Radio Station Information

98.9 The Bull

KPNW 98.9 FM

City of License:
Seattle, WA

Format:
Country

Owner:
Hubbard Radio (Seattle Fcc License Sub, LLC)

KPNW is an FM radio station broadcasting at 98.9 MHz. The station is licensed to Seattle, WA and is part of the Seattle-Tacoma, WA radio market. The station broadcasts Country music programming and goes by the name "98.9 The Bull" on the air. KPNW is owned by Hubbard Radio.

History:
In December 2010 Smooth Jazz 98.9 became Modern AC station Click 98.9.
In March 2016 the station flipped to a modern rock format.

Station Coverage Map

KPNW-FM Coverage Map

Most Played Artist

Broken Bells, Neon Trees, Florence & The Machine, The Black Keys, Metric, Kings Of Leon, Maroon 5, Pink, OneRepublic, Phoenix, Green Day, Coldplay, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sara Bareilles, Mumford & Sons, Mike Posner, Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Cake, The Dirty Edge

Nearby Radio Stations

KZOK 102.5 FM, 94.1 The Sound, MOViN 92.5, 96.5 Jack FM, 106.1 KISS FM, Classical KING FM 98.1, The End 107.7, KIRO News Talk 97.3, KISW Rock 99.9 FM, Hot 103.7

Co-Owned Radio Stations in Seattle-Tacoma, WA

KIXI 880 AM, Alternative Talk 1150, MOViN 92.5

Listener Comments and Reviews

Wow! Just driving up back to Seattle from Oregon, pressing search on the radio for tunes-stopped for a song I liked, and I liked the next one, and the next one and so on. Noticed 98.9 and was like- hey when did they change genre? Al I can say is you are my #1 saved channel on the dial. So happy to have found you! I like it!
By: Angela on December 31, 2010

I am very disappointed that KWJZ changed genres! It is the only "smooth jazz" station in Seattle and I know it has a niche. Why was this station changed without any notice to it's listeners? Why was the genre changed? I would like to encourage Sandusky, Orca radio, or whoever makes these decisions to bring back the unique station we had. Please let me, and all the loyal listeners know what happened, and how it can be changed!
By: Ellen on December 31, 2010

I can't believe you turned KWJZ into Click 98.9.... truly garbage in my book. Isn't there enough "noise" in the world without taking away our smooth jazz? It's a pretty sad day in Seattle.
By: BWH on December 31, 2010

Played the same song 4 times now! It's a good song but come on. I want my jazz back and not the same 20 songs every hour.
By: Anna on December 31, 2010

Please elaborate on what makes the new format any different from a variety of existing stations on the dial? You've lost me as a listener - hope your advertisers recognize that the younger folks don't generally have much in the way of disposable income to burn. What a complete waste.
By: Kate on December 31, 2010

BRING BACK THE SMOOTH JAZZ MUSIC,it was nice music for a hectic world. You had plenty of listeners you just needed to play more new music not the same old stuff. The music your playing now makes me feel more stressed out.
By: Baukti on January 1, 2011

Truly a sad time: Sandusky robs Seattle of it's only contemporary jazz station and gives us more of the same stuff that we can already find 2 or 3 other places on the dial. My wife and I are boycotting the other Sandusky channels; you've lost our listenership at 92.5 and 106.9 now as well!
By: Eshmoe on January 1, 2011

Where or where did the most wonderful station-- playing contemporary Jazz-- go???? What are you thinking? You have lost many faithful listeners, including me. the new venue is tiresome and harsh in comparison--please bring back the wonderful and only jazz station in our area.
By: Julia on January 1, 2011

As stated on many blogs and sites, a huge loss to Seattle. Smooth Jazz introduced the audience to a wide variety of artists over the years - greats like Grover Washington, Waymnan Tisdale, Bonny James, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun (to name a few). Even though I an now middle aged, I introduced my sons and daughter to the genre of this format. I even found that they had programmed 98.9 on their radios. Walking up to smooth jazz, listening to the music during the work day, and going to sleep by melodically produced by the artists made for a great day. Lately, until they changed the format, I'd noticed more commercials and more repetition in the playlists. The summer Smooth Jazz festivals were always a pleasant event to attend, usually held at the beautiful Ste. Michelle's Winery. Even though I enjoy old and new rock, I like the sound of the sax and the music produced by the artists and bands of the Smooth Jazz genre. My condolences to 98.9 KWJZ Smooth Jazz (I seriously don't think the new format will be successful, especially with so many other competing stations playing the same playlists/genre of music and having better DJs). I've found other Smooth Jazz stations on-line that will be my daytime Smooth Jazz music source, but my morning and bedtime source will need to wait till I acquire a wi-fi radio and pick up these on-line sources.
By: Wayne on January 2, 2011

