KJEM 10th Anniversary

KJEM's 10th Anniversary

Celebrating 10 Years of Jazz Music and Student Experiences

KJEM 89.9 FM, the Jazz Gem of the Palouse, embodies the enduring legacy of the McCaw family, pioneers in the world of telecommunications and media. KJEM first went on the air on November 1st, 2013, with major donor Bruce McCaw honoring his father, J. Elroy McCaw whose initials are incorporated into the station’s call letters. McCaw chose Big Mo by the Bud Shank Sextet and Stardust by Artie Shaw as the first jazz pieces to air on KJEM.  The radio station has been a valuable resource for students at Washington State University for hands-on broadcasting experience. Many students learn broadcasting operations and announcing skills that will help them in any career path they take.

In 2021, the jazz service of Northwest Public Broadcasting welcomed KOHO 101.1 FM in Leavenworth/Wenatchee under a broadcasting management agreement. This made the reach of jazz in the Northwest broader. As we celebrate KJEM’s 10th birthday, we also celebrate the enduring art of jazz!

2022–2023

Jazz Student Workers

Students from any major at Washington State University are welcome to learn about and work in broadcasting under the guidance of Northwest Public Broadcasting staff. They help enter albums into the digital library, learning about artists and songs and guide music acquisition. They write and voice liners for air and help navigate the automation system of the radio station. Depending on the time students can dedicate to their KJEM experience, some have created video content, recorded concerts, and hosted their own shows.

Wynter Barnette, Senior

Fun Fact: I have six stick and poke tattoos.

Rogan Tinsley, Senior

Fun Fact: I play many different types of nose flutes from around the world.

Nolan Hanna, Junior

Fun fact: I love collecting and learning to play new instruments, and I play in various ensembles.

Malachi Trimble, Senior

Fun Fact: My blood type changed after a bone marrow transplant.

Caden Blessing, Senior

Fun fact: I am an avid Nickelback lover

KJEM's First Sign On

KJEM audio board on air

On November 1st, 2013 the signal that has brought so much joy to audiences signed on with Bruce McCaw talking about his father and the love of jazz. He chose two songs as the first aired on KJEM, Big Mo by the Bud Shank Sextet and Stardust by Artie Shaw.

A Look at Past Students and Events

A photo archive of students and activities of past jazz-related events shows the vibrant history of NWPB’s KJEM jazz service, capturing the essence of its evolution and the passion of those who have contributed to its enduring legacy.

About KJEM 

J. Elroy McCaw

J. Elroy McCaw Portrait

KJEM’s call letters are the initial of J. Elroy McCaw, owner of several major market radio and TV stations in the U.S. He had many holdings in Washington State. His son, Bruce McCaw, helped establish the KJEM station to provide jazz to communities and give students broadcasting experience.

J. Elroy McCaw at KELA, ca. 1937.

Elroy McCaw at KELA