The Great Seattle Radio Flip-Flop: The Saga of KPNW (or Should We Call it The Bull That Came Back?)
Remember that ex you just couldn't quit? The one you swore you were over, then BAM! They're back with a cheesy grin and a karaoke rendition of your favorite break-up song? Well, Seattle radio listeners experienced a similar emotional rollercoaster recently with KPNW, or should we say, The Bull 98.9.
From Alternative to "yeehaw!": A Brief History of KPNW's Identity Crisis
KPNW, or 98.9 The Bull as it was known for years, was a country music haven for Seattle listeners. But in February 2023, the station decided to trade in its Stetsons for skinny jeans, flipping to an adult alternative format. It was a bold move, like trying to two-step in Doc Martens.
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For a blissful year, Seattle's airwaves were filled with indie rock and classic hits. But then, something udderly unexpected happened...
April Fools? Nope! The Bull is Back in Town (Literally)
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On April 1st, 2024, KPNW threw a curveball that would make even the smoothest slider jealous. After playing R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It," the station did a 180 and reverted back to country music! Was it an elaborate April Fool's Day prank? Nope! Apparently, listener demand (and maybe a hankering for some good ol' country twang) brought The Bull back to the pasture.
So, what does this all mean for Seattle radio listeners?
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Well, buckle up for a country music showdown! With both KPNW and Star 101.5 (now Hank FM) playing country tunes, the competition is heating up. Get ready for some epic line dancing battles and debates over the best Garth Brooks song.
How to Navigate the New Country Music Landscape in Seattle
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Here are some burning questions you might have:
- How to find The Bull? Tune in to 98.9 FM or search for "The Bull 98.9" on your favorite radio app.
- How to find Hank FM? Dial in to 101.5 FM or search for "Hank FM" on your radio app.
- How to decide which station to listen to? It all depends on your preference! Do you like classic country hits or a more contemporary sound?
- How to avoid a country music overload? Don't worry, there are still plenty of other stations playing different genres in Seattle!
- How to two-step? That's a whole other story. Maybe YouTube some instructional videos before hitting the dance floor!
So there you have it, folks! The saga of KPNW, a cautionary tale of radio format changes and a reminder that sometimes, the past just won't stay put. Now, grab your cowboy hat (or whatever your country music attire of choice is) and get ready to enjoy the ride!
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