I agree with many of the statements previously made. There were a few songs & talents that were played to death, but it was the only 'smooth jazz' station I knew of. I wish they would have played Kurt Elling as much as David Sanborn, but another pop station just further saturates an already noisy market. I would typically say may this station R.I.P. but instead, may smooth jazz not quietly go into the night...
By: Richard on January 2, 2011

It's a sad day.... good thing I have an MP3 player because I'm not tuning in to this garbage.
By: Michael Cailao on January 3, 2011

Such a disappointment! I will never listen to the garbage on 98.9. Bring back Smooth Jazz.
By: Steve on January 3, 2011

I was very upset after turning on the radio when i got to work sunday and hearing this "modern music" Now im stuck listening to talk radio- Bring back the smooth!
By: Shanna on January 3, 2011

I am very disappointed that a once original and easy listening Jazz station was replaced with the same annoying junk every other station plays. BRING BACK JAZZ.
By: C. A. on January 4, 2011

I was very shocked when I tuned into Smooth Jazz 98.9 and found it had changed. It was the music that got me through the day at work, plus what I listened to when driving home after a hectic day. I'd just get in the slow lane and go, listening to calming music. It kept road rage at bay. Seriously. Please bring it back. We can get the music "Click" plays on many of the other radio stations.
By: Judi A. on January 4, 2011

You people really make others say you all suck for ridding the entire Jazz in to the ditch! To be heard no more and with out any remorse. Premeditated move on your part and there is NO reason for this move. Fricken buy another station and put the crap on it. There are a host of people who like CRAP to listen too. Then there are those who understand the depth of real music, and the deep parts from where it comes. All this other stuff is nothing but now music that has no history and depth. Please reconsider!
By: Rosanne on January 4, 2011

What a disappointment to remove the only Smooth Jazz station in the area. I feel I have lost a good friend. The music on Click is so annoying and the other stations just don't cut it. It is sad to think that Sattelite radio may be the only option. The concerts at the winery were great. I hope you can bring the Smooth Jazz back very soon.
By: Carroll on January 4, 2011

I am so disappointed that we no longer have the Smooth Jazz line up. Why would you change the genre of the station just to sound like every other station on the radio? Smooth Jazz is something you can listen too when you want wind down , or stuck in traffic, of just to relax too. What were you people thinking about? Give me back my Smooth Jazz, please. Is that really too much to ask for?
By: Trinetta on January 5, 2011

Gee, thanks for the warning about KWJZ. How's it feel to have the power to upset so many peoples lives? I'd ask how you sleep at nite, but I'm sure have no problem.
By: Bob on January 5, 2011

No more smooth jazz for Seattle? Ouch! You have ruined my mother's life and this misery will surely be passed on to me now. How am I supposed to cope with this? Thanks a lot. All kidding aside, I did enjoy the old KWJZ and will miss their music and DJs. That's a real bummer.
By: Scott on January 6, 2011

I think I like it! Newer, fresher and I expect it will continue to evolve, unlike former listeners I suspect. Good Luck you big corp you.
By: Tony on January 6, 2011

Bring back the smooth jazz !! We want smooth jazz !!
By: Chris Backus on January 9, 2011

I really miss the jazz music--really wish it were back on the air.
By: Mark on January 10, 2011

I am so pissed...I have been a listener of smooth jazz for many many years..I've attened the festivals and I listened everyday..There's enough BS stations out there as it is..bring jazz back
By: Ms. J on January 10, 2011

You have lost and irritated another listener! Smooth jazz was a unique and valued place on the radio. BRING IT BACK!!! The current format overplays the same songs, and fails to improve the bland formats of similar Seattle stations.
By: Brandon C on January 10, 2011

