KEXP 90.3 FM
Nonprofit listener-supported music radio station founded in 1972, broadcasting curated programming on 90.3 FM Seattle and 92.7 FM Bay Area, with global streaming, award-winning podcasts, and YouTube content serving music lovers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What KEXP 90.3 FM does
KEXP 90.3 FM is a nonprofit, listener-supported music radio station operated by Friends of KEXP, a 501(c)(3) arts organization headquartered at Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1972 at the University of Washington, KEXP has evolved from a student-run university station into an internationally recognized music discovery platform with two broadcast signals: KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle and KEXC 92.7 FM in the San Francisco Bay Area (launched 2025). Programming spans curated Variety Mix broadcasts across alternative rock, hip hop, electronic, roots/blues, world, and jazz, plus specialty shows such as Audioasis (Northwest music), El Sonido (Latin music), Midnight in a Perfect World, and the youth-led 90.TEEN program.
KEXP 90.3 FM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KEXP 90.3 FM
- Legal name
- Friends of KEXP
- Website
- http://kexp.org/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Nonprofit listener-supported music radio station founded in 1972, broadcasting curated programming on 90.3 FM Seattle and 92.7 FM Bay Area, with global streaming, award-winning podcasts, and YouTube content serving music lovers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KEXP 90.3 FM industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Radio Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Independent Local Radio Stations (MPABACAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public/Community Local Stations (PBS Member Stations, Community Radio, LPFM) (MPABACAG), Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ), Podcast Live & Interactive Podcast Platforms (Live Shows, Call-ins) (MPACADAJ)
Keywords
Where KEXP 90.3 FM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
KEXP 90.3 FM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Listener Donations (Amplifier Program): Monthly sustaining gifts and one-time donations from individual supporters. Donors receive 'I Power KEXP' sticker and early-bird discounts to events.
- Foundation & Corporate Grants: Funding from foundations like Allen Philanthropies ($7 million announced for arts and culture projects at Seattle Center) and corporate sponsors for programming
- Underwriting and Sponsorship: Business support and sponsorship packages offering broadcast, digital, and event marketing alignment opportunities. 88% of public radio listeners have more positive opinion of companies supporting public radio.
- Event Revenue: Revenue from events including KEXP BBQ, Camp KEXP, and Music Heals programming days
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Amplifier (Sustaining) Donations |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | One-Time Donations |
| Subscription | Annual | Premium VIP Club |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
KEXP 90.3 FM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KEXP 90.3 FM is a nonprofit public radio station based in Seattle that broadcasts an eclectic mix of indie, alternative, hip-hop, electronic, and world music programming over FM radio and online streaming platforms. The station produces and distributes original content including live in-studio performance videos and podcasts, supported by listener donations and corporate underwriting.
Product overview
KEXP 90.3 FM is a nonprofit, listener-supported music radio station and dynamic arts organization offering a multi-platform music experience. The core offering consists of broadcast radio on KEXP 90.3 FM Seattle and KEXC 92.7 FM Bay Area, complemented by the renowned Live on KEXP sessions on YouTube, a streaming archive accessible via web and mobile apps (iOS and Android), and an award-winning podcast portfolio including 50 Years of Hip-Hop and El Sonido. Programming spans Variety Mix broadcasts with expert DJ curation, specialty shows (Audioasis, El Sonido, Midnight in a Perfect World), and youth programs (90.TEEN, Youth Radio Program). KEXP also produces education programs (Mastering the Hustle, internships), hosts over 300 events annually, and publishes weekly KEXP Charts tracking music rotation across multiple genres and regions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Live on KEXP: The official audio feed for live in-studio performances, featuring audio-only versions of every full performance
- 50 Years of Hip-Hop
- Fresh off the Spaceship
- The Cobain 50
- El Sonido: Cancioneros
- The Runcast
- In Our Headphones
- A Deeper Listen
- Audioasis
- 90.TEEN
Quantifiable outcome
- 200,000+ weekly listeners globally
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use KEXP 90.3 FM
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
KEXP 90.3 FM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
Feature1 record
KEXP 90.3 FM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- University of WashingtoncoreKEXP is an affiliate of the University of Washington. The station was founded at UW in 1972 and maintains educational partnerships through internship programs and community engagement.
- BECUcoreBECU sponsors KEXP's YouTube channel and broadcasting, supporting Live on KEXP sessions and video content production.
- Caffe VitacoreCaffe Vita operates a coffee shop within KEXP's Gathering Space at Seattle Center, open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm. Also provides $50 gift card for BBQ Flyaway contest prizes.
- Sub PopcoreSub Pop operates a popup shop in KEXP's Gathering Space selling physical music wares, shirts, and merchandise. Both are Seattle-based music institutions with decades of history.
