SEEDArts Celebrates Capital Campaign and Radio Station Construction
Seattle, WA — SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) and SEEDArts are pleased to share progress on Rainier Valley Radio | KVRU. SEEDArts has finished construction of the radio station studio, has almost completed its capital campaign, and has raised sufficient funds to launch the FM signal.
The mission of Rainier Valley Radio is to inform, educate, and entertain through locally created and community-supported programming. SEEDArts began working to build this local radio station four years ago. SEED applied for a low-power FM license, received an FCC construction permit, and formed a Radio Leadership Council of community representatives to help direct the project.
“I am very excited about this new radio station, which will provide a real voice for one of the most diverse neighborhood in Seattle. I look forward to listening to all of the new programs that will be created by people in this community,” said Jon Kertzer, Radio Leadership Council member.
Acquisition and installation of the antenna and all broadcasting and streaming equipment is in progress; testing will begin in July. Broadcasting at 105.7 FM and streaming at KVRU.org will begin in September. KVRU has posted a request for program proposals and is eager to receive ideas from community members.
SEEDArts has raised nearly $400,000 and is grateful to the organizations and individuals who have donated time and money to help make Rainier Valley Radio a reality. Special thanks to the following: 4Culture, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, Seattle Department of Community Technology, Norcliffe Foundation, Nesholm Family Foundation, Pacific Northern Construction, Lucky 7 Foundation, Seattle Foundation Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, Seattle Rotary Foundation.
“The completion of the studio construction is a major milestone for us. We are now moving forward to launch the station in September and we look forward to working with the community to grow Southeast Seattle’s new radio station,” said Lance Randall, KVRU Project Manager.