OPS Purchases of KEWU (89.5) in Spokane from EWU

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, February 24, 2025 | 7:41pm CT

Oldies Preservation Society (OPS)

The Oldies Preservation Society (OPS) has reached an agreement with Eastern Washington University (EWU) to acquire its non-commercial FM station KEWU-FM (89.5) for $510,000. The deal will displace its current Jazz format.

OPS, known for its dedication to preserving classic rock and roll music, currently operates KPKL-FM (KOOL 107.1 FM), featuring a mix of artists from the 1950s through the 1980s, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Motown, Billy Joel, and The Eagles. These artists will now be featured on KEWU as well.

"The KOOL Oldies format is like a museum of great music from the 50's to the 80's, including vintage commercials & the catchy theme songs of old TV shows," said OPS Board Member Bob Anthony Fogal. "OPS plans to continue to serve our local community from 89.5FM as KEWU has done now for nearly 75 years."

The sale has been well received by the broadcasting community. Keith Shipman, President of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters, called the acquisition "a huge victory for local broadcasting." He added, "Bob Anthony and his team at KOOL 1071 have served the Inland Empire sensationally through the years and will be great stewards of the 89.5 frequency."

OPS plans to transition its KOOL Oldies format to KEWU's stronger signal, which covers a larger area and reaches more than twice the number of listeners. The station will operate as a Community and Listener-supported entity, ensuring long-term sustainability for the format.

"KEWU has long been a source of pride and connection for Eastern Washington University and its listeners," said EWU President Shari McMahan. "Our agreement with the Oldies Preservation Society ensures that the station's legacy will live on through their dedication to classic music."

As part of the transition, KEWU's extensive jazz music library has been donated to Spokane Public Radio. "Radio works best when it's locally owned and operated," said John Decker, President and General Manager of Spokane Public Radio. "I'm happy to hear 89.5 ownership is staying in the community."

Although KEWU's jazz format will be discontinued, OPS has expressed support for ensuring jazz programming remains available in Spokane. "It's my hope that the Jazz music format will gain a new home here in Spokane," said Fogal. "Wherever Jazz lands on the radio dial, we at OPS are committed to letting our many listeners know where they can find it."