KOOL milestone: Spokane oldies radio station gets a new license for life – Mon, 03 Nov 2025 PST

Key Takeaways:

• KEWU 89.5 FM, a Cheney jazz station, has closed
• KOOL is an oldies station in Spokane
• KOOL secured a new license for life
• KEWU’s closure saddened many jazz devotees
• Another nonprofit radio operation stands to benefit from the transition

Setting the Scene

The closure of Cheney-based KEWU 89.5 FM brought a wave of disappointment to jazz aficionados across the Spokane area. “The demise of Cheney jazz station, KEWU 89.5 FM, saddened many,” the original announcement noted, calling an end to a cherished local tradition.

KOOL’s New Milestone

While one historic broadcast era concluded, a new opportunity emerged for KOOL, Spokane’s oldies station. As stated in the story, “KOOL milestone: Spokane oldies radio station gets a new license for life.” This development has drawn attention to the resilience of community-based radio, ensuring its timeless tunes continue to resonate.

A Boost for Nonprofit Radio

The transition has sparked hope for another nonprofit radio operation looking to fill the void left by KEWU. With the oldies station moving forward, it highlights how local radio can adapt to changing conditions while maintaining its core mission of entertaining and informing the community.

Community Reaction

Though many jazz lovers lament the end of one era, they also recognize the value in sustaining diverse programming on the airwaves. Fans recall how KEWU kept the jazz spirit alive, and while the station may be gone, the hope is that KOOL’s presence can channel that same sense of community engagement.

Looking Ahead

By embracing this newfound license, KOOL stands as an example of how local stations can preserve beloved musical genres and continue serving listeners. In doing so, it represents a beacon for other nonprofit outlets seeking to keep cherished music alive.

Through sadness over the demise of a jazz staple, Spokane’s radio community has found reason to celebrate, as KOOL moves forward with a renewed chance to bring oldies hits to loyal audiences for years to come.