I listened to and enjoyed KWJZ for several years... then it turned into a commercial for it's own website, playing our smooth jazz favorites sometimes, seemingly as a break from the website promotions. I loved the format, but wanted more music so I switched off the radio and turned on my fully-loaded iPOD. There's also an awesome smooth jazz station on the web (located in Phoenix) kyot.com Try it -- you'll love it!
By: Tammy R on January 10, 2011

So sad to have lost the jazz station. Heard many new, very talented artists on KWJZ that were not featured elsewhere. When will you bring back the jazz? The music now playing is the same or similar to all the other stations: loud, obnoxious, non-artistic, non-music, noisy, nerve-racking, and stress-inducing. So disappointment in your management and/or powers that decided to bring more irritating "so-called" music into our area
By: Chris on January 10, 2011

How can a station with an exclusive, unique and popular smooth jazz format fold up in a market this size? I doubt you can steal enough market share from the other dozen generic clones to succeed....
By: Craig on January 11, 2011

Please bring back the smooth jazz station. What a disappointment to the loyal listeners and fans.
By: Laura J. on January 11, 2011

Wow! I absolutely cannot believe what a horrible mistake you've made changing the format of Seattle's only jazz radio station to (yet another!) crap station that is just like all the other crap stations that only play crap music and actually, your new "venue" is probably worse. I cannot believe this was a good decision for your station. horrible, horrible mistake on your part. You lost tons of listeners, that's for darn sure. I would listen to KWJZ on the way home from work in the evening. would be such a nice ending to a hectic day and a great way to wind down! this is horrible. i hope your new station fails big time and that KWJZ is brought back full force!
By: Barb on January 11, 2011

this is a great lost to the Seattle area, what next! my wife and I planned most of our road trips around the music on the jazz channel. going up and down highway 101 from washington to orgeon.
By: CJ on January 12, 2011

I was a loyal fan and I hate this what ever you want to call it its not smooth its more chaotic than anything. What the world need is peace you could never get peace on the way home from work or any wheres else with this crap! Please bring back the smooth jazz station. What a disappointment to us loyal listeners and fans.
By: C Holmes on January 12, 2011

Wow, a lot of that "jazz" was crap. Yes, there was some good stuff but most of it was produced pop jazz and certainly gave it a bad name. I'm not sure calling a station that plays a lot of Dave Matthews Band crap is very educated. That being said I am very happy to have a station thats playing more dmb.
By: JA on January 12, 2011

Upon heading back to work after the holiday break I eagerly punched the preset for 98.9 and got an earful of junk; not the smooth jazz I had come to expect. I thought my radio was on the fritz or someone had messed with my presets. A check on the other buttons revealed that my presets were as I had left them and nothing was wrong with the radio but, how then do I explain this junk coming from 98.9? Whoever thought it a funny prank to replace the high quality jazz music we had come to know and love with this "me too" trash ha, ha, jokes over, not funny. Put the jazz back NOW! and keep you hands off the station.
By: Rob on January 12, 2011

Hang on folks......just the beginning......NPR is next and they play lots of good jazz. The congressional righties want to trim their budgets with OUR air waves. This is not a world class city. Little diversity in music. KPLU,KUOW,KMUN....send them the cost of a CD or MP3 download now and then and help to keep them funded. Boycott the sponsors of the garbage stations and their functions. Vote with your wallets.
By: Jaroca2 on January 13, 2011

MEGA disappointment - turning a NW staple into yet another run-of-the-mill krap-factory. Can only hope you respond to feedback in time to avoid imminent bankruptcy (at the very least you should get Sunday 'chill' with M. Abair back...)
By: roadkill on January 13, 2011

I am a Canadian listner and I am so disappointed that my favourite smooth jazz station is gone!!!! I have been listening to KWJZ for almost 10 years. The radio station was set on my car radio and I enjoyed the smooth and easy music on the way to work. Sometimes the station would come in a bit fuzzy but most of the time it was pretty clear. I thought that Seattle was pretty cool to have such a radio station like KWJZ. We do not have any smooth jazz stations in Vancouver, BC. Only CBC Radio would have some jazz programs which are only in the evenings. I hope sometime in the near future that you will bring this station back!! I am tired of the junk that is being played now over and over again on the airwaves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Natalya on January 14, 2011

