KWJZ 98.9fm, Seattle’s smooth jazz station for the past 17 years, abruptly changed format yesterday becoming Click 98.9, another station that plays Adult-Contemporary/Classic Alternative music (think Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers).
In an email to listeners, Program Director Carol Handley said:
For 19 years 98.9 KWJZ has been presenting a mix of Smooth Jazz music for you, our very loyal music fans and radio listeners. It is with sadness that we inform you that this era for 98.9 FM has come to a close.
Technologies change and the new radio audience measurement is not favoring our once “ratings-strong” Smooth Jazz music format. I encourage you to continue to support the artists who make the music and the venues who bring them to the Northwest.
It is with huge gratitude on behalf of the entire KWJZ staff that we thank you for being here with us for these many years.
While readers of Seattle Jazz Scene might not have turned to KWJZ as their primary radio choice, the station, led by jazz radio veteran Carol Handley, has been very supportive in promoting jazz events such as the Bellevue Jazz Festival, Ballard Jazz Festival and Earshot. It will be a loss for the Seattle jazz community.