- Fred Hutch Cancer CenterminorFred Hutch sponsors Music Heals: Beyond Cancer programming day, supporting cancer awareness content on KEXP.
- BIMEminorKEXP partnered with BIME in Bilbao, Spain for live broadcasts from October 28-31, featuring performances in the historic Church of La Encarnación dating to 1499.
- Trans Musicales de RennesminorKEXP broadcasted live from Trans Musicales de Rennes festival in France for their fourth consecutive year, showcasing emerging international artists.
- Noise Pop FestivalminorKEXP broadcasted live from 25th Street Recording in Oakland during the annual Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
KEXP 90.3 FM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WXPN: WXPN is the University of Pennsylvania-affiliated public radio station in Philadelphia known for curated adult album alternative programming and live sessions. Directly comparable to KEXP's format, university-affiliated heritage, and live performance offerings.
- KCRW: KCRW is a Santa Monica-based nonprofit listener-supported public radio station known for curated music programming, live sessions, podcasts, and cultural events. It is the closest analog to KEXP in the Southern California market with the same community-supported model and award-winning programming.
- WFMU: WFMU is a listener-supported, freeform nonprofit radio station broadcasting from Jersey City, NJ with a long heritage of curatorial independence. Comparable to KEXP in its nonprofit, volunteer-driven, deep-curation model with strong community donor support.
- WFUV: WFUV is Fordham University's public radio station in New York offering curated adult album alternative programming, live sessions, and community events. Comparable to KEXP in its university-affiliated heritage, curatorial depth, and live performance content.
- The Current (Minnesota Public Radio): The Current is Minnesota Public Radio's curated music streaming service and KCMP 89.3 FM station, focused on discovery and emerging artists. Directly comparable to KEXP's listener-supported curated music model with a similar emphasis on indie and emerging artist exposure.
- KUTX: KUTX is Austin's public radio music station operated by Austin PBS, featuring curated programming with strong emphasis on local and emerging artists. Comparable to KEXP's curator-driven format and community programming in a music-forward metro.
Regional players
- Triple J: Triple J is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-oriented public radio network with curated indie music programming and the renowned Hottest 100 countdown. Highly comparable format and cultural role to KEXP, but operating in Australia rather than the U.S. market.
Others
- Austin City Limits Live: Austin City Limits Live is the live performance venue tied to the PBS music television franchise, producing taped live sessions and concerts. Comparable to KEXP in producing high-quality recorded live music experiences, but as an OTHERS/adjacent venue-and-content operator rather than a radio competitor.
Broad incumbents
- NPR Music: NPR Music is the national music programming arm of NPR, distributing curated music content across a national member-station network. Comparable curatorial philosophy and live session franchises, but with vastly broader distribution, network scale, and federal funding mechanisms that KEXP does not have.
- BBC Radio 6 Music: BBC Radio 6 Music is the UK public broadcaster's alternative and indie music station, with curated DJ programming and live sessions. Comparable format and curatorial positioning to KEXP, but operating at national scale with public funding.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KEXP 90.3 FM social profiles
Digital presenceKEXP 90.3 FM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KEXP 90.3 FM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
KEXP 90.3 FM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KEXP 90.3 FM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KEXP 90.3 FM
What does KEXP 90.3 FM do?
KEXP 90.3 FM is a nonprofit public radio station based in Seattle that broadcasts an eclectic mix of indie, alternative, hip-hop, electronic, and world music programming over FM radio and online streaming platforms. The station produces and distributes original content including live in-studio performance videos and podcasts, supported by listener donations and corporate underwriting.
Is KEXP 90.3 FM a public or private company?
KEXP 90.3 FM is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was KEXP 90.3 FM founded?
KEXP 90.3 FM was founded in 1972. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is KEXP 90.3 FM based?
KEXP 90.3 FM is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does KEXP 90.3 FM make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Listener Donations (Amplifier Program) is the primary driver. The others are foundation & Corporate Grants, underwriting and Sponsorship and event Revenue.
Who are KEXP 90.3 FM's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WXPN, KCRW, WFMU, WFUV, The Current (Minnesota Public Radio) and KUTX. Triple J is listed as a regional player. Austin City Limits Live is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are NPR Music and BBC Radio 6 Music.
Does KEXP 90.3 FM have an API?
No public API is recorded for KEXP 90.3 FM.
What industry is KEXP 90.3 FM in?
KEXP 90.3 FM's product category is Public Radio Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABACAD, Independent Local Radio Stations, with a secondary code of MPABACAG, Public/Community Local Stations (PBS Member Stations, Community Radio, LPFM). Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.