September 2023 Project of The Month: KNKX Seattle
For over half a century, KNKX has been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest's cultural and informational landscape, fulfilling its mission to "deliver jazz, blues, and news that inspire, enlighten, and connect our community." With a rich history dating back to 1966, KNKX has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s most cherished public radio stations.
At its core, KNKX serves as an ambassador for the world of jazz and blues, genres deeply intertwined with the station's identity. Beyond music, KNKX plays a vital role as a reliable source of high-quality, non-commercial news coverage, encompassing not only national NPR content but also regional news that reflects the unique perspectives and voices of the Pacific Northwest.
KNKX's extensive reach extends across Western Washington through its network of 12 radio signals, attracting a devoted weekly listenership of 325,000 individuals. Moreover, KNKX.org and its 24-hour jazz stream, Jazz24, command an online audience of 350,000 listeners each month. The station's YouTube channel further broadens its digital footprint, drawing millions of views with captivating live jazz and blues performances.
What makes KNKX even more special is its funding model. It thrives on the support of a dedicated community of listeners who deeply value the station's independence and commitment to delivering quality content. In a landmark moment in August 2016, KNKX achieved an impressive feat as it transitioned to an independent license, shedding its previous name, KPLU, and embracing KNKX, which stands as an onomatopoeia for "Connects." This name change signifies the station's unwavering dedication to inspire, educate, and entertain its audience by reflecting the vital local community it serves.
Across the seven new signs we crafted for KNKX Seattle’s new location, Western Neon employed a diverse array of artistic techniques and materials, showcasing our expertise in signage craftsmanship. These signs feature a harmonious blend of frosted vinyl, exposed neon, illuminated push-thru acrylic, precision-routed aluminum, and cutting-edge color-changing dimmable RGB LED modules.
Western Neon takes immense pride in its role as a partner in the growth and visual identity of KNKX Seattle. Contributing seven new signs to the KNKX location reflects our commitment to enhancing the station's presence in the community and supporting its mission to inspire, enlighten, and connect. These signs not only serve as beacons of recognition but also symbolize our shared dedication to broadcasting excellence and fostering a sense of belonging within the Pacific Northwest. We're thrilled to have had the opportunity to illuminate KNKX's path forward, further solidifying our partnership as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values.
Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With over 35 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!