About KUOW
The mission of KUOW is to create and serve an informed public, one challenged and invigorated by an understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.
To accomplish our mission, KUOW:
- produces and acquires programming that meets the highest standards of journalism, cultural expression and entertainment
- seeks advice and guidance from the community
- provides a workplace that values professional growth, experimentation and cultural diversity
- utilizes state-of-the-art communication technologies
The fundamental values that guide our mission are:
- respect for the intelligence of our listeners
- relevance to the local community
- accuracy, thoroughness and fairness in reporting
- creative use of sound to engage the intelligence, curiosity and imagination of listeners
- innovation
- non-commercial operation
Governance & Operations
KUOW serves communities in the Puget Sound region, Western Washington and Southern British Columbia. The station is operated by KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio (PSPR) under an agreement with the University of Washington, KUOW's licensee. PSPR was established in 1999 and is a private, non-profit corporation governed by a community board.
More than 89% of KUOW's applied revenue comes from individual and business support while the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the University of Washington provide 9%. The station employs 61 full-time employees, plus freelance reporters, part-time staff, interns and work-study students. Donor information, intern opportunities and employment opportunities are available on our website.
KUOW is a founding member of National Public Radio (NPR), an affiliate of Public Radio International (PRI), American Public Media (APM), Public Radio Exchange (PRX), The Northwest News Network (N3) and a member of the Associated Press (AP).
Service Area
KUOW's 94.9FM analog and HD Radio signals broadcast from Seattle's Capitol Hill with a power of 100,000 watts. KUOW 94.9FM also broadcasts from an FM translator in Bellingham, WA and can be heard on 90.3FM. KUOW FM is simulcast on KUOW 1340 AM and serves Olympia and other communities in Thurston and Pierce Counties from our AM transmitter in Tumwater, WA.
KUOW provides live streaming of 94.9FM programming and more great public radio programs on KXOT.
Audio archives and podcasts of KUOW-produced programs and local and regional news from KUOW and the Northwest News Network (N3) are also available online.
Broadcast Center
KUOW built a new broadcast center in Seattle's University District in 1999. The station's major investment in this studio and office space reflects a continuing commitment to high quality, locally produced public-service programming. The $5 million project was financed by listener contributions and tax-exempt bonds.
For more information, email us or call 206.543.2710.
