There are a number of ways to listen
to the great music you hear on KING FM!
FM Radio
KING FM has been broadcasting locally at 98.1MHz on the FM dial since May 21, 1948. Our broadcast transmitter is located on West Tiger Mountain near Issaquah, WA (Latitude: 27, 30,16,21 N Longitude: 121,58,33, 5 W). Due to the area's hilly terrain, some radio receivers need additional antenna support:
For table or portable radios try re-positioning the radio or antenna orientation toward the KING FM transmitter location.
For home stereos that have a hookup for an external antenna there are several types of external antennas. An indoor Dipole antenna is very inexpensive (less than $5.00), and can be positioned on an interior wall in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. When horizontally mounted the broad side of the antenna should be directed towards the KING FM transmitter. Try moving the antenna around for a clearer signal. A set of TV rabbit ears also can work well as a simple dipole antenna.
Other antennas include powered plug-in models that provide greater reception gain as well as some signal amplification, and range between $15.00 and $50.00.
Internet
KING FM has been streaming on the Internet since December, 1995. Streaming media is a wonderful way to take great classical music to work, as the stream feeds are available on your computer via an Internet connection. You can listen to KING FM with the Windows Media player on a 32kbps (kilo bit per second) stream - or with the Abacast plug-in module on a 64kbps stream. Both the Windows Media player and the Abacast plug-in are available as a free download. Click here to begin streaming KING FM right now.
Cable Television
KING FM is now being offered in digital quality throughout most of Western Washington by Comcast Cable. If you subscribe to Comcast Digital Cable - you're already good to go! Tune your Digital Cable Set-Top Box to digital channel 986, and you can listen to great classical music through your television. And with a simple audio connection from your digital set-top box to your home stereo amplifier - KING FM never sounded so good. This is especially true for listeners residing away from the Seattle area, or in those hilly, reception-challenged areas. If you do not currently subscribe to digital cable, a set-top box can be leased for about $1 per month. Click here to find out if KING FM is available on your cable television system.
High Definition
KING FM is broadcasting locally in glorious CD quality, high definition digital radio. HD digital radio is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables KING FM to broadcast our programs digitally - while providing a tremendous technological leap from our current analog broadcast. Click here to find out more about high definition radio.
Enhancing a Community Treasure
"KING FM continues to be a great supporter of the arts community. Of course, they play great music which supports the audience that cares about classical music. They also reach out into the community and are a presence at cultural events throughout the Pacific Northwest. KING FM supports our cultural institutions in a very personal way and is a constant reminder of the great strength of our music community in Seattle."
Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony, Music Director "The decision for KING FM to move to a listener-supporter format is cause for celebration! This critical step in the station’s evolution proves once again that KING FM has its finger on the pulse of classical music supporters and enthusiasts, locally and globally. Moreover KING’s new mission and strategy will better connect arts organizations and the public through a keen focus on music education and local arts/cultural activities which will contribute greatly to the survival of classical music – an incredible achievement. Drum rolls please for KING FM, its founders, management and staff! Bravissimi!
Lisa Bergman, Executive Director, Icicle Creek Music Center
"Fortunately, King owners have an innovative board, whose members are committed to keeping classical music on the air in Seattle. They really care. I care, and if my sister Patsy were alive today, we’d be together supporting the board’s new plan for restructuring a revenue stream for Classic King. Station operations will be listener-supported. Instead of buying products to validate advertising income for the station, local listeners will have the opportunity to sponsor the broadcasts directly. It makes sense. Listener loyalty is long-lived and local financial commitment will insure that our beloved King will broadcast classical music as long as it serves the community."
Harriet Bullitt
"I’m very excited that KING is making the transition to a listener-supported station. KING has a long history of excellence in producing classical music and arts programming and this transition will ensure that KING continues to be a beacon for classical music into the future. Seattle is one of the strongest public radio markets in the country and I am 100% confident that the KING’s transition will be a tremendous success.."
Brenda Barnes, President, KUSC
"KING FM has been the radio source for classical music in our region for many decades. Seattle Chamber Music Society has enjoyed a very long collaboration with KING FM and its live broadcasts of our Summer and Winter Festival concerts. Thanks to KING FM, thousands of listeners hear our great chamber music programs each night. We look forward to continuing our partnership as KING FM becomes a listener-supported radio station and maintains its commitment to the local classical music scene. We wish KING FM and its listeners many more years of great music on air, and on the internet."
Connie Cooper, Executive Director Seattle Chamber Music Society
