KCMU records, 1971-1992

Overview of the Collection

Creator
KCMU-FM (Seattle, Wash.)
Title
KCMU records
Dates
1971-1992 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.47 cubic feet (2 boxes)
Collection Number
UW Resource No. 00141 (Accession No. 91-187)
Summary
Records of the Seattle radio station that began at the University of Washington
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Access to portions of the collection is restricted. Contact University of Washington Libraries Special Collections for details.

Request at UW

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

In 1972 four University of Washington students launched KCMU from a tiny space in the basement of the Communications Building, using a 10-watt transmitter at 90.5 FM atop McMahon Hall. In 1981 UW budget cuts led to KCMU becoming a community supported, listener powered station. The next year increased wattage meant listeners could hear KCMU outside the University District for the first time. KCMU forged the musical philosophy and programming focus that defined them, adding hip hop, roots, blues, contemporary global music, reggae, jazz, grunge and more to its lineup. KCMU relocated its transmitter to Capitol Hill in '86, so that listeners as far as 15 miles away could pick up the signal. In 2000 KCMU moved to Kane Hall, and the following year they became KEXP, renamed after a gift from Seattle's Experience Music Project.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Correspondence, meeting and committee minutes, budget and financial files, policies, constitutions, charters, forms, applications, music play-lists, broadcasting schedules, clippings of KCMU, formerly known as KPMG, a Seattle radio station that began at the University of Washington.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Public Records—not subject to copyright. Copying, quotation, publication and other uses are unrestricted if records are open for public release.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Tom Mara, September 18, 1991.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1 Correspondence
2 folders
1982-1985
1 Underwriting Information 1981-1986
1 Fundraising Policy 1980-1983
1 Revenue and Expenditures 1986-1987
1 Status of Funds 1986-1987
1 Board Notes - Budget 1984-1986
1 Board Minutes
2 folders
1982, 1986
1 Constitution Committee
5 folders
1984-1985
1 Constitution and Charter Committees Materials 1971-1984
1 Operational Policy Development
Includes materials from when KCMU was known as KPMG.
1971-1987
1 Listener Letters 1979-1987
2 Volunteer Agreements
Restricted
1988-1992
2 Internship Agreements
Restricted
1982-1983
2 Personnel Actions
Restricted
1981-1984

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Public radio--Washington (State)--Seattle--History--Sources
  • Radio stations--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives
  • Radio stations--Washington (State)--Seattle--History--Sources
  • University Archives/Faculty Papers (University of Washington)

Corporate Names

  • KCMU-FM (Seattle, Wash.)--Archives

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • University of Washington. University Archives