Losing KWJZ is a true loss for the Seattle market. Thank you for years of great music. I'm turning off the radio, too much of the same kind of music.
By: Karla on January 14, 2011

I went to tune in after the holidays and found crap on my station. I am so upset!!!!! How can you take this station away from the thousands of loyal listeners. I will never listen to the new Genre. Bring back my Jazz.
By: Alice on January 15, 2011

Hi, I first heard Smooth Jazz in 1997 when I moved from Montreal to work with Boeing in Seattle. What a fabulous sound and concept! In 1999, through moves to Montreal until 2001, then back to Vancouver until 2006, then to Montreal until 2010, and now in Montpellier, France, Smooth Jazz was a constant companion on the Internet, except for the brief period required to resolve differences over royalty payments with the artists. You set an example by working this issue through successfully. I very much enjoyed the music and passed on the word to my friends. In addition to the quality programming, I will miss yet another part that identified Seattle. Boeing cut its historical roots with Seattle and moved their head office to Chicago, and now Smooth Jazz is gone, Into The Night. I find this quite sad.
By: Daragon on January 16, 2011

What have you all gone and done - do you think the only people out there that listen to radio are 20-30 years old? You took away great music and put on some garbage that I will never listen to - I have not had my radio in the car on since you did this and will not turn it back until you bring back the smooth jazz. Maybe you should have sent out a questionnaire to all of the KWJZ Smooth Jazz listeners and ask them what they thought.
By: Laura Grant on January 16, 2011

Bring back the smooth jazz! Seattle can't just be full of immature listeners. Looks like our only choice now is satellite radio. Thanks a lot!!
By: Ken on January 17, 2011

I'm 50 years old and I like the new music though a little more variety would be good! My 15 year old loved the Smooth Jazz so she's the one bummed that it changed. Go figure ;)
By: Capable C on January 18, 2011

I'll miss the flavour of Sunday music on KWJZ. I've tried listening to the new format, but it leaves me cold, and a little numb. Don't get me wrong, I love other formats, including rock - KZOK and KJR are favourites, but what's being played on Click just doesn't cut it. You've lost another listener. But then I guess it doesn't matter because from what I read about the new way of determining listenership I did count anyway.
By: Kyle on January 20, 2011

Why was KWJZ taken off the air? There were tons of listeners, doesn't make sense. There are already too many rock stations, we don't need anymore. The whole world doesn't revolve around rock and country!!!!! Why isn't there something on line stating what happened?? It really makes me mad when stations change and not ONE word is said about it!!!!
By: Karen Vincent on January 24, 2011

Hi, I found an Internet Smooth Jazz station out of Monterey Bay: http://smoothjazz.com It isn't the same, of course. KWJZ integrated very well into the Seattle community over many years. It's like losing a family member. TV executives talk of the 'Living Room' factor for a program: how welcome is a new program into your living room? KWJZ HAD repeat HAD a very high living room factor with me.
By: Daragon on January 24, 2011

This is the second time I have experienced this sort of slap in the face! In 1980 as a junior in high school in NYC we went from Pork Pie Hat to Country music on WRVR. I truly wept at the loss of quality smooth jazz. Thank goodness for my mp3 player. Now after NPR I have absolutely no reason to tune into Seattle radio. :^(
By: kwicarld on January 26, 2011

What are you thinking? Add another generic computerized format to replace a unique listening choice with a dedicated following. STUPID or just greedy. 98.9 is no longer a listening option for me, deleted it from my radio settings. Good job nimrod who made this decision.
By: Michelle on February 13, 2011

I listened to your smooth jazz station for many years while jogging. Smooth jazz has a good beat for running. I have loaded my small portable MP3 player with 300 smooth jazz tunes and have no use for your station now. Goodbye 98.9 for good, but thanks for those wonderful years.
By: Tom Roper on February 22, 2011

I've tried to listen once or twice, but the new format leaves me cold. Whoever decided the jazz format was wrong should be fired. I think it's notable that the click website does not have a comment feedback form- management would receive an earful! Bring back the smooth Jazz!!!
By: Richard on March 1, 2011

