television, and digital media.

Over 150,000 listeners throughout Puget Sound tune to c89.5 every week for a diverse range of music celebrating individual differences and focusing on the joy in life. The station is a world-wide leader in dance music, monitored by Neilsen and by MediaBase, and one of eight stations tracked for the Billboard Dance chart. c89.5 has won numerous awards and is recognized as an influential radio station on the cutting-edge of dance music as well as a premier high school broadcast facility.

Celebrating 50 years of commercial-free, public broadcasting in 2021, c89.5 continued success is a testament to the positive impact of our service on students and our community.

Recognition

Board profile: James McKenna.
Bill Nye the Science Guy might never have made it big if not for c89.5. The hic PBS series was the creation of Nye, c89.5 alum James McKenna and his partner Erren Gottlieb. McKenna credits his years at c89.5 for his start in broadcasting: "I discovered c89.5 when I was in 9th grade and ended up virtually living at the station. My radio teacher got me my first job in radio. A few years later I'm a young producer on a comedy series called Almost Live! That's where I met Bill and Erren and the rest is history." McKenna's love of c89.5 endures. Now a member of our Board of Directors, James works to pass those opportunities along to the next generation."Throughout my career, from the Science Guy, to our Biz Kid$ series on financial literacy, I've had the good fortune to create media that educates and inspires young people. None of that would have happened without c89.5, literally, and that is why I'm such a huge supporter to this day."

Student profile: Moni.
"I'm Moni - a high spirited, goofy, giggly, first generation US Citizen. 'Advanced Radio' was my go-to place to hang out, help out and gain experience. Without the class, I doubt I'd be as encouraged and ready for a new path as I am now. Although it seems odd, I was once incredibly shy and had a hard time figuring out what to do with my future. Thankfully, I've had guidance at c89.5! The fact is, radio has helped me a lot. It's a platform where I'm able to express my dorky self and feel at home. When everything seemed unbearable and I was struggling to keep myself afloat, I had one secure place where I knew I could be myself and be supported. All thanks to c89.5!"

Donor Testimonials:
"I love what this station does for the kids, the community and its listeners! You guys are awesome - and oh yeah, the music is amazing too of course!!" - Rachel, in Lynnwood.
"I love c89.5! Thank you for all you do for the electronic music community!" - Flo, in Poulsbo.
"Thank you for being a constant stream of love and sunshine on our radio. XOXO." - Mallory, in Seattle
"As a trans person I specifically want to thank you for vocally supporting my community." - Anonymous, in Renton.