Classical KING

Our Mission

Classical KING will actively grow, diversify, and enrich the love of classical music in our community.

Our Vision

Expand our diverse community of listeners, performers, and supporters who understand and benefit from the powerful impact of classical music and the arts in our region.

Our Values

• Classical music should be accessible to all
• The arts are a critical component of every vibrant city
• K-12 arts education is necessary to develop creativity, innovation, and lifelong appreciation of the arts
• Fiscally-responsible planning is necessary to achieve our vision

About Classical KING

Classical KING serves a diverse audience of classical music lovers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In addition, the station services as a catalyst for the entire arts community as the primary resource for attracting and developing new audiences for classical music. The station has a profound reach:

• 250,000 weekly radio listeners
• Ranks in the top 5 most popular radio stations in the Seattle/Tacoma market
• 100,000 regularly stream Classical KING
• 50+ broadcasts of local concerts from performing partners each year
• 40+ live studio performances annually
• 98% locally created content

Classical KING delivers a distinctive, community‑centered classical music service through three continuous channels: Classical KING, Classical Calm, and Classical Christmas. Everything the station offers is available free of charge on 98.1 FM radio which reaches all of the Puget Sound region as well as most of Western Washington and lower British Columbia. Streaming is available anywhere, anytime online through apps, smart speakers, and numerous digital platforms – this digital audience is growing exponentially.

The station’s programming is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, built through longstanding partnerships with local arts organizations, musicians, and cultural institutions. Classical KING shines a light on local artists and live music experiences through its curated playlist, thematic shows like “Local Lunch,” broadcast concerts, and robust promotion of arts activities throughout the region. Guided by its commitment to diversity, the station’s programming amplifies underrepresented voices, reaches audiences often excluded from traditional arts spaces, and works diligently to reflect and serve the full breadth of the community.

In addition to creating programming that offers everyone in the region an opportunity to make classical music and the arts a part of daily life, Classical KING partners with arts and culture organizations of all size and scope in the region. We offer broadcast performances of local concerts as well as an opportunity for local musicians to perform on our signature Friday evening program Northwest Focus LIVE. The Northwest Focus Concert Calendar offers listeners the opportunity to learn more about concerts and events to encourage them to deepen their involvement with classical music and the arts by attending and supporting the excellent performing organizations the region boasts.

We are proud of the rich history of the station, which was founded by broadcasting pioneer Dorothy Stimson Bullitt in 1948. After Dorothy’s death, her daughters Patsy Bullitt Collins and Harriet Bullitt donated the station to a nonprofit to ensure the station continued to serve the region. Their concept was that the community would support the station going forward. Classical KING operated as a commercial classical station until 2011 when it became a classical public radio station.

The station is an independent nonprofit, and its operations are entirely supported by listener supporters, local foundation and government grants, and sponsors. Classical KING is co-located with Seattle Opera at Seattle Center, the cultural heart of the Pacific Northwest. With the largest reach, the most diverse audience, and the fewest barriers to access, Classical KING is a singular community asset.