I believe the comment left by Angelina must really be someone who works for Click. I have had my radio button set to 98.9 for so many years but no longer. I can't imagine not having any more Smooth jazz sponsored events.
By: Sheryl on March 5, 2011

I simply can't tell you how MUCH I miss Smooth Jazz! I can't listen to the screamy, noisy, basically generic drivel that the station is playing now. It definitely does NOT 'click' with me at all.
By: Former Listener on March 9, 2011

Just got back to Tacoma.What happened here?Man I'm in a Daze!.The stuff thats played now is a joke.Bring back the Smooth Jazz!!!!!!
By: Anonymous on March 21, 2011

Almost 3 months of the new format and I am not satisfied at all! Forced to listen to online jazz on my Droid X. I will not tune in to 98.9 until Sandusky returns to true Smooth Jazz format. What a waste!
By: Tim on March 28, 2011

What a shock...No more Smooth Jazz..No more Smooth Jazz events.....What is wrong with you all? I drive for a living and have been listening to Smooth Jazz since it first came on the air. I could hear and learn about new artist and learn more about the veteran ones, their history and life experiences. If it wasn't for Smooth Jazz I might not have been exposed to Third Force, Jesse Cook, Bonny James, Four Play, Rick Braun, Lee Ritenour, Eric Marienthal, Paul Taylor, and not to mention going to see most of them live playing at Ste. Michelle's Winery. What wonderful memories I have going to the winery with my friends eating, drinking wine, and all on our comfy picnic blankets. Please bring Smooth Jazz back and all the events that supported those great artist.
By: GIG on April 14, 2011

I just got back in town from spending the winter in AZ. When I started my car, instead of hearing smooth jazz, there was the crapiest music and sound that I've ever heard! WTF Sandusky, silence is better.
By: Charlie on April 16, 2011

I too am very very sad that kwjz is no longer my fav smooth jazz station. I HATE the new music, and want my smooth jazz back. SO typical; something we like and that gives us a stress free listening experience, TAKEN AWAY without a, "by your leave" .... please bring our smooth jazz BACK!!!!
By: Mary on April 17, 2011

New Click Sucks. I want my Smooth Jazz back. I used to listen only to 98.9. Now I don't listen to them at all. Thanks a lot Sandusky. Your a bunch of jerks.
By: Wayne on April 21, 2011

I truly enjoy the smooth jazz station. I listen all day long at my work. Please if someone can listen to all of us who want the radio to be back the way it was, or if another can be open with the same music we will all be happy. Sincerely, Lucy
By: Lucy on June 5, 2011

STOP PLAYING THE SAME SONGS OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: ka pow on June 15, 2011

I hate the new music, I was a huge smooth jazz fan and wanted to introduce it to my new baby daughter and now I cannot. Please! bring it back.
By: Lisa on June 27, 2011

Good for you ditching the dying genre of smooth jazz 5 years ago. But what's with all Frank Sinatra today?
By: Don on March 12, 2016

Format change coming soon Don.
By: Ted on March 12, 2016

Why did it change from pop to rock randomly?
By: Matt on August 14, 2016

Gotta say I'm digging the new Rock 98.9. I've been listening almost everyday for the last 7 months. I hope they don't change the format of this station again. It reminds me of what KISW used to be back when Howard Stern was the morning man there. Set it and forget it.
By: Steve on October 5, 2016

I knew KVRQ's 55 minutes of hard rock per hour format was too good to be true. Hadn't listened for a few weeks until yesterday. Heard of bunch of mindless drivel yak-yak-yak during AM drive time. Guess it's time to go back to Jack.
By: BlairJ on May 19, 2017

This morning it was a rock station, this afternoon it was country. What happened?
By: Ann on December 5, 2017

I tried to listen to the Billy Madison show this morning in Seattle wa and it was a country station. I have been listening to this station for a while and it's gone. What happened
By: Bobbie Jo on December 6, 2017

I would here KVRQ rock every morning, what happened?? Bring it back!!!
By: Ana M on December 16, 2017

I dig the country and I dug the rock, but I really want the jazz back. Bring back the jazz.
By: Brent on December 18, 2017