The Friends of KING.org is an origination that supports Beethoven, a nonprofit cooperation. The mission of Beethoven is to support the appreciation and performance of operatic, symphonic and chamber music. This is accomplished by broadcasting the classical music you love on 98.1 Classical KING FM and over the Internet.
Click here to become a member, renew your membership or donate.
KING-FM, a commercial radio station, makes substantial annual contributions to the arts in the Puget Sound region, thanks to an unparalleled ownership arrangement created by the Bullitt family. Legendary broadcaster Dorothy Bullitt created KING-FM in 1948 specifically to bring classical music to the Northwest. That visionary act was just one of many achievements that marked her leadership of King Broadcasting Company, where she served the public through excellence in radio and television until she died in 1989.
The ownership of King Broadcasting Company passed to her daughters, Priscilla Collins and Harriet Bullitt upon her death. They decided in 1992 to sell most of the holdings of King Broadcasting and devote themselves to philanthropy. Because the sale of KING-FM might have jeopardized the future of classical music on the radio in the Seattle-Tacoma market, however, they put KING-FM under the control of a newly-created company, Classic Radio, Inc., which is the present licensee of KING-FM. In turn, they donated their shares in that for-profit company to Beethoven, a nonprofit corporation.
Today KING FM carries forward this tradition of service in multiple ways.
"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
