94.1 The Bear

What 94.1 The Bear does

94.1 The Bear (KJRB) is a Spokane, Washington-based FM radio station broadcasting classic rock music from the 1970s through the 2000s on the 94.1 MHz frequency (with FM Translator K231CU), serving the Spokane Designated Market Area across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. The station is operated by SMG Spokane, LLC, a subsidiary of Stephens Media Group (SMG), a privately held diversified media company that runs multiple radio properties in the Spokane market. Distribution spans free-to-air FM broadcast, website live streaming powered by Securenet Systems, and a mobile application (The Bear App) available on iOS and Android, with a companion email/SMS newsletter (The Bear Lowdown) for concert alerts and contest announcements. The station also operates a local job board (Northwest Jobs) and curates concert/event listings for the regional market.

The core product is audio content — primarily a curated classic rock playlist supplemented by on-air personalities such as Bryan and Operations Manager Tim Cotter — supported by contest-driven listener engagement (concert ticket giveaways, festival passes). Underlying technology is conventional: an FCC-licensed FM transmitter at 94.1 MHz, a Securenet-powered streaming pipeline, native iOS/Android apps, and Nielsen Audio audience measurement integrated into the mobile experience. The station maintains co-promotion partnerships with regional venues including Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Knitting Factory, First Interstate Center for the Arts, and Mode Stadium/Stateline Speedway, generating exclusive contest giveaways around touring acts.

94.1 The Bear's business model is advertising-based. Revenue derives from local and regional radio ad sales (sold directly by Market Manager Andrew Adams) and digital advertising (banners and promotional content on the website and mobile app). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; advertisers must contact the Market Manager for custom quotes. The station also offers free radio ads to non-profit organizations through a partnership with Windermere Real Estate, which functions as a community-engagement vehicle rather than a revenue stream. Audience concentration is in the Spokane DMA, with contest eligibility restricted to DMA residents per published contest rules.

Name

94.1 The Bear

Legal name

SMG Spokane, LLC

Website

https://941thebear.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

94.1 The Bear is a Spokane, Washington FM radio station (KJRB, 94.1 MHz) operated by Stephens Media Group, broadcasting classic rock from the 1970s through the 2000s to the Spokane DMA across FM, web streaming, and mobile apps, monetized through local radio and digital advertising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Rock radio broadcasting
• Classic rock station
• Fm radio advertising
• Radio streaming service
• Concert event promotion

Headquarters

HQ city

Spokane

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising: Local and regional businesses purchase ad spots on the station to reach the Spokane DMA audience. Sales conducted through direct outreach by Market Manager.
2. Digital Advertising: Banner advertisements and promotional content on the station's website and mobile application.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

94.1 The Bear (KJRB) is a free-to-air FM radio station serving the Spokane DMA with classic rock music from the 1970s through the 2000s. Programming is delivered via 94.1 MHz FM broadcast, live streaming on its website, and dedicated iOS/Android mobile apps, complemented by listener contests, a concert/event news feed, and a Bear Lowdown email newsletter.

Product overview

94.1 The Bear is a rock music radio station serving Spokane, Washington, operated by Stephens Media Group. The primary offering is AM/FM radio broadcast and live streaming of rock music from the 70s through the 2000s. The station's digital presence includes a mobile app (The Bear App) available on iOS and Android platforms, an email newsletter service (The Bear Lowdown), listener contests and giveaways, and a local job board (Northwest Jobs). The station promotes concerts and events in the region, featuring live performances and artist appearances.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 94.1 The Bear (KJRB) FM Radio Station Free-to-air FM rock radio station broadcasting classic rock from the 1970s through the 2000s to listeners in the Spokane DMA, operated by Stephens Media Group.
• The Bear App Mobile application for iOS and Android that streams the 94.1 The Bear broadcast, providing push notifications for contests and events for listeners on the go.
• The Bear Lowdown Newsletter Subscription-based email and SMS newsletter providing notifications about concerts, contest opportunities, ticket giveaways, and station updates to listeners.
• Radio Advertising on 94.1 The Bear Radio and digital advertising placements sold to local and regional businesses that want to reach the Spokane DMA classic rock listening audience, sold directly by Market Manager Andrew Adams.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• RaceCalsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 March 2026Event presenter for Third Eye Blind concert at Mode Stadium, Stateline Speedway. Partnership for co-promotion of the event with 94.1 The Bear.
• Windermere Real EstateminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 February 2023Community partnership offering free radio ads for non-profit groups in Spokane and North Idaho. Non-profits can contact [email protected] to participate.
• Stephens Media Group (SMG)coreOthersParent company and licensee of 94.1 The Bear (KJRB). SMG Spokane, LLC, a subsidiary of Stephens Media Group, holds the FCC license for the station. Governs contest rules and station operations.
• Mapleton Communications / Mapleton LLCminorOthersWebsite operator and privacy policy owner. Manages website infrastructure and user data policies for the station's digital properties.
• NielsenminorOthersNielsen proprietary measurement software integrated into the mobile app for audience measurement and ratings research (Nielsen Audio).
• First Interstate Center for the ArtsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpokane venue hosting Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert on September 17, 2026. Station promotes event and offers contest giveaways.
• Mode Stadium / Stateline SpeedwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIdaho venue hosting Third Eye Blind concert on July 24, 2026. Station co-promotes event and offers contest giveaways.
• Northern Quest Resort & CasinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor venue partner hosting concerts including Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson (September 16, 2026) and Volbeat. Station promotes events and offers ticket giveaways.
• Knitting FactoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpokane venue hosting Zoso Led Zeppelin tribute concert on February 27, 2026. Station promotes event and offers contest giveaways.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KZZU-FM 92.9: Spokane FM station focused on classic hits and pop, competing for the same listener and local advertiser attention in the Spokane DMA.
• KDRK-FM (93.7 The Mountain): Sister station under Stephens Media Group in Spokane, also serving the classic rock audience in the Spokane DMA. Closest comparable format, market, and parent portfolio overlap.
• KISC-FM 98.1: Alternative rock station in Spokane operating in the same market with overlapping target audience and competing directly for rock listeners and ad budgets.

Broad incumbents

• iHeartMedia: Largest US radio broadcaster, owns multiple competing stations in Spokane. Competes directly for local ad dollars and offers a much broader portfolio of formats and digital assets.
• Townsquare Media: Mid-sized US radio operator focused on small and mid-sized markets similar to Spokane, with comparable classic rock and rock-formatted stations and event-driven programming.
• Audacy: Major US radio operator with nationwide portfolio of stations and digital platforms (Audacy app). Competes for advertisers and listener attention across multiple markets.
• Cumulus Media: Second-largest US radio broadcaster with hundreds of stations across mid-sized markets, comparable in advertiser-supported broadcast model and digital extensions.
• Salem Communications: US radio broadcaster focused on smaller markets and niche programming formats, operating a similar advertiser-supported model across regional stations.

Regional players

• KGON 92.3: Long-running classic rock FM station in Portland, Oregon, with a similar format and audience profile targeting classic rock listeners in the Pacific Northwest.
• KZOK-FM 102.5: Classic rock FM station in Seattle, comparable format and Pacific Northwest audience but operating in a different metropolitan market under iHeartMedia.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/941TheBear
• Facebookfacebook.com/941TheBear

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 94.1